The coronavirus crisis has sparked a heated media debate about government failures and the post-outbreak state commission of inquiry that must be formed to investigate them. The pandemic will end long before this debate is exhausted, if at all.
As is often the case in times of crisis, it is the media that dictates the agenda and sets the national mood. It influences fateful decisions, builds leaders up and cuts them down ay will. Sometimes, it seems that those sitting outside the decision-making halls possess the knowledge, data, and especially the intelligence decision-makers lack.
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This wisdom, mind you, is not the prerogative of only the senior commentators – often you see young reporters offer eloquent criticism and advice to government officials.
One must remember, however, that it's easy to give advice and offer solutions from the sidelines when you shoulder none of the responsibility for the outcome.
If I may offer counsel to my colleagues in the media: It's time to evolve from talking to taking action. If you believe we are dealing with an epic failure, if you believe this is a war – act like it.
Start covering the funerals of coronavirus fatalities – daily coverage, like you do for fallen soldiers or the victims of terrorist attacks. Join forces here and there and lead with the same headlines, to shake the public out of its indifference.
Set competition aside in favor of the solidarity you demand from politicians and the public. Cover the bereaved families and the critically ill patients in hospitals, demand government officials attend every funeral, and make sure that anchorpeople and guests alike wear facemasks and maintain social distancing in the studio – without exceptions.
Stop reporting on those calling to violate lockdown directives, especially when it comes to celebrities. If anything, get as many celebrities as possible to join a campaign calling on the public to follow the rules.
Don't cover the mass weddings and partygoers on the beach. Show the empty streets and shuttered synagogues. Have rabbis who call on worshippers to pray at home or outside. Who only protesters who observe police guidelines. Show the doctors and nurses, who are about to collapse with exhaustion, the overworked paramedics and lab technicians.
If this is a war, then the media is the air force. It has the power to help decision-makers win the battle.
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