Content analysis of the Spanish press about the use of the resource of infographics to report information regarding the global health crisis originated by COVID-19

Abstract

This paper examines a series of infographics designed to share information regarding the global health crisis originated by COVID-19 in 2020 that were published in the press during the first months of the pandemic. This research aims to explore how infographics are used, as well as the most recurrent elements and techniques used in information related to COVID-19. Information produced by the media to cover different topics on the pandemic presents a challenge for journalism due to what has been categorized as complex information. Drawing on the hypothesis that infographics may be the most suitable journalistic genre to render complex information, we developed a research based on content analysis so as to determine the usage that four Spanish newspapers (El País, El Mundo, La Vanguardia and ABC) make of infographics elements. During this period, we observe a significant increase in the number of infographics found in the press to report the pandemic. In addition, data used at a time of social alarm must be obtained from governmental information sources. Regarding the most recurrent techniques, we detect simple, locational graphics and color codes that ensure a quick understanding of information for all citizens. The design of information covering the pandemic is consolidated in all the headers to promote coherence and continuity in graphic styles, as well as effective data management, which also provides readers with prior knowledge of the design and technique. As a general conclusion, we consider that infographics are an essential genre in pandemic information due to the quantitative and locative nature of the information that shapes its graphic expression.