Internet-Based Media as Information Sources in Risk Communication

Comparing Three Media Sources During Covid-19 Pandemic

Bibliographic Data

ID12908798
AuthorsFang Wu (0000-0002-8436-7293, Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Tianyi Yang (0009-0006-8890-1357, University of Massachusetts Amherst), Chen Zhang (0000-0002-1923-2771, Chinese University of Hong Kong), Yang Yu (0000-0001-5353-6165), Deya Xu (0000-0002-9276-6745, East China Normal University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume19
Issue9
Pages2103-2126
Publication date2024-01-30
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournalism Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1751-2786 • E-ISSN: 1751-2794
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17512786.2024.2308524
OpenAlexW4391360603
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited55

This study investigates the impact of the interplay between centralized media regulation, media commercialization, and the surge of We Media in contemporary China on media coverage and people's information-engaging behaviors during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Using a content analysis and a survey, this study compares the topics and attitudes featured in media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the official press, the market-oriented press, and medical We Media in China. It investigates how media sources affected people's affective responses to the pandemic and engagements with risk information. The findings suggest that the official press prioritized coverage of measures undertaken by governmental and medical departments and featured a more optimistic attitude. In contrast, the market-oriented press and medical We Media paid more attention to the pandemic situation and self-protective behaviors, respectively. Exposure to official press was positively associated with optimistic emotions, whereas exposure to medical We Media increased anxiety. Accessing market-oriented press was positively associated with information sharing and information avoidance, whereas accessing medical We Media was only positively related to information avoidance. Compared to the other media sources, exposure to the official press had lesser impact on people's engagements with risk information

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Environmental health · Pandemic · Political science · Risk communication · Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 · The Internet · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Media Studies and Communication · Medicine · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Public Relations and Crisis Communication · Virology

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