Journalism in Bangladesh During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview

Abstract

COVID-19 is not just a health crisis. It has disrupted the economy of the entire world. Like most sectors, it has brought massive changes to the field of journalism. The objective of the article is to explore the impact of COVID-19 on journalism in Bangladesh. This study follows a qualitative research methodology based on secondary sources. The study’s findings have shown that the pandemic situation has strongly affected the journalism industry and their work in Bangladesh. Many local newspapers have been severely affected by losses in advertising revenues from coronavirus. Advertisements have gone down by 70-80% despite an increase in television and online media viewership. COVID-19 has infected 1,010 journalists from 191 media houses in Bangladesh. Among these, 942 people have been recovered and 35 journalists passed away till November 15. Prior to COVID-19, few journalists were in financial crisis due to non-receipt of regular salary allowance; this crisis has become more evident during the pandemic situation. At least 600 journalists have been discharged and many journalists have been given compulsory leave without pay. Despite all the hurdles, Bangladeshi journalists continued to contribute to information gathering, dissemination and raising public awareness.