A conversation with author Ann Patchett, Media coverage of COVID-19

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
Healthcare worker in a Covid-19 ward at UW Hospital
A healthcare worker in a PAPR hood walks through the hallway inside one of UW Hospital’s COVID-19 units Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020. Angela Major/WPR

Author Ann Patchett spent much of the pandemic writing a series of essays that make up her latest book. We talk with her about the creative process that went into it. We also look back at how the media covered the COVID-19 pandemic and whether it impacted the public’s response to the virus.

Featured in this Show

  • Essays from an author in a pandemic

    An author shares her experience writing — and re-writing — essays for a new collection that’s just come out. She talks about writing during the pandemic and changing gears from planning to create a complete novel.

  • Reviewing media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic

    Media coverage of the pandemic varied over the last two years and played a role in shaping public opinion and public health. We explore where mainstream coverage got it right and got it wrong through the ups and downs of COVID-19.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Lee Rayburn Technical Director
  • Tim Peterson Producer
  • Lorin Cox Producer
  • Ann Patchett Guest
  • Jon Allsop Guest