MOSCOW, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Media play a vital role during the global pandemic, with the duty of providing accurate information and fighting fake news, Mikhail Petrov, deputy director general and editor-in-chief of TASS Russian News Agency has said.
"The media's goal is to create a clear and reliable picture for its audience with regard to events that happen in any field, including in the healthcare system," Petrov told Xinhua in an interview ahead of the 4th World Media Summit (WMS).
Noting that disinformation could lead to fatal consequences, he stressed that "the fight against fake news is vitally important, particularly in the event of a pandemic."
The editor-in-chief also said new technologies would undoubtedly have an impact on the development of media.
New technologies have influenced information processing as well as the ways in which contents are distributed, and have made it possible to format contents in new methods, Petrov said.
"Each media outlet will have to keep up with the times to not only keep up with its audience, but also to remain as useful and convenient as possible for end-users," he said.
In an age of rapid technological progress, the volume of information and its speed of production have noticeably increased, which has made the media's role in verifying information increasingly important, Petrov said.
"The development of technology brings not only new opportunities for journalists, but also new responsibilities," he added.
The WMS was co-initiated by nine media organizations with global influence, including Xinhua News Agency, the Associated Press, Reuters, TASS Russian News Agency and News Corporation.
