The Science Journalism Praxis of Filipino Online Reporters During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented public health emergency which journalists have had to report on amid scientific uncertainties and public confusion, political bickering and disinformation, and socio-economic disruption and privation. It was also the first in which digital media platforms, such as the Philippines’ leading online news outlets, played a key role in the dissemination of science and health information. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the preparedness, resilience, and resoluteness of news outlets as an institution and forced them to suddenly adapt to a new and somehow upended reporting environment. To understand the science journalism praxis of the Philippines’ online news outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic, a grounded theory on their science journalism practice was generated through a triangulation research process that examined their newsroom culture, science news reportage, and role performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, an episodic science news event from 2020-2022.