KUALA LUMPUR – Reporters always have to be at “ground zero” where the action is, and as such, can be deemed frontliners, said veteran journalists.
From natural disasters and road accidents to shootings and the Covid-19 pandemic, members of the media are always there to ensure the public stays informed.
National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar said reporters have “no choice” but to cover goings-on related to the coronavirus.
The former Media Prima Bhd chairman and Utusan Melayu editor-in-chief said they take huge risks by going to hospitals, areas under the enhanced movement control order, and Covid-19 quarantine centres.
“However, it has never been mentioned that frontliners also comprise journalists. They should be regarded as such, because in any situation, journalists are always in the front,” he told Bernama.
It was reported that several journalists have contracted Covid-19 while on the job, including one who covered the Sabah election last September.
Johan said it is not too much to ask that reporters be among the early recipients of the coronavirus vaccine.
Malaysian Press Institute chief executive Datuk Chamil Wariya concurred, saying the authorities should consider the matter.
He said there is a possibility of pressmen being in contact with asymptomatic patients in the course of their duty.
“For example, they (journalists) follow leaders on visits to places where there are Covid-19 patients. They may be directly exposed (to the virus), despite adhering to the standard operating procedures.
“They have the important task of seeking information, conducting interviews, and channelling this information to the public. That is why the vaccine is of importance to them.”
Between 2,000 and 3,000 doses of the vaccine are sufficient to meet the needs of all media personnel in the country, he said.
Malaysia-Indonesia Brotherhood of Journalists president Abdul Rashid Yusof said technology has helped reporters cover events without the need to be there physically, but the “human touch” is key to convey the “true picture”.
“The media is expected to humanise the narrative. To humanise a story, you are required to get quotes. Yes, technology has aided journalists, but they must still have face-to-face sessions.
“In fact, technology has increased the speed for news a hundredfold. So, journalists are always on the go.” – Bernama, February 13, 2021
