Coronavirus a threat to journalists on the front line
Afghanistan While reporting, we have faced some challenges. Among them, the major one was the lack of access to accurate and timely firsthand information that local journalists faced.
About this project
This project was produced by VOA’s Extremism Watch and Press Freedom desks. It includes a snapshot of restrictions and challenges for media covering COVID-19 worldwide and personal views of journalists who spoke with VOA.
Second, authorities are discriminating against local journalists by treating them different from journalists working with national and international outlets.
Local media in Herat have not equipped their journalists with the proper gear to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Most of the reporters bought gloves, masks or disinfectant gel with their own money. The media have played a small role in terms of employee safety.
Until now, few journalists covering the coronavirus have been to the areas controlled by the Taliban, and the reason is that perhaps fewer (of them) trust the Taliban, and consider the Taliban as a threat.
The coronavirus is a threat to journalists who are on the front line with medical staff and security forces in the fight against COVID-19. Journalists fear that they could contract the coronavirus and their families could get infected. On the other hand, journalists in Herat continue to do their job, which is promising.