A section of media spread negativity, says JNU V-C

A section of media spread negativity, says JNU V-C

‘Refrain from creating fear psychosis’

29/05/2020, STAFF REPORTER,NEW DELHI

At a webinar held on Thursday on the “Role of Media During COVID-19”, Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice-Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar said that a section of media chose to only highlight “negativity instead of spreading positivity” to help people in their fight against the virus.

Mr. Kumar said that with an increased recovery rate, low fatality rate and relief packages for the “poorest of the poor,” India had done “exceedingly well” in its fight against the virus.

“We have developed our own unique way of fighting against COVID-19 with hope and commitment. However, there is a section of media which always plays on negativity whereas in situations such as these, we should be hopeful and spread positivity so that people can battle against the virus with courage,” Mr. Kumar said.

“Be it international relations or poverty, [a section of] Indian and foreign media are always spreading negativity,” he added. Stating that a “fear psychosis” should not be created, Mr. Kumar said, “Imagine two different patients who are suffering from the same illness... in one case, the doctor says that the patient may die of the side effects of the medicine, but the second doctor says that there is hope and then starts the treatment. In one case, the patient is given hope and in other a fear psychosis is created in the patient’s mind.”