Rethinking Risk Communication: Lessons From A Pandemic

In the wake of COVID-19, the field of risk communication must engage in more meaningful research and advocacy to support the systemic changes that are necessary for improving our pandemic response. Risk communication can also learn from cultural studies, using a more critical lens to study underlying inequalities and power structures, and the role of culture and politics in shaping risk perceptions and behaviours. Reputational management and public wellbeing are commonly stated goals. Yet COVID-19 has underscored the fractured identity and purpose of the field, and risk communicators need to be honest about whether they are working to protect the public or protect reputations.