“Everything changed overnight”: 4 journalists share their pandemic experiences

Very early on in the pandemic, the World Health Organization identified the spread of fake news and misleading information about the new coronavirus - the so-called infodemic - to be a major concern.

It called for counter-measures, including a coordinated effort to ensure accurate, timely information was widely accessible.

Media outlets have been at the forefront of this fight and, for many journalists, reporting on the pandemic will be the biggest story of their career.

Here, reporters from around the world tell their personal stories after 18 months reporting on the pandemic.

Julianna Tatelbaum, CNBC Anchor & Reporter, UK

“It felt like everything changed overnight last March. One day we were all in the office and the next, I was waiting for a courier to deliver my new “padcaster” – a camera that would enable me and all the other CNBC anchors to broadcast from home.

“Since then, I have been working a hybrid model – broadcasting from the studio for a couple weeks then home for a couple weeks, to minimize contact with other reporters and anchors.

“When I work from home, I am no longer just an anchor but a technician and engineer as well, in charge of ensuring all my equipment is charged, connected and ready to go – not an easy task some days!”

Mustafa Alrawi, Assistant Editor in Chief, The National, UAE

“In the beginning, the most crucial thing was to ensure accuracy in a fast-moving situation. Very quickly we went from covering a story that was elsewhere, for example in Italy, to one that was happening immediately around us too. We had to keep reporting - our jobs became more of a public service than ever - but we had to ensure we also stayed safe and followed protocols.

“There was a lot of misinformation and rumour, particularly through social media platforms. It was so important to make sure we could be relied upon as a source of correct news. It was a huge responsibility. In the early days, it felt like we were helping by providing access to basic but critical information from health authorities.

“There wasn't an aspect of the pandemic that did not challenge day-to-day work. When we had to stay home or isolate, we could not switch off. Deadlines were more intense than ever and the demand for news was sky-high.”

Alrawi also hosted a session on how to boost vaccine confidence for the World Economic Forum during the virtual Davos meeting in January - just as vaccines were starting to be rolled in some countries.

Natasha Phiri, Television News Reporter, South African Broadcasting Corporation

“The recent riots and looting in South Africa are one example. Unfortunately, after reporting on a local shop that was looted by the community, my colleague and I were robbed at gunpoint and subsequently our personal belongings and camera equipment were stolen.

“Poverty, inequality and unemployment are major issues in our country especially for our youth and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation in our country.”

“I underestimated the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in the UK and across the world. First, masks and, now, vaccines have become highly politicised which surprised me and made me more sensitive to how I was reporting various developments in these areas.

“When questions started emerging over the risk of very rare blood clots potentially associated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, it was difficult to know how much emphasis to put on the story. As soon as you let the genie out of doubt out of the bottle, it's very hard to put it back in.

“As a journalist who had become trusted by many to communicate accurate, reliable information about the vaccines, I felt an enormous responsibility to communicate in a way that was transparent but not overly alarmist.”

“One of the most important roles journalists play during this period is to provide clarity when there’s so much uncertainty. They provide the needed contexts and nuances, and break down complicated concepts for non-experts.

“But journalists are also playing a crucial role in holding authorities accountable, be it governments or international agencies and institutions, and in continuously reporting on the impact of this pandemic on the most vulnerable populations.”

Julianna Tatelbaum

“CNBC International saw record engagement during the peak of the pandemic. In times of crisis, people seek out organizations they know and trust. I think the pandemic served as a reminder to people that although it is easier than ever to spread news with smartphones and social media platforms, quality journalism matters.”