Newspaper Week Pandemic has highlighted importance of the press

Newspapers deliver accurate information backed up by meticulous coverage as soon as possible. In this time of hardship for society, we must once again take to heart the weighty mission that newspapers bear.

Newspaper Week has begun. This year has been hit by an unprecedented event: the novel coronavirus pandemic. In Japan, more than 90,000 people have been infected and over 1,600 have died. However, the pandemic still shows no signs of abating.

When the number of people infected with the virus began to increase this spring, medical services were on the verge of collapse due to a shortage of hospital beds. Elementary, junior high and high schools were temporarily closed all at once, while eating and drinking establishments were asked to refrain from operating.

The Yomiuri Shimbun has collected the voices of people affected and reported on the reality of entities hit hard by the outbreak. These activities revealed that there was a lack of cooperation between the central and local governments.

It is undeniable that this insufficient cooperation has resulted in not only confusion over requests to suspend business operations and securing hospital beds, but also delays in the payment of benefits, among other problems.

Based on the findings from our own coverage, The Yomiuri Shimbun compiled in June a set of urgent proposals that called for building a society that is resistant to infectious diseases. These proposals were presented because we believe that it is the role of a newspaper to explore where the problems are and to present solutions in a time when the future is uncertain.

The proposals called for expanding polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and digitizing administrative services, among other steps. Many of them have actually been reflected in government policies.

We are committed to continuing to fulfill the role of keeping historical records on the battle against the virus, about which much is still unknown, and passing on lessons to future generations.

In disseminating information on the coronavirus, false rumors that were far from the truth spread online. According to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey, 23% of respondents said they had believed such false information. It is particularly serious that the ratio climbed to one out of three among young respondents.

Defamation of infected people and medical professionals was also rampant. Some people criticized those who went out or shops that continued to operate, and these vigilantes were dubbed the “self-restraint police.”

In May, the Japan Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association and the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association issued a joint statement expressing their commitment to reporting that helps eliminate discrimination and prejudice. It is important for society as a whole to share accurate fears about the coronavirus and to demonstrate care for each other.

In the opinion poll, a high level of 76% of respondents said they considered newspapers reliable. This result indicates high expectations for newspapers.

According to research conducted overseas, it is easier for people to remember and understand the content and plot of a story when reading it on paper than in digital media. It will become even more important for newspapers to provide in-depth analysis in addition to a variety of information.

The situation remains unpredictable, particularly because of concerns over a possible outbreak of flu and the coronavirus at the same time. We will continue our efforts to respond to readers’ “right to know” while at the same time sincerely reviewing our daily reporting activities.