Heroes wear masks, but carry notepads

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed serious challenges for the media industry, impacting its independence and threatening the survival of many outlets. Government emergency measures, justified as necessary actions to combat the virus, have often restricted press freedom, limiting journalists’ rights to express, access information, and work freely. The International Press Institute has reported numerous media freedom violations related to the pandemic, with a significant number of physical and verbal attacks on journalists coming from authorities, raising concerns about the future of journalism in democratic societies.

Additionally, the pandemic has created a funding crisis in the media sector. Although readership has increased, many media outlets have suffered from a dramatic drop in advertising revenue, leading to layoffs and pay cuts. This situation diminishes the ability of media to fact-check and cover diverse topics, potentially dismantling networks of foreign correspondents and allowing for greater state influence through government advertisements, which undermines media independence.

The situation is further complicated by disinformation campaigns from various states. For instance, the Chinese government has faced accusations of manipulating media narratives about the virus, silencing dissent while promoting its own response. Russian state-sponsored media have also spread false narratives about the virus, undermining public trust. These tactics challenge not only public health but also the stability of democratic institutions.

In essence, while journalists are often viewed as heroes for safeguarding public health by combating misinformation, they are also vulnerable to manipulation by aggressive governments. The effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the media could lead to a long-term decline in independent reporting and a greater reliance on state-sponsored narratives. If the journalism industry is not supported, communication of reliable information will suffer, especially at the local level, threatening critical counter-disinformation efforts.