Page 13 - Demo

112020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging years on record for the vast majority of businesses across the globe. This country was especially challenged, with the combined forces of a declining economy, a steady reduction in available advertising revenue, and the COVID-19 Pandemic that descended on the nation in March 2020. Globally, the Pandemic and the resulting need to remain isolated, rapidly advanced the acceptance and transition to a much more digitally infused world.Trinidad & Tobago was no exception. The concept of work from home%u00a0that many%u00a0local employers had paid little attention to, now became a welcome solution in response to the requirement to self-isolate to stay safe from infection. As the pandemic progressed a new way of life emerged. Digitized products and services and the resulting applications flourished. Relatively unknown applications such as Zoom and Teams became mainstays to ensure business continuity.Recognising the immediate need to keep our employees and the citizens of our nation safe and informed, Guardian Media (GML) adapted rapidly. Content was developed within hours of the announcement of the intended national lockdown on all Guardian Media platforms. Content designed to dispel panic among the population and instead provide reassurance and lifesaving information on what to do to keep listeners, readers, and viewers safe from the Coronavirus.Advertisers were encouraged to participate in assisting to deliver this content to the nation and many did, out of a sense of corporate responsibility and the genuine desire to help protect our citizens and for this we are grateful.Once again, the relevance of traditional media and people%u2019s reliance on these%u00a0 platforms%u00a0 became evident as television viewership increased dramatically owing to stay-at-home regulations. Radio listenership also grew as the population tuned in to hear continuous news updates broadcast nationally on the six stations operated by the TBC Radio Network.Guardian newspaper digital subscriptions also gained significant traction, as thousands of consumers made the transition to the digital paper during the lockdown, with the majority choosing to remain digital consumers of the paper.In a time where %u201cfake news%u201d is ubiquitous, citizens here and abroad, turned to Guardian Media for accurate and up-to-date information, once again reinforcing the continued relevance of a trusted media brand in a time of need.GUARDIAN MEDIA LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES ANNUAL REPORT 2020