Thematic Analysis of the COVID-19 related agendas by Pakistani English
Newspapers
Abstract
The world faces an extraordinary public health emergency and consequent
massive socioeconomic impact due to the outbreak of novel type of
coronavirus known as COVID-19. Literature suggests the significance of
media, as this pandemic has forced a lot of people in lockdown, making
masses dependent on media for vital information during this global
crisis (Kumar, 2020). This study investigated the editorials of leading
English newspapers, ‘The Dawn’ and ‘The Nation’ regarding COVID-19. This
study explored the dominant editorial agendas of Pakistani newspapers
and also drew comparison between The Dawn & The Nation in the editorial
coverage of different agendas regarding this pandemic. To address
research questions, this study conducted thematic analysis of the
editorials of two Pakistani newspapers from February 27, 2020 to April
30th, 2020. It was found that Pakistani English press discussed the
agendas related to health, criticism on government, government response,
international impact, political issues, religious issues and the
socioeconomic impact of the pandemic. It was noted that Pakistani
newspapers discussed more or less similar agendas, as both newspapers
highlighted government’s response, however The Dawn emphasized on
government criticism, far more than The Nation.