ABSTRACT
This chapter characterises the reasons and ways of changing the production strategies of major TV broadcasters during the first wave of the pandemic in Poland; it describes the process of modifying television programming and classifies these modifications. As a result of the literature review, multiple-case study method and content analysis, a media ‘pandemic behaviour pattern’ was identified and systematised. This study presents how the media adjusted the production/programming to the epidemic phases (from the lockdown to the relaxation of restrictions). It describes production/programming modifications, that is, the reorganisation of the labour system, the introduction of a sanitary regime, the reorganisation of audience participation in programmes, suspension of programme production/broadcasting, modification of the existent offer, introduction of new dayparts/programmes, rebroadcasting, resumption of programme production, and renewal of broadcasts. This text also attempts to diagnose the utility of research methods adopted regarding the analysis of interconnections between media management and the pandemic. Additionally, the chapter offers some suggestions on how to study this topic and how to avoid research difficulties which may occur.
