Public Health Risk: Public Views on Panic Reporting and Media Framing of the Covid 19 Pandemic

Abstract

The study examines public views on panic reporting and media framing on the COVID 19 pandemic. Panic is expected during public health risk reporting. Media coverage and the manner of framing of the COVID 19 pandemics earlier created panics and uncertainties among the public. A measuring scale was designed in accordance with the objectives of the study to ascertained respondents views. Through the administration of copies of questionnaire, views of thirty four persons on the subject were ascertained. Results showed that though media framing and coverage of the pandemic news increases public panic, it however reduces the spread of the virus; the public became conscious of the virus. Media framing of the pandemic not only causes fears but also led to panic buying of food items at home. The outbreak of the pandemic exposes government failed health system in Nigeria. The study also showed that the emotional effects as a result of the manner of framing were more harmful than the virus itself.  This is because the pandemic news was not carefully managed by the media at the earlier outbreak. Management of news during public health risk or crisis is important for easing panic. It was established that responsible health attitude is most appropriate to ease panics.

Keywords: Covid 19; Framing; Media; Pandemic; Panic; Public; Reporting

DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/100-02

Publication date: January 31^st 2022