By: Deka Prawira) *
The new normal era that we are living in the middle of a pandemic is like two sides of a coin. On the one hand, there is a feeling of fear to move outside, but on the other hand life must go on and the wheels of the economy are driven again. You do this by working again outside the home. People who are still in doubt should have received an injection of optimism from the news broadcast by print and television media. The media are expected to play an active role in broadcasting positive news in the new normal era.
The co-19 pandemic is not over and we are starting to adapt to entering the new normal era. Slowly the market and shopping center reopened. People also start working and doing activities outside the home. It’s like going back to the era before the corona attack, but the difference now is everyone must wear a mask. They also cannot group together and must obey the rules for physical distancing.
But this situation makes some people become paranoid. They are still afraid of the covid-19 virus, when in fact someone will not be infected if the immunity is high and maintain hygiene. These people who need news intake from the media that broadcast news about the success of the new normal. So don’t be scared when you leave the house.
The media are also expected to keep broadcasting positive news when new is normal. For example, television, radio, newspapers, and online media should broadcast news about the success of corona patients who recover after undergoing treatment at the hospital. They can also broadcast news about intensive from the government to medical staff as a form of appreciation for the sacrifice of health workers.
There is still more positive news in the new normal era such as the recovery of online motorcycle taxi riders who use motorbikes to transport passengers, even with stricter procedures such as the obligation to maintain hygiene. In addition, Disneyland theme parks will be reopened, although all visitors are required to wear masks and no handshake sessions with clowns acting as cartoon characters.
These positive news should be broadcast by the media. The goal is of course that people are optimistic again in undergoing a new normal era and not be paranoid about the atmosphere outside the home. Unfortunately all this time there are still negative news circulating such as impressions about the surge in corona patients, even though the true is that this new patient has been detected sick due to the incessant rapid tests conducted in many cities in Indonesia. If you really want to broadcast it, you should take it from a positive angle, i.e. if a person is detected as having corona, it can be treated as soon as possible.
Why is there still negative news broadcast by the media? Because there is an assumption that negative news is more attractive to the public. There are still many people who like the sensations and surprises when reading the news. Happens to the person who writes in online media competing to make news, no matter it is negative. The important thing is that many readers and they use the click bait alias tricking the reader with a horrendous title, even though the contents of the news are not quality.
In addition to negative news there are also hoaxes that are spread about corona. People are asked to be vigilant and not just believe if there is a sensational headline. Especially if it’s only forwards from other WA groups. Its credibility is very questionable. You better check by comparing it with news from other media, and subscribe to newspapers or more trusted sites.
The media as a mouthpiece for the community should contain positive news, so people look to the future with optimism when entering the new normal era. Positive news can also attract many readers as long as it’s a good issue. Do not also be easy to believe if there is a horrendous news and check that it is valid or just a hoax.
) * Active writer in the Press Circle and Cikini Students
