CHALLENGES OF REPORTING THE PANDEMIC ISSUES IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF JOURNALISTS IN PUNCH AND VANGUARD NEWSPAPERS)

Abstract

This study is a qualitative research into journalists' experiences covering the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim was to discuss the challenges of reporting pandemic issues in Nigeria, using as studies Journalists in Punch and Vanguard newspapers. The study also sought to discover the measures put in place to ensure the safety of journalists while covering the pandemic, as well as the survival strategies employed by journalists. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic shocked the world, affecting even high-income countries' healthcare systems. The situation has consistently triggered social and medical responses from the public and governments, respectively. On February 27, 2020, Nigeria recorded an imported case from Italy. The findings of this research, which were based on the fear appeal theory and the direct effects theory, revealed four major challenges faced by journalists from the Punch and Vanguard newspapers. The challenges include health challenges, security challenges, Transportation challenges, and salary slash. As a result, the study recommends, among other things, that media organizations and governments implement policies that will ensure the safety of journalists, as well as pay adequate attention to the welfare of journalists by paying hazard allowance to journalists.