Coronavirus and the media: is ‘gotcha’ journalism the new normal?

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In times of crisis, a democracy requires a free press more than ever. But seldom has a critical press been more essential than today - one that holds institutions to account and breathes life into public discussion. This need has been accentuated at a time when MPs opted for a prolonged parliamentary Easter recess and the official opposition has seemed preoccupied by its internal affairs. 

Unfortunately, in the eyes of many, the media are having a ‘bad crisis’. The press, particularly lobby journalists at daily government press conferences, are regularly criticised for questions that seem both off the mark and rather self-aggrandising. They often seem more concerned to catch ministers out rather than interrogate decisions and illuminate understanding. Many have had enough of such ‘gotcha’ journalism that seeks to embarrass ministers rather than probe their statements and policies.

Moreover, some critics argue that the major media outlets have done too little to challenge conspiratorial claims, such as Boris Johnson not really being ill or that virus transmission is through 5G networks. Some also claim that the media has been too deferential in many respects, seeking to amplify and publicise government messages – both public and ‘off the record’ - rather than question them.

The upshot is that one recent survey showed a collapse in confidence in the media in many Western countries - with the biggest fall being in the UK, where since the onset of the coronavirus crisis there has been a 21 per cent net loss in confidence in the media. Whatever the problems, many local and regional media are under severe financial pressure now with the loss of sales and advertising.

What is behind this seeming media crisis and what are the implications? With the press already having taken a beating in some quarters for their failures over reporting Brexit, how worried should we be over the collapse of press standards, and the way the ‘media class’ seems to stand apart from the rest of society? Are we shooting the messenger for the failings of others, such as government mismanagement, even misinformation?  What is the news and commentary we need during this period, and how do we go about ensuring the survival and prospering of a free, critical press?