Corona, the Lockdown, and the Media: A Quantitative Frame Analysis of Media Coverage and Restrictive Policy Responses

Corona, the Lockdown, and the Media examines how media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced government policies. The study found that news reporting focused on the human impact of the virus and the economic consequences of lockdown measures, but there was no evidence of media influence on government policy decisions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 145 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: De Gruyter

Corona, the Lockdown, and the Media: Investigating Media Influence on Policies to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges, and the media has played a crucial role in shaping policies aimed at containing the virus. In a study published in the International Journal of Communication, Bernhagen and Kybelka examine the influence of media reporting on policies to contain the pandemic.

The authors propose that news reporting on the pandemic tends to frame the human impact of the virus against the economic consequences of restrictive policy measures designed to contain it. They argue that the use of these frames influences governments' decisions to enact or lift lockdown measures. To test their hypothesis, the authors utilize time series data from England, France, and Germany, covering the period from January 2020 to June 2021.

The findings of the study are intriguing. The authors demonstrate that news reporting on COVID-19 was indeed characterized by these media frames. However, contrary to their initial expectations, there is no evidence to suggest that media influence played a significant role in shaping government policy. Instead, the authors find that anti-pandemic policy decisions were more responsive to public opinion in these countries.

The study highlights the complex interplay between media reporting, public opinion, and government policy decisions. It underscores the importance of media literacy and responsible journalism in informing the public about the pandemic and its impact. The authors suggest that policymakers should consider the potential influence of media reporting on public opinion and engage with the media to ensure that accurate and balanced information is disseminated.

In conclusion, the study by Bernhagen and Kybelka provides valuable insights into the role of media reporting on policies to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. While media influence on government policy is limited, public opinion plays a significant role in shaping anti-pandemic policy decisions. It underscores the need for media literacy, responsible journalism, and effective communication between policymakers and the public to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 234 x 162 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110765205