Downfalls in the newsroom

The coronavirus continues to be a huge topic in the media because more cases are continuing every day. But how is this pandemic affecting journalists inside the newsroom?

Well, organizations around the country are experiencing budget cuts, layoffs, and print publication is suffering more than ever. According to Hare, The Stranger in Seattle temporarily suspended print and laid off 18 staffers. 

Another big issue for journalists is their limitation on movement due to being in quarantine. Zalan mentions how since journalists have limited access to this makes it difficult to report on events, politicians, or breaking news. 

Do you all believe that is one reason we are currently being flooded with news about the coronavirus? 

Well, the journalists at the New York Times are developing ways to report stories to each other and adjust to changing roles when it comes to developing different stories involving the pandemic. 

 During their live briefing at the New York Times, they developed their angles on how they want to cover the coronavirus through different departments. A senior editor at the New York Times, mentioned how he went from working on the Sports desk to covering how the virus impacted pop culture (sports world, musical festivals, parades, etc).  This means, journalists are putting out a wide variety of content of the virus through different departments. 

While covering news about COVID-19, there has been a question of should all news coverage about the virus be completely free for readers?

According to Murse, since employing dozens of journalists to report for Lancaster County, they must resume charging readers for reporting on different angles of how the virus is impacting the lives of everyone. However, Lancaster County online is not disregarding the fact that many of its readers may be experiencing unemployment or financial burdens. 

Overall, the virus continues to impact the lives of individuals, but the topic of news coverage is becoming narrow. However, readers are still engaged in the topic because they want to be updated about what’s going on. 

Therefore, do you all think any news coverage involving the virus should be a free subscription?