How has the Media handled COVID-19?

As we have all witnessed the human demise due to the horrific outbreak of the Corona Virus, every time I hear a name or see a picture of one of the victims online, I can’t help but wonder if the media is in violation of ones privacy. Does the media have a right to share something so personal about someone’s death with the world? The issue of privacy in mass communication has traditionally been concerned with individuals’ rights to protect their privacy from invasive, intrusive media. For example, should newspapers publish the names of rape victims and juvenile offenders? When does a person become a public figure and forfeit some degree of privacy?

I guess this opens up the opportunity to employ Public Relation Reps. One of their major responsibilities is to anticipate, analyze, and interpret public opinions and issues that could have an impact on their employer. Now realistically, I have chosen the subject of the Corona Virus, which in most cases receives an out pour of empathy except for in the case of Idris Alba who was criticized for being a confirmed case while his wife had not been confirmed, but yet, he had not practiced social distancing that would require isolating himself from her.

The physicians early on suggested social distancing to prevent the continuous spread of this vicious monster. After cities began to slowly shut down and quarantining started to become the new norm, several advertisers began to offer services that catered to social distancing. Vehicle servicing at local shops in an attempt to make themselves essential started offering employee pick up/drop off for maintenance. Sit down restaurants immediately found ways to entice customers with delivery and curbside pick up. Businesses are attempting to take advantage of every opportunity to stay in business during this hardship. Last but not lease, I heard a Ford commercial offering to defer payments for up to 6 months due to the pandemic. The vulnerability of the public allows for companies to take advantage and turns into a significant triumph for some and a tremendous loss for others.

At this time, I think it is fair to say that every news reporter has a guaranteed story to report on due to COVID-19. Its true that most Americans are glued to any and every possible update as it becomes available. But the question is how long will this subject peak our interest? Because mass communications theories are created in response to current conditions, they are also subject to change or fall out of favor as the conditions change. This reinforcement theory that is being displayed can also be expected to change and no longer be worldwide news, then soon after it will no longer be local news as the deaths subside and we are no longer in fear or in imminent danger.