By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the European Union (EU) have announced a joint bid to tackle fake news surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the collaboration, SLAJ will design radio and television shows that are aimed at tackling fake news about the health emergency.
In a joint press release from the two organizations, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla was quoted saying fake news posed a threat to national security.
“Fake news and misinformation are a clear and present danger not only to the fight against COVID-19, but also to the peace and security of this nation,” he said.
EU’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Tom Vens, also stressed the importance of the collaboration. He said to fight disinformation required the mobilization of all relevant players and support independent fact checkers and the media.
“Through this dedicated radio and television program and partnership with SLAJ, the EU once again reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government and the people of Sierra Leone in the fight against COVID-19,” Vens said.
The shows will be aired twice a week, Wednesday 2pm and Saturday at 12 noon. The radio program will be aired through the Independent Radio Network (IRN), a consortium of radio stations across the country. The TV version will be shown on the State Broadcaster, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation and two other television stations.
The TV program will also be streamed live on EU, SLAJ and IRN social media platforms.
Another component of the collaboration will also see SLAJ develop infographics and videos tackling myths about the virus. A campaign known as “Fake News not in my Name” will also be championed by designated social media ambassadors.
Discussions will involve experts and stakeholders in various fields, including politics, journalism and medicine.
The project is worth €85, 864 and will last for three months.
A breakdown of the disbursement of the funds by SLAJ shows that 56.3% of it will go to supporting 45 radio stations and three TVs that will be running the program.
Some 17.4% will go to research work, whiles 23% is for media side products including publication of materials in 12 newspapers.
Some 3.3% will go to SLAJ administrative costs.
SLAJ and IRN are already running a radio and television program “Leh we dreb Corona” on behalf of the National Coronavirus Emergency Response Committee.
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