Journalism in the Time of COVID-19: Current Challenges, Ways of Transformation

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic has radically transformed the life of Russians in all spheres: the economic crisis, lockdown, border closures, the flow of fakes and disinformation affected everyone. In these conditions, the methods of organizing the work of the mass media have also changed. Since the number of newsbreaks has decreased, and communication with interviewees and experts is increasingly taking place remotely, this affects the quality of information products. Journalists are often forced to switch to remote work and freelancing, but they remain representatives of a profession with increased risks of infection. The latest practice shows that as a result, the quality of created information products often declined. There were also financial losses because advertisers refused to cooperate with media that were losing their audience. The authors conducted an expert survey of employees of several editorial offices in order to analyze exactly how their work has changed during the pandemic. The results demonstrate a significant breakdown of the previously formed system: new formats of creative activity are being created right now, and journalists find both disadvantages and advantages in this alternative. The work of freelance journalists is becoming more and more relevant in this situation. Their presence in the office is not necessary, and at the same time they can work 24/7.