Shillong: Disseminating news and information related to COVID-19 aka novel coronavirus pandemic to the masses is a crucial job of media organisations. However, broadcasting a ‘fake’ breaking news to bring in the viewership numbers may not be the best thing to do at these critical times.
This is what happened to a regional news channel based in Assam after it aired a breaking news saying, ‘A minister from Meghalaya has contracted coronavirus (Covid-19) & the name is kept secret’.
Soon after it went on air, Meghalaya police were quick to issue a statement clarifying on the matter and saying that the news report is ‘fake’.
ALERT
The @pratidintime had in one of its News Bulletin dated 15th May,2020 broadcasted a ‘Breaking News’ stating that “A Minister from Meghalaya has contracted Coronavirus(Covid-19) & the name is kept secret”.
It’s hereby informed that the News has been ascertained to be Fake pic.twitter.com/TVYttEwBcH
— Meghalaya Police (@MeghalayaPolice) May 15, 2020
Meanwhile, a case has been filed against media organisation. “A case vide Cyber Crime Police Station Case No. 12(5)2020 under relevant sections of Disaster Management Act and Indian Penal Code has been registered against Pratidin Time news channel for broadcasting the bulletin.”
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