Role of Print Media during Covid-19

Introduction:
Print media plays an essential part in the present society. Print media plays a significant part in
expanding public mindfulness. In this review, we examine what role did the print media play
during Coronavirus, how the print media helped to mindful individuals in the Covid-19
pandemic as we probably are aware that indeed, even in this period of virtual entertainment, the
overall population esteems the perceived print news sources as solid, reliable sources of data
during difficult situations. Print media is thought of as the oldest media, which spreads printed
materials. Print media incorporates various structures, such as newspapers, magazines, books,
pamphlets, publicizing, memos, business structures, etc. Print media's most imperative and
significant job is to spread data in a composed structure to a particular designated audience for
whom a specific arrangement of information has been implied. It suggests that there could never
be any wastage of essential data, and in this way, the concerned audience would get the most
advantage from the composed information. Every form of print media highlighted concerns by
presenting news, perceptions, and opinions related to the pandemic. With options sections and
editorials, the key sections of e=newspapers reflect experts’ perceptions and thoughts on it.

During the 4th wave:

Print media played a vital role in informing the citizens of Pakistan about the upcoming 4th wave
of the deadly Corona Virus. Various newspaper articles with experts’ opinions were published
warning people about the virus. Not just national but also international newspapers helped spread
the awareness. Dawn newspaper taking the lead, stated that it is predicted by the health experts
that the 4th wave of Covid-19 will start in June-July and last till September of 2021. It mentioned
that the health minister said there is no need to worry as of now. The new XE variant of Covid-
19 is prominent in 8 countries and people arriving from those countries are being screened.
Answering a question, he said that the mask is still essential and there will be no relaxation but
said that there is no need to worry about the 4th wave. 5,000 children in the age group 6-12 who
are not yet eligible for the vaccine will be said. This statement might comfort the readers as if
there’s not much to worry about as there was back in 2020 since a lot of vaccinations for
different variants were already introduced in Pakistan however it also alarms them that they still
need to be cautious about it. Dawn newspaper also has a separate tab on its e-paper version under
the name “Coronavirus” where people get updated about all sorts of information related to it. The
number of cases, deaths, vaccinations, if Pakistan is on the red-alert list, lockdowns, and how
rapidly it’s rising or not. Hence, print media has played a significant role during these crucial
times.
Conclusion:
It is clear from the analysis of both newspapers that print media is playing a very strong role in
conveying the right information to the people. These newspapers publish the news related to
coronavirus on the front page. Such efforts by the leading newspaper have been extremely vital
in clearing the doubts and myths about Covid-19. The study also proved that print media is
playing a very positive role, and most of the stories raised awareness among readers and
educated them not only on the symptoms of the disease but also on how to prevent it. The print
media aware the people of the COVID-19 and gives them information about the disease and
daily changes in the death ratio and newly infected cases. With the help of print media, many
backward areas knew about the pandemic, and everyone got aware of the symptoms. Print media
also teaches the people how they can be safe from this pandemic.