There has been extensive coverage of COVID-19 by the media in Zimbabwe since the virus was first reported in Chine late in 2019. Stories peaked after Zimbabwe recorded its first 20th of March 2020,, with stories appearing on online chats such as 263Chats, CITE, and Health Times, before appearing in mainstream news outlets the day after. The media plays key role in strengthening access to information by citizens on critical issues as well as holding government to account. The media has a duty to provide comprehensive and accurate information about the pandemic that counters misinformation and social stigma. This Report seeks to provide data that shows the nature of reporting on the pandemic; how comprehensive news stories and related reports have been, who speaks on what issues, how various social groups are represented and levels of professionalism by the media in reporting the pandemic between March 1 and 29, 2020 the month preceding the institution of COVID-19 induced lockdown by the Zimbwabwean government.
334
