ASSESSING THE ADAPTIVE CAPACITY OF SELECTED NAMIBIAN PRINT AND BROADCAST MEDIA IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN PRACTICE IMPOSED BY COVID-19
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Date
2025-01
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Namibia University of Science and Technology
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the global media landscape, posing unprecedented challenges for journalists and media organisations. This study examines how media and journalists in Namibia responded to changes in journalism practices imposed by COVID-19. Using an exploratory research design and adopting a qualitative research approach, this study assessed changes to journalism practice as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how journalists and media organisations responded to the changes. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with journalists and media practitioners, from selected print and broadcast media, to understand their experiences and adaptations during the pandemic. Findings reveal that the Namibian media industry underwent substantial transformations, including a shift from traditional newsroom operations to remote and digital reporting. The study also found that misinformation was a major challenge, necessitating rigorous fact-checking and verification processes to maintain credibility and public trust. Financial constraints further exacerbated the difficulties, with many media organisations experiencing significant revenue losses, leading to salary cuts, job redundancies, and shifts in business models. Additionally, the pandemic took a toll on journalists' mental health, with many reporting stress and burnout due to increased workloads, job insecurity, and exposure to distressing news. Despite these challenges, journalists demonstrated resilience by embracing digital transformation, collaborative reporting, and innovative storytelling techniques. Alternative revenue streams, including digital subscriptions and external funding sustained media operations. The study concludes that while COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation and innovation in journalism, it also exposed vulnerabilities in financial sustainability and journalists’ well-being. Strengthening institutional support, investing in digital infrastructure, and implementing mental health initiatives are recommended to enhance media resilience in future crises. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on media adaptation in crisis situations.
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Lamyaa, L. (2025). Assessing the adaptive capacity of selected Namibian print and broadcast media in response to changes in practice imposed by covid-19 [Master’s thesis, Namibia University of Science and Technology].