Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Working Performance of Journalists: Perception of Swat based Journalists

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the working performance of Swat based journalists, as well as the difficulties during performing their social responsibility role in the society. The researcher has used the quantitative method, where the data were collected through sample random sampling from 100 Swat based journalists. For the data collection, the researcher have used questionnaire, consist of 19 closed ended question and 5 for demographic section. For data analysis "Statistical Package for Social Science" (SPSS) was used to make sure authentic and valid results and the data was interpreted through descriptive statistics. Study find out the working performance was effected by COVID-19 in different ways, i.e. government restriction and lock down effected the working performance of journalists, the following of COVID-19 SOPs caused changed in the working style of journalist and there was a lack of support for journalists both from government and media organization. This study also finds that the journalists have faced many challenges but they have completed their role of social responsibility with a good reputation and they were from the frontline worker during COVID-19 pandemic.