Indexing theory during an emerging health crisis: how U.S. TV news indexed elite perspectives and amplified COVID-19 misinformation

ABSTRACT This paper applies indexing theory to test whether U.S. television news about COVID-19 covered misinformed elite viewpoints and whether indexing patterns were consistent across networks. We extend theory by investigating an emerging crisis where information was in flux. We conducted a content analysis of U.S. broadcast and cable news coverage of two COVID-19 issues: masks and disinfectants/UV light. Coverage responded to changes in health institution guidance related to mask wearing, but: (a) mentioning partisan elites was related to misleading content, (b) at times mentioning health institutions was related to decreased inclusion of correct information, and (c) at times patterns of indexing differed across networks. Findings suggest that indexing practices may encourage misinformation spread during emerging crises, especially on partisan news.