The interdisciplinary communication dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic

This chapter introduces the diverse communication dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic that are analysed and discussed in this book, which brings together scholars from around the world. Their disciplinary insights illuminate a wide range of communication challenges and opportunities. The chapter articulates the book’s contribution to knowledge about the pandemic through the detailed analyses and perspectives of scholars from communication, public health, journalism, sociology, psychology, and political science. In introducing each of the chapters, we identify key findings and themes as they variously relate to the roles of journalists, governments, public health agencies, scientists, health professionals, and citizens in communicating and responding to the medical, scientific, social, cultural, political, and technological dimensions of this profoundly mediatised public health crisis.