Journalists group calls for transparency in media vaccination
Journalists advocacy group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has welcomed the government’s move to start vaccinating media practitioners.
It also called for the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) to disclose the list of over 5,000 media practitioners identified to receive the immunisation.
Journalists advocacy group Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has welcomed the government’s move to start vaccinating media practitioners.
It also called for the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) to disclose the list of over 5,000 media practitioners identified to receive the immunisation.
“This would allow media organisations, particularly at state levels, to ensure that none of their members is left behind,” Geramm said in a statement on Facebook today.
The group urged the CITF to reveal the timeline for the completion of the vaccination process of media personnel as they believe this could help the respective organisations to manage their coverage and reduce exposure for unvaccinated journalists.
It pointed out that media practitioners in Johor, Kedah, Malacca, and Perak were among those who had yet to be vaccinated as of yesterday.
Geramm hoped that the management of media companies would provide options for unvaccinated journalists with regard to out-of-office assignments.
Yesterday, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) had called for unvaccinated media practitioners to be exempted from field assignments, whether indoors or outdoors.
“For those left with no choice, particularly photographers and videographers, aside from self-regulation, we appeal for cooperation from all parties to assist in ensuring compliance with Covid-19 prevention protocols,” Geramm said.
It added that the solidarity shown among media practitioners to fight for their right to carry out their duties safely was uplifting.
The group stressed that the media vaccination process should be expedited and that in-the-field reporters and crews should be prioritised over those able to work from home.
Bersatu Youth has also joined in the chorus in calling for the expedition of vaccination for in-the-field reporters.
“There should be no delay for media practitioners as their role as 'frontliners' cannot be denied,” Bersatu Youth information chief Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir said in a statement today.
He expressed support for the government’s move to start vaccinating media practitioners.
“The steps taken by the government is a testament to its concern for the right of media partners to carry out their duties safely.
“We cannot deny that the role of the media as 'frontliners' is so important to the nation’s need to be presented with the latest news and information,” he added.
Media practitioners have begun receiving their vaccinations from June 9 onwards under Phase 4 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
