MURFREESBORO, TN - In this Action Line episode on WGNS, host Scott Walker sits down with Dr. Katie Foss, the director of the MTSU School of Journalism and Strategic Media and a distinguished media studies professor. Dr. Foss discusses her new book, “Capturing COVID: Media @the Pandemic in the Digital Era,” which examines how the COVID-19 pandemic was framed and communicated through various media channels.

The conversation delves into the unique circumstances surrounding the outbreak aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in February 2020, where 712 passengers tested positive for the virus, transforming the ship from a luxury vacation into a public health crisis. Dr. Foss highlights how social media platforms became vital for sharing real-time updates, perspectives, and experiences during the quarantine, ultimately influencing mainstream news outlets and shaping public discourse around the pandemic.

Unlike previous health crises, COVID-19 unfolded within a digital landscape that blended traditional media with citizen-generated content, significantly impacting public perception and knowledge. In “Capturing COVID,” Dr. Foss analyzes key media moments, including the early reporting from Wuhan, the Diamond Princess quarantine narratives, vaccine rollout stories, and the broader implications of media representation on societal inequalities and stigmatization.

Listeners will gain insights into how the evolution of media during this unprecedented time fostered connection while also contributing to misinformation and public distrust. Join us for an enlightening discussion that unpacks the complexities of communicating in a pandemic era. For more information about Dr. Foss's book, visit UMass Press.