What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis aims to understand the role of media in shaping public perception during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

May 24, 2026Open Access

Media sensation in a time of heightened anxiety: analysing reports in three Western Cape newspapers

Key Points

This analysis aims to understand the role of media in shaping public perception during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.
Qualitative content analysis of reports from three Western Cape newspapers
Focus on themes of personal protection, death, economic impacts, and violence
Comparative examination of messaging consistency and conflicts
Reports primarily emphasized death and violence, contributing to public anxiety
Conflicting messages regarding personal protection created confusion among the audience
Economic challenges highlighted as a significant concern alongside health issues

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in South Africa, the media has been influential in sharing information around personal protection and curbing the spread of the pandemic. The public was bombarded with sometimes conflicting messages about the pandemic, with an initial focus on death, economic collapse and violence.

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Cite This Study

Human Sciences Research Council (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1295f648a0ea16656725f1 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.14749/32378382

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