Lest we forget: media predictions of a post-Covid-19 urban future

This article recounts a study of media predictions on the future of cities, post-pandemic. From a theoretical perspective, we consider discourse and storytelling (written, oral, or visual) as crucial public policy and planning tools. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of more than 110 media articles from more than 60 sources, which appeared online and/or in print between March and May 2020. We find that the media has played the role of both Kassandra and Pollyanna. Some prophecies have spelled doom and gloom whereas others have envisioned a brighter urban future. The value of the study is in establishing a baseline of “urban prophecies” formulated by the media. These can be revisited in the future to find out whether they were realistic.