Report on Telecasting of Covid-19 related news-bulletins on private TV channels: An eye-opening evaluation

Abstract

The contribution of journalists done by bringing the information-gap of the public in the Covid-19 pandemic is highly appreciated. It is well-accepted that while good journalism renders favorable impacts, while the sub-optimum reporting may be associated with harm. This report is prepared based on the findings of a study which included a quantitate as well as qualitative evaluations of news-bulletins of leading private Sinhalese television channels over 12 days in relation to the Covid-19 related reporting. The assessments were done based on operational variables in recommended global and local guidelines. The key findings and recommendations have been presented under six main domains.