Photo: Courtesy of China International Communications Group

How can the media play a role combating COVID-19? What can media do to boost global development in the post-pandemic era? An online dialogue on Wednesday attended by China's mainstream media including Xinhua News Agency, Global Times, Beijing Review and China Daily, as well as international media from Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Philippines, explored the possible roles that media can play in the war against the deadly virus and useful practices to improve related news coverage. 

The dialogue focused on two topics: "Pursuing development and cooperation: the media's responsibility in the post-COVID era," and "Spreading authentic information: experience sharing on news coverage of the fight against COVID-19."

As the world has been in the shadow of the deadly virus for two years, almost all countries are in a war against misinformation and disinformation that is even harder than the virus itself. 

Photo: Courtesy of China International Communications Group

Media attending the dialogue hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) Advanced Institute of International Studies and Training agreed that it is the responsibility of journalists in the world to unite as one to fight the global problem of misinformation and fake news.

"The world before us is a world of rising hate speech and fake news. The consequences can be catastrophic and therefore a clear and joint approach is needed," Faruk Boric from Bosnia and Herzegovina said during the event. 

His speech is echoed by others like Ryan Bachoo working for Guardian Media in Trinidad and Tobago. He said that the lessons of "how we collaborate as an industry around the world" will set the path forward and "guide us into the future."

"Some political leaders and governments in the world spread misleading information regarding coronavirus and remedial processes," said Mohammad Imrul Hasan, senior producer from RTV in Bangladesh, adding that "media all across the globe need to tackle this misleading information spreading with due responsibility."

Wu Qimin, executive deputy editor-in-chief of the Global Times Photo: Courtesy of China International Communications Group

In her speech, Wu Qimin, executive deputy editor-in-chief of the Global Times condemned the "political virus" that undermines human unity and cooperation. "This 'political virus' is as vicious and damaging as COVID-19 and it calls for a high degree of vigilance," she said, highlighting that  "the media are accountable for revealing the truth and exposing lies."

Wu hoped that "media professionals from around the world will work together and correctly grasp their accountability based on the deep understanding of the significance of strengthening global anti-epidemic cooperation to contribute positive energy for humanity to jointly defeat the epidemic and recover from these difficult times."

Li Jianguo, editor-in-chief of the CICG American Communication Center Photo: Courtesy of China International Communications Group

"The virus knows no borders and it is almost impossible for any country to succeed in fighting the disease without international support and solidarity. Nobody is safe until everybody is safe," said Li Jianguo, editor-in-chief of the CICG American Communication Center.