Philippine E-Journals

Resilience in Media: Narratives on the Impact, Breakdowns and Breakthroughs during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Selected Media Professionals

Michelle Bayaua

 

Abstract:

Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the work of media professionals, media organizations and their practices and behaviors. The purpose of this study was to look into how media professionals fared as sources and gatekeepers of information during the pandemic. A total of five (5) purposively selected media professionals from various local media organizations were interviewed using an open-interview guide. The descriptive-narrative theory of analysis helped establish a theoretical framework that guided the researcher in coding the data. The themes that emerged from the interviews included (a) challenges in conducting basic aspects of the profession, such as data gathering, interviewing, verification and field work, (b) impact of Covid-19 on their personal and professional well-being, (c) impact of Covid-19 on the media organizations they work for (d) coping mechanisms and (e) the importance of support and social services for media professionals during a pandemic crisis. The study confirmed that media professionals faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, which helped them build resiliency and thus maintain and adapt in order to continue with their mandate. As such, media professionals developed their own coping mechanisms and support systems - which include, but are not limited to, family, friends, colleagues and the media institutions that employ them. However, there is a need for a more comprehensive and institutionalized social support service for media professionals. Moreover, the pandemic has also shown the need for a more innovative, sustainable approach from media professionals and organizations in order to stay on top of pandemic and other kinds of crisis coverage