We look to journalists and the media to challenge authority and uncover failure in addition of course to entertaining us. But in the face of a national, and in the case of Covid-19, a global crisis, some have argued that the media focus on challenging government, hyping drama, and focusing on negative stories, is irresponsible.
Should the media avoid creating fear and panic in a population faced with a real threat? Or should journalism always be driven by the biggest story - and bad news usually sells a great deal better than good news?
Presenter of the BBC's Today Programme Nick Robinson, Labour MP Jess Phillips, and political commentator David Goodhart consider the duty of the media during times of crisis.