media conference analysis

March 16 provincial media conference analysis on the coronavirus

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is “a common disease that has not been previously identified in humans. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and rarely, these can spread from person to person through close contact.” (Government of Canada, 2020). The illness made its way to Nova Scotia in March 2020 and was recently identified as a worldwide pandemic.

The goal of this report is to discuss a media conference that took place on March 16, 2020. Premier Stephen MacNeil, chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang, and Nova Scotia’s director of media relations Tina Thibeau made a media appearance to talk about this new evolving life-threatening situation. Their goal was to create societal awareness of the seriousness of the issue, urging people to stay home, to maintain social distancing, and to practice proper hygiene care to prevent as many people as possible from getting the coronavirus. It was aired on the Nova Scotia Government’s YouTube channel. An analysis of the event will now follow.

The key players in the conference are Premier Stephen MacNeil and Dr. Robert Strang.

MacNeil gave an introductory update to address the province about two new cases of coronavirus. He talked about the importance of self-isolation after travel, that there are absolutely no visitors allowed at long-term care facilities, that all daycare centers are closing province wide, that people have the government’s support, and that people with underlying health conditions and the elderly cannot be responsible for watching children. He addressed how the federal government is helping and also stressed the importance of helping one another. He stated that he wants to “flatten the curve” as much as possible. This was appropriate to his area of expertise because he was addressing Nova Scotians about what is being done and what people are not and are allowed to do. This is his job as the Nova Scotia premier.

Dr. Strang talked about exposer to the illness, prevalence of the illness and what the province is doing to “slow down” the spread. He enforced the idea of keeping our province as healthy as possible and how to help preserve Nova Scotia’s healthcare system. He said that “we need our health system to be there” for people with and without the condition. He also discussed travel, where Nova Scotian’s have been, and who the traveling provincial residents had contact with. That is what he discussed in the conference and he appeared to have expert knowledge on the topic.

The conference sets a neutral tone. Conference spokespersons talked about the raging coronavirus in terms of slowing the numbers down and how an outbreak in the province can be avoided. This put people at ease and fostered a sense of hope that there will not be an outraging outbreak in Nova Scotia if people adhered to what was put forth by authorities. MacNeil said people must wash their hands and follow the social distancing rule if they want to protect their loved ones and their communities.

The communications tools put in place for all Nova Scotians to have a chance at listening to and watching the news conference included: a YouTube channel, a sign language speaker, words at the bottom of the screen, cell phone calls, reporters, and spokespeople. Having a plethora of media delivery gives everyone in the province an equal opportunity to watch this important media coverage. For instance, someone who cannot hear can watch the individual interpreting the talk into ASL or by reading the bottom of the screen as each person speaks. Someone with low vision also has the opportunity to listen on YouTube.

The media conference followed the format talked about in class. The participants acted professional according to their position, dressed professionally, maintained eye contact, appeared to take the matter seriously, used layman’s terms to describe the situation, were prepared to answer questions, and were direct and to the point when asked questions by reporters and by people calling in. There was only one visual – a screen that read “stay informed on novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It read the date of the conference and it also read it was issued by the Nova Scotia government. There were Nova Scotia flags on both sides of the screen. The screen also had the Nova Scotia government’s website address to direct people to more information on the coronavirus. These visuals were enough for key audiences to know it was an important message.

The key messages in the conference are:

  1. The importance of self isolation if travelled
  2. Taking measures to protect the province of Nova Scotia
  3. The closing of businesses
  4. Supporting one another
  5. Engaging in proper hygiene practices
  6. Act now to slow the spread of COVID-19

Travel was discussed throughout the conference as well as the importance of self isolation to keep numbers from rising as much as possible. The premier stated it will protect Nova Scotians from the virus if everyone adheres to self isolation and proper hygiene care.

The March 18 Nova Scotia government media conference had a negative tone. The participants in the conference talked about what changes must be made in the medical industry and pharmacies. The premier stressed that we must do what we can to keep our loved ones and communities safe. He also stated that businesses such as salons, barbershops, and gyms must shut down. Organizations such as disability services were also forced to shut down. This instilled fear in people because this has never happened in our lifetime and the participants look scared. The premier did state, however, that the government will be there for its people and will continue to provide updates on COVID-19. Dr. Strang stressed social distancing and self isolation more forcefully.

References

Nova Scotia Government. (2020, March 16). Stay Informed on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). YouTube Video.

(2020, April 10). Government of Canada. Coronavirus Disease. YouTube Video.

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