Public Health Reporting in the China’s TV News: A Case Study of Early Stage of COVID-19 Outbreak

initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan in December 2019 prompting swift nationwide measures. Amidst the escalating crisis has contribute to China enforced temporary closures and exit controls in Hubei province, a pivotal move in curbing the virus's spread on January 23, 2020. This paper aims to explore the role of CCTV News, as the "mouthpiece" of the Party and the government in shaping public opinion during the COVID-19 epidemic. This preliminary study utilizes content analysis methods to examine the framework of COVID-19 news coverage, with a focus on a specialized TV news program aired between January 20 and February 20, 2020. The findings show how positive publicity and humanistic care initiatives have been instrumental in stabilizing public sentiment and effectively conveying China's perspective amidst the crisis. Subsequently, on January 28, 2020, the Publicity Department of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television coordinated the programming of national satellite TV programs prioritizing epidemic prevention and control coverage, curtailing entertainment programming, and issuing comprehensive programming guidelines to all 36 satellite TV stations. This concerted effort is seen as a strategic shift that has significantly increased the dissemination of information, addressed public concerns, and steered public opinion in support of the nation's fight against the epidemic.