Peace Talk 9 6 2020 - Assessing the Role of News Media in the Global COVID-19 Crisis

The Webinar was hosted by the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), a project of the Universal Peace Federation, and featured leading media professionals from our Region.

Every nation faces continued lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and massive health challenges and economic systems have stalled or teeter on the edge of a major collapse. During this civilization-level crisis, the media has played a vital role as a source of reliable information for billions of citizens. Information shared by mainstream and social media has been of paramount importance, not only for medical professionals but also for governments, our business environment, essential institutions and thousands of NGOs, which provide infrastructures to save lives of affected people.

At the same time, the media has come under severe criticism for allegedly exaggerating the size, impact, morbidity and mortality of the pandemic, thus inducing irrational fears and panic among many people. Furthermore, numerous journalists and media outlets have faced accusations for not sufficiently questioning government interests and even propagating conspiracy theories.

On a global scale, we are witnessing a fierce information war and battle of narratives concerning the origin of this new strain of coronavirus, the supposed cover-up in Wuhan by the Chinese communist regime and the belated reaction of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), a new global project of UPF, provides an audience platform for media thought leaders to reflect on the challenges faced, lessons learned and recommendations for change to navigate the pandemic-tempered world.

Видео Peace Talk 9 6 2020 - Assessing the Role of News Media in the Global COVID-19 Crisis канала UPF Europe and Middle East