A thematic exploration of three countries’ government communication during the COVID-19 crisis and corresponding media coverage

ABSTRACT

This study adds to the current literature on crisis communication by exploring differences in COVID-19 governmental crisis communication and variances in the media coverage of that communication through thematic quantitative content analysis across three countries: New Zealand, The United States and The United Kingdom. Specifically, this research seeks to find the extent to which media ideology plays a role in reporting health crises. Results demonstrated that universally, press conferences were based on scientific advice and relied upon symbols that contributed to the clarity of health communication about COVID-19. Conversely, media coverage stressed economic challenges overall, but conservative newspapers focused more on health and the economy, whereas liberal newspapers leaned more towards politics. These findings demonstrate that even in major health crises, the ideologies of newspapers can play an important role in the framing of information.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• crisis communication
• government
• ideology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Linda Jean Kenix

Linda Jean Kenix is Professor in the Media and Communication department at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She is also the Head of the School of Language, Social, and Political Science. Her research interests focus on the media’s agenda setting and its impact on social change.

Jorge Freddy Bolanos Lopez

Jorge Freddy Bolanos Lopez is a PhD candidate in the Media and Communication department at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He is interested in researching journalism ethics and practices in the reporting of political and human affairs.