PAHEJA, SIRIRIKA.2026-01-272026-01-272025-01Paheja, S. (2025). An Examination of the Safety and Welfare Strategies of Print Journalists Reporting on Covid-19 In Namibia [Master’s thesis, Namibia University of Science and Technology].http://hdl.handle.net/10628/1107The role of the media during a crisis cannot be over emphasised. During the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the media assumed a central position in sharing health information during this unprecedented time. In recognition of the significance of journalism, the Namibian government classified journalists as essential workers, allowing them to collaborate freely with healthcare workers during lockdowns. However, being frontline workers raised pertinent issues about the safety and welfare of journalists as they faced challenges, including job losses, mental health problems arising from poor psychosocial care and challenges of working in far-flung regions with meagre resources. Using a qualitative approach and the Protection Motivation Theory, this study examined the safety and welfare strategies employed by selected print journalists in Namibia while reporting on Covid-19. The study assessed selected Namibian print journalists’ perception of their vulnerability to Covid-19, the safety and welfare strategies employed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of the safety and welfare strategies employed when reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Namibian, New Era and Namibian Sun newspapers participated in the study. The study found that journalists felt vulnerable, and experienced emotional and psychological challenges while reporting on Covid-19. The study further observed that various safety and welfare strategies were used by journalists. These included, among others, self-talk and introspection, innovation, escapism, institutional support and adapting and adhering to established health protocols. The study found that while basic support for journalists was provided, mental health support was notably absent despite its crucial role in ensuring that journalists work in a conducive environment. The study concluded that the lack of proper and adequate institutional support for journalists, particularly covering COVID-19 pandemic, compromised both their physical and emotional safety. This undermined their ability to perform their professional duties effectively.enThesis