The Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Newsroom Operations Among Tv Stations in Kenya: A Case Study of Business Continuity Measures by Ktn News and Citizen Tv Stations
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Date
2024-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Communication
Abstract
The present investigation scrutinized the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on newsroom functionalities within television broadcasting entities in Kenya, specifically focusing on KTN and Citizen TV. The objective of this research was to elucidate the manner in which these media institutions navigated the unprecedented perturbations instigated by the global health emergency. Employing a mixed-methodological framework, the study amassed empirical data via questionnaires and interviews conducted with media practitioners. The results indicated that the pandemic expedited the transition towards digital platforms and virtual communication modalities within Kenyan television stations. A significant proportion of respondents (67%) indicated a successful adaptation to telecommuting and virtual communication strategies. Furthermore, the study identified that 62% of participants underscored the necessity for newsrooms engineered to accommodate continuous 24-hour reporting, complemented by frameworks appropriate for crisis management. Noteworthy adaptations encompassed the deployment of digital platforms such as Citizen Viusasa and KTN's online presence to sustain audience engagement and investigate innovative advertising avenues. Additionally, the pandemic accentuated the criticality of journalistic practices amidst global health emergencies, with a substantial 84% of respondents concurred on the imperative for heightened focus on intricate decision-making and ethical reporting under such circumstances. The research concluded that COVID-19 functioned as a catalyst for television stations to embrace disruptive digital technologies, thereby transforming conventional broadcasting paradigms. It further illuminated the precariousness of revenue models reliant on advertising and the urgent need for diversification. Moreover, the investigation emphasized the significance of adaptable newsroom operations and the prioritization of the health and safety of journalists. Recommendations of this study emphasis the need to leverage on digital tools and platforms, the implementation of flexible work arrangements, the diversification of revenue streams, and the establishment of health and safety protocols. The study advocates for future research to examine the implications of remote work on news quality to attain a more nuanced comprehension of the enduring impacts of these operational transformations on the media sector.
Description
Master of Arts in Media Studies
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, KTN and Citizen TV
Citation
Oguttu, L. (2024). The Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Newsroom Operations Among Tv Stations in Kenya: A Case Study of Business Continuity Measures by Ktn News and Citizen Tv Stations. Daystar University, School of Communication