PBS NEWSHOUR: How to cover the 2020 Presidential Race in the era of COVID-19

PBS NEWSHOUR hosted a panel discussion about the ways in which COVID-19 has affected the 2020 race for the White House, specifically the upcoming RNC and DNC conventions. Panelist included:

Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor

Sara Just, executive producer

Amna Nawaz, senior national correspondent and primary substitute anchor

Yamiche Alcindor, White House correspondent

And Lisa Desjardins, Capitol Hill correspondent

As Sara Just explained,

“Journalists across all platforms have been challenged to rethink every aspect of their work, including the primetime coverage of this year’s political conventions.”

While the coverage might look different, one thing will remain the same: PBS NEWSHOUR will uphold its commitment to reporting events fairly and thoroughly, while providing insightful, probing analysis.

“Our form of journalism is a fact-check for all elected officials. We provide on-the-ground journalism to show our viewers what’s happening and then we let them make decisions for themselves,” said Yamiche Alcindor

Amna Nawaz explained the process of covering news when facts are challenged. She applies journalism standards: “Is it fair? Is it accurate. Is it necessary?”

Judy Woodruff described why Americans continue to rate PBS as one of the most trusted sources of news: “We report and provide context, but our personal opinions do not get in the way. We always try to be fair. Whatever we may feel or believe will be set aside in our reporting. We make sure that viewers have the opportunity to hear all sides.”

“My job is to ask questions. PBS stands out because we seek to gather information. We are not getting caught up in the drama or the opinion. That’s a benefit we bring when we cover this election,” Lisa Desjardins said during the panel discussion.