The Covid-19 pandemic has shifted news priorities among audiences and reporting practices among media organizations; it has changed the parameters of traditional reporting and added new momentum to the debate over “fake news” laws and journalistic ethics.

On the positive side it has spurred growth of smaller, independent and locally-focused media and driven demand for local “stringers,” to relay information and images to mainstream media hemmed in by travel restrictions. Yet, pressure is mounting on larger news organizations, which have embarked on unprecedented lay-offs and budget cuts to editorial operations – particularly in Asia. How is this affecting the quality and nature of journalism?

Veteran journalists from the Philippines, Indonesia, India and Thailand talk about their perspectives.

Featuring:

Anya Schiffrin, Director, Technology, Media, and Communications specialization, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, United States

Jahnavi Sen: Deputy Editor and Executive News Producer, The Wire, India

Ardiana Hapsari: Planning Editor, CNN, Indonesia

Gemma Mendoza: Head of Research and Strategy, Rappler, Philippines

Gwen Robinson: President, Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand and Editor-at-large, Nikkei Asian Review, Thailand

And moderator: Prue Clarke, Senior Executive Officer, Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas, Australia