Breaking News: COVID-19

News publications and social media platforms have predominantly reported on news about the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems as if all that can be seen on major news publications are updates about the Coronavirus. CNN, BBC, Fox News, NBC News, among many others, have headlined stories about the pandemic. “Why coronavirus could be catastrophic for Venezuela,” “Why Denmark is taking steps to opening up again,” “Covid-19 putting US meat supply at risk, CEO says,” are just a few of the innumerable articles being published by CNN and BBC regarding the disease. While these articles may be crucial, there is certainly no need for them to be featured many of these articles are opinionated pieces presumably formed of authors’ speculations.

Even other categories of news have been taken over by news about COVID-19. When looking at CNN’s website as of April 13, 2020, the title of the first article in the Sports section reads: “Tennis may not survive coronavirus pandemic.” In the US Politics section: “America can’t beat the coronavirus crisis until we fix this,” and in the Tech section: “The pandemic is playing to almost every one of Amazon’s strengths.” Though the outbreak of coronavirus does affect almost all aspects of the world, from the economies, technologies, to sports and fine arts, the mass focus on Coronavirus by online and offline news publications can cause the population to ignore other important news. For instance, the news regarding the “Nth Room” case was only brought out to the public so late because the media focused heavily on reporting about the Coronavirus for the views, clicks and attention.

The same pattern is visible every single day from the notifications I received from the news applications on my phone. What was once exciting titles about different aspects of the world, from the latest scientific breakthrough to matters on politics, now only filled by articles about the pandemic, whether it be the death tolls or which country decided to shut its borders. On April 12, 2020, BBC published an article titled “Record deal to cut oil output ends price war.” The largest cut in oil production ever between multiple nations was agreed upon, but was not featured nor did it pop up as a notification on my phone. Instead, I received articles like “Trump’s coronavirus paradox,” “Do social distancing fines work?” “Major pork processor closes,” among many other similar articles discussing the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.

While it is understandable that publications would want to publish and feature articles regarding the pandemic as there are individuals who solely read news regarding updates about the Coronavirus, the immense focus on this single topic can lead to other important topics to be uncovered by journalists.

Stay safe everyone. Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid crowded areas and always remember to wear a mask.