A CONTENT ANALYSIS: COMPARISON OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA’S MEDIA COVERAGE DURING THE COVID-19

Abstract

This paper examines mass media coverage during COVID-19 in Pakistan and India covered COVID-19 health information in the first year, using a comparative content analysis approach. The study reviews already existing literature, summarizing methodological approaches used in prior content analyses, and presents a structured framework and analyzing media outputs (themes, framing, sources, accuracy, and risk-communication components). This paper distils the most important findings from the available published content analyses and policy guidance regarding topics emphasized, including case counts, government policy, human interest, and healthcare capacity; balance between informative health guidance and sensationalism; and official versus independent sources. Recommendations are made for journalists, public-health agencies, and media regulators regarding ways to enhance quality and accuracy and foster trust in future health emergencies. Important background and methodological guidance have been drawn from the WHO risk-communication guidance and from peer reviewed content analyses of the region.