ABSTRACT
Global data were collected daily from hospitals and health departments and released daily via a Coronavirus Disease dashboard providing league tables of new infection numbers, confirmed cases and deaths. Decisive and responsive political leadership was vital to the speed with which governments were able to close their borders, order residents to isolate themselves and provide financial support to people who were ordered to stop work. Jacinda Ardern's messages attracted a strong following of New Zealanders as well as people from overseas who posted comments on the livestream in admiration of her leadership, and even inviting her to be the prime minister of their home countries. The work of the reporters cited in this book provides guides and inspiration for the current and next generations of journalists. The evidence presented indicates that media collaboration is strengthening the global fourth estate by enabling the reporting and wide publication of sensitive and controversial stories that could not have occurred previously.
