The portrayal of panic-buying and stockpiling in English newspapers during Covid, a mixed-method content analysis.

ABSTRACT: Panic-buying and stockpiling during Covid disrupted the supply chain, causing food shortages and impacting the vulnerable. The government faced criticism for its lack of food system resilience, poor communications planning, and reliance on retailers. The British media frequently reported on panic-buying during early lockdown stages in 2020 and throughout Covid. The media play an important role in communicating information to the British public during times of crisis and influence public opinion. This mixed-method study examined English media portrayal of panic-buying, analysing text and visual data from six of the highest-circulating newspapers from March to July 2020. It reviewed reporting trends, use of imagery, themes, and prominent stakeholder voices. Content analysis of 209 articles s

SUBMITTER: Brackley D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11819479 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature