Gannett journalists keep communities informed with critical COVID-19 news throughout year of pandemic

Gannett names Spencer Mandell executive creative director

One year ago this month, as coronavirus took hold across the United States and in our local communities, Gannett journalists began reporting on new mask mandates, local restaurant closings and remote schooling for children. In the months since, our journalists have leveraged the local-to-national footprint of the USA TODAY NETWORK to keep their local communities informed with critical COVID-19 news, including recent updates about where to find the COVID-19 vaccine.

USA TODAY and USA TODAY Network newsrooms have used innovative storytelling, such as a USA TODAY graphical explainer tracking the spread and infographic piece on what coronavirus does to your body, to help audiences understand the virus; worked together across newsrooms on major projects, such as the series that highlighted essential food workers; and relied on local expertise to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the communities they serve.

Early in the pandemic, Gannett journalists shared first-person stories that amplified community voices. As panic surged, they checked in with experts on the front lines to tell their stories. They showcased voices of people who emerged on the other side of the virus, provided daily news updates, rolling blogs and constant news coverage. They worked to answer questions and tamp down rumors. They went beyond headlines to explain key issues and add context for readers.

“Our journalists have been on the front lines of the pandemic since it started, and in many of our communities, we are the only source of local news on issues of critical importance. COVID-19 has spotlighted to a greater degree the value of local journalism,” said Amalie Nash, senior vice president of local news for the USA TODAY Network. “We take that responsibility seriously and have been heartened and grateful for the support we’ve received from our readers.”

Here are some notable examples of how Gannett journalists have kept their communities informed with critical COVID-19 news:

Early on, USA TODAY NETWORK journalists shared first-person stories that amplified community voices.

As panic surged, USA TODAY NETWORK newsrooms checked in with experts on the front lines of the crisis to tell their stories.

To help calm communities, USA TODAY NETWORK newsrooms showcased voices of people who emerged on the other side of the virus.

As uncertainty loomed early in the crisis, USA TODAY NETWORK journalists were there for their communities with daily news updates, rolling blogs and constant news coverage.

USA TODAY NETWORK journalists worked to answer questions and tamp down rumors.

USA TODAY NETWORK newsrooms covered local businesses and restaurant plights as they learned to live under new rules.

USA TODAY NETWORK reporters answered reader questions directly with Q&As.

USA TODAY NETWORK newsrooms went beyond headlines to explain key issues and add context for readers.

USA TODAY NETWORK newsrooms helped weigh the costs of reopening.

 

Scroll to Top