Coronavirus and Journalism: A Meta-analysis of Early Research on Journalism in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study conducts a meta-analysis of journalism studies research of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through an analysis of research published during the early stages of the pandemic (n=21) in Tier 1 and Tier 2 Communication journals, the study synthesizes extant findings to reflect the role of the pandemic on journalists financially, emotionally, and practically, the role of the pandemic on journalistic audiences and finally, the central mediating role of social media during the pandemic. Through the lens of field theory, these findings reflect both the adaptable nature of the journalistic field--adaptability that allows journalism to be, at times, unstable but also allow for resourceful adaptation in the face of tragedy.