The paradox facing media: record audiences, shrinking revenues
The paradox facing media: record audiences, shrinking revenuesThe crisis caused by the novel coronavirus has shaken the media business worldwide. New opportunities have appeared for
THE PARADOX: RECORD AUDIENCES, SHRINKING REVENUES
Worldwide, media business models are collapsing with the new economic downturn, and attacks on media freedom have increased sharply. But if there is one ray of hope in the tragedy of this pandemic, it could be that Covid-19 is re-awakening people to the vital role that independent media plays in their societies.
EXPANDING SCOPE & PUBLIC DEMAND
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, our partner organisations are exploring new ways to inform and connect with their audiences. They’re helping prevent panic, amplifying the voices of those affected, and helping mitigate the social and economic costs for the people and societies in which they work.
INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESPONSES TO COVID-19
Further examples of outstanding public-service journalism from our partners around the world
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Palestinian media: Covid-19 is a time to talk about rights and equality
As the outbreak of Covid-19 has left many Palestinians in an extremely vulnerable situation, local media and media organisations have used the pandemic to firmly
Sri Lanka: Media and fact-checkers tackle Covid-19 ‘infodemic’
One year after the Sri Lanka bombings, independent media are playing an important role in demystifying the coronavirus, steering clear of stereotypes and debunking false
Tunisia: A growing appetite for fact-checks
As Covid-19 is giving life to false information and conspiracy theories in Tunisia, independent media platform Nawaat is seeing a growth in the number of
Jordan: Podcast is challenging the official Covid-19 narratives
As the only podcast covering the Coronavirus in the Middle East and North Africa, Sowt goes behind the official numbers and shines light on the
Zimbabwe: Covid-19 tracker to prevent pandemic spread
In Zimbabwe, creative organisation Magamba has launched a Covid-19 tracker allowing people to follow how the pandemic is progressing in the country, but more importantly
Philippines social news network challenges government’s narrative
As the Philippines is in lockdown and people are at home, social news network Rappler is reaching millions of people through social media stories informing
Somalia: Radio is reaching even the most remote parts of the country
With the coronavirus spreading in neighbouring countries, Radio Ergo is providing valuable information to listeners in even the most remote parts of Somalia answering concerns
Myanmar: Community media stops Covid-19 panic
On March 23 the first case of Covid-19 infection in Myanmar was confirmed in Chin state, one of the poorest regions of the country. A
Syria: Local radio station helps to flatten the curve
In North Eastern Syria, local authorities were not prepared for the coronavirus crisis. As a result, local media ARTA FM made it their mission to
Philippines: Podcast steers clear of Coronavirus hysteria
As the Coronavirus panic was rising in the Philippines, Puma Podcast decided to calmly lay out the facts and steer away from sensationalism and hysteria.Take
Iraq: The numbers don’t add up
Demand for independent media grows in Iraq as Covid-19 wakes people up to the need for impartial information.Activists see the crisis as a chance to
Lebanon: A growing demand for solution-oriented journalism
In the middle of the coronavirus crisis, Lebanese media Daraj are seeing a growing demand for solution-oriented journalism.Could this be a chance for journalism to
Call for the release of Yemeni journalists sentenced to death
The death sentence against four Yemeni journalists by a court in Sanaa on Saturday April 11, 2020, deeply shocked the international community. In the same
Covid-19: Looking for a silver lining
These past weeks have been a stark reminder to all of IMS – and to me personally – on how independent media and journalists play
Pakistan: Responding to Covid-19 challenges with innovation
Like elsewhere, the media in Pakistan is being tested on how to report the outbreak and impact of Covid-19, a phenomenon overwhelming state and society
GROWING DEMAND FOR INDEPENDENT MEDIA?
Several partners have reported unprecedented audience growth since the crisis began.
A pan-Arab digital platform providing in-depth reporting and analysis
1%
Audience growth
Rappler, is a social news network in the Philippines
1
views on Covid-19 Facebook live session
Al Menasa is one of Iraq’s few independent media outlets
1%
Audience Growth
Challenges
THREATS TO MEDIA FREEDOM
While we’re seeing encouraging signs from several of our partners, others are complaining of increasing restrictions and reprisals. In many places, emergency measures to contain the pandemic pose serious risks to press freedom if they become fixed. The International Press Institute is closely monitoring media freedom violations linked to Covid-19. Click below to see their work.
COLLAPSING BUSINESS MODELS
It’s a paradox that, as more and more people realise they need high-quality factual information to navigate the crisis, the business models that sustain that information are collapsing. The global economic shutdown has severely reduced the advertising revenues that many media outlets depend on. Worldwide, countless independent news providers are being forced to scale down, lay off reporters or close altogether.
Resources
COVID-19 REPORTING GUIDELINES
Clarity and accuracy in reporting can save lives. IMS has produced guidelines to help journalists get it right. Click the images to download the guides. Read why clarity matters here.
