A thematic exploration of three countries’ government communication during the COVID-19 crisis and corresponding media coverage

This study adds to the current literature on crisis communication by exploring differences in COVID-19 governmental and variances media coverage of that through thematic quantitative content analysis across three countries: New Zealand, The United States Kingdom. Specifically, this research seeks find extent which ideology plays a role reporting health crises. Results demonstrated universally, press conferences were based scientific advice relied upon symbols contributed clarity about COVID-19. Conversely, stressed economic challenges overall, but conservative newspapers focused more economy, whereas liberal leaned towards politics. These findings demonstrate even major crises, ideologies can play an important framing information.