Croakey, an innovative media platform, has emerged as a significant player in the public health narrative by offering a unique space for broad discussions spanning health, equity, and environmental issues. Over the last five years, it has been instrumental in highlighting the impacts of COVID-19 on the health workforce. By producing eight articles and an hour-long podcast following a recent event, Croakey continues to challenge mainstream media with its eclectic mix of contributors and topics.
The platform's strength lies in its ability to provide expert views on critical public health issues, ranging from equity to efficiency. Croakey's commitment to journalism is evident in its focus on independent voices that resonate across virtual platforms, offering a national stage for diverse perspectives in the health sector. It has been particularly active in promoting Aboriginal voices, encouraging their participation and ensuring they are heard within broader health and environmental debates.
Croakey's coverage of COVID-19's impact on the health workforce has shed light on significant challenges faced by clinical educators. Reports indicate that 73% of clinical educators observed negative impacts on student performance in Domain 3, while 85% reported similar setbacks in MRPBA Domain 1. These findings underscore the difficulties encountered during the pandemic, particularly the limitations of virtual platforms in replacing essential face-to-face clinical placements.
"Unfortunately, many virtual platforms weren’t sufficiently able to replace clinical placement at the time of the pandemic and almost 80 percent of the surveyed clinical educators disagreed that virtual could replace face-to-face." – Steve Lacey and Adam Steward
Croakey's role extends beyond mere reporting; it serves as a catalyst for mobilizing political and popular support for health initiatives. Through platforms like @WePublicHealth on Twitter, Croakey facilitates the sharing of vital conference information with a wider audience, promoting informed discussions and live-tweeting events to engage stakeholders nationwide.
A distinctive feature of Croakey is its commitment to providing a space for independent voices. By doing so, it fosters an environment where health, equity, and environmental debates can flourish. This approach allows Croakey to stand out in the media landscape as a one-stop shop for both established and emerging issues, offering diverse insights through prolific tweets and comprehensive articles.
Croakey's dedication to encouraging independent voices is further exemplified by its efforts to actively seek out and promote Aboriginal perspectives. By aligning with these voices, Croakey not only enhances the richness of its content but also empowers communities traditionally underrepresented in mainstream media narratives.
