Communications in time of COVID-19: Canadian Christian Communicators Watercooler Webinar

The challenges of planning print issues months in advance, working remotely and getting used to new technologies—those were some of the issues discussed at the March 27 Canadian Christian Communicators COVID-19 online “watercooler” webinar.

Titled Communications in Time of COVID-19, the webinar was held to offer encouragement, support and ideas during this challenging time of pandemic.

For editors with print editions, the amount of time needed to plan an issue was a big challenge.

Since monthly magazines can be planned up to five months ahead, what seemed like a good idea back then can seem incredibly tone deaf now.

For example, one publication has a cover feature about medically assisted dying for May—not the theme you want to promote when thousands may be dying against their will due to COVID-19.

Since it’s too late to change everything now, the editor re-wrote the editorial to tell readers about the challenge of planning so far in advance. As well, a few other news articles were lifted in order to include some about the virus.

Another editor pulled a feature on euthanasia for the same reason. A third dropped plans for a travel issue (nobody is travelling these days), and a fourth decided this wasn’t a good time for an issue about hospitality—inviting others over to your house.

“We don’t want to come across as tone-deaf, but there’s always a lag in time from when you plan an issue until when it is printed and mailed,” an editor said. “Readers don’t always understand that.”

The exchange prompted one participant to suggest the CCCA needs a new award category for 2020 and maybe beyond: The most poorly-timed article. That drew some wry laughs!

Another challenge facing editors is their calendar of events; those also are planned well in advance. As events were cancelled, someone needed to constantly change the section for the print edition and make changes online.

Also challenging for anyone else who publishes a printed magazine or newsletter is whether any printers will be open to print them, or mailing houses to mail them.

In some provinces, only essential businesses are allowed to be open, while in others they are closing due to lack of business and to keep their employees safe (social distancing).

In other words, there is no guarantee something designed today can even be published and mailed a month from now.

When it comes to working remotely, the challenges include something as simple as comfort; some editors and writers don’t have access to the standing desks they use at work. Others don’t have access to work computers, copiers or quality printers.

As well, directing a team remotely provides challenges. Some had already begun working on this, although not as much as they hoped. “Slack is our friend,” said one.

One publication was ahead of the game—it has no head office. Everyone works from home and operates remotely.

“We have already worked hard to build connections,” the editor said. “It has helped for a time like this.”

But that poses different challenges, she added, since most of the writers are working moms whose kids are all at home now that schools and day cares are closed.

Getting work done while homeschooling or looking after toddlers isn’t easy, she noted.

Everyone was using Zoom, which led to jokes about going to meetings in pajamas and needing to clean up their offices or dining rooms.

Other issues included making sure they had good internal communication with staff who were now working remotely, and keeping all stakeholders informed—internal and external.

One participant talked about how they are having a twice-weekly “coffee break.” She opens a Zoom meeting and is prepared to visit with anyone who wants to join the non-mandatory meetings for casual conversation and updates.

A unique challenge for one participant who works for an international relief and development organization is nobody is talking about COVID-19 and the developing world.

“It’s a challenge to get the message out to the media,” she said of how the virus will devastate some poor countries. “How can you wash your hands if there’s no water?”

It was suggested that editors of church-related magazines could be of assistance by saving space for an article or two about how the virus is impacting the church in poorer countries, or the work of church-related NGOs to address the crisis.

When it comes to fundraising, everyone agreed they are in the same boat—not knowing if or when it is appropriate to appeal for funds. It was suggested that if groups have spring appeals they continue with them; keep the rhythm, but make sure to acknowledge the situation facing donors and everyone else in the world.

One thing everyone noticed is the higher view rate on social media, for e-mails, and more views online. It’s like everyone is at home with nowhere to go or something!

The next watercooler webinar is scheduled for April 17; everyone is welcome!