ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the coverage by Al-Jazeera and the BBC and how it was used to promote national and international solidarity. The chapter offers a detailed textual analysis of the level of support and solidarity in the two channels’ coverage and discourses. The analysis shows that the two channels sought to unite people and nations to fight the pandemic (Covid-19), considering it the “archenemy” of all. In their attempt to highlight the gravity of the situation, the two channels adopted the discourse of conflict and war. The use of the metaphor of war was designed to create a unified front to fight the pandemic. This chapter argues that the two channels adopted a global approach in their coverage, which reflected the scale and magnitude of their coverage and covers nations and countries beyond the geographical borders of their hosts. The chapter concludes that at a time of conflict and crisis, solidarity amongst people emerged as a unifying factor to fight a common threat. This solidarity is very evident in the language used, which is analysed throughout this chapter.
