Even though media outlets relied on journalists without science backgrounds during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, their stories tended to temper claims rather than exaggerate the conclusions of studies on masking, spread and who was getting sick and why. A recent study by two University of Michigan School of Information faculty members found that journalists were often … [Read more...] about Study: Covid-19 reporting on scientific studies ‘tempered’ results instead of exaggerating them
Covid-19
Local news outlets should do more to combat pandemic misinformation
A recent report tracking the public’s attitudes and experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations illustrates the extent of misinformation out there as we head into another long pandemic winter. The Kaiser Family Foundation COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor–a non-partisan source of health news—found that nearly eight in 10 of the people surveyed are unsure about at least one common … [Read more...] about Local news outlets should do more to combat pandemic misinformation
Local news outlets should play larger role in helping community members find vaccines
My mother was frustrated. At 78, she was next in line for the COVID-19 vaccine under state guidance in Illinois, but like so many seniors, she was having difficulty navigating the various websites and phone lines to secure an appointment. When she finally got on a waiting list at the local hospital, she found out there were at least 1,000 people in front of her. After … [Read more...] about Local news outlets should play larger role in helping community members find vaccines
Student journalists can help local media outlets cover the pandemic
Colleges and universities have become the new pandemic hot spots across the country. A New York Times study of more than 1,600 American colleges and universities — including every four-year public institution, every private college that competes in N.C.A.A. sports and others that identified cases — found at least 88,000 cases of Covid-19 by mid-September. For … [Read more...] about Student journalists can help local media outlets cover the pandemic
College newspapers continue to report amid pandemic
As classes began for the fall semester of 2020, student newspapers are working to maintain their typical coverage despite many students living off-campus and most classes being held virtually. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit back in March, shutting down universities all over the country, it left plenty of college newspapers with unanswered questions on how they would … [Read more...] about College newspapers continue to report amid pandemic