The Rise of Pandemic Pundits: Constructing Expertise on TV News During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Germany, Israel, and the United States

Abstract

During the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people relied heavily on national TV news for essential information. This study examines early pandemic coverage in Germany, Israel, and the United States, focusing on salient actors from journalism, politics, and science. Through content analysis, we found that journalists outnumbered scientists in pandemic reporting across all countries, though the journalistic beats and scientific fields involved varied. Furthermore, a trend emerged where many salient actors provided expertise blended with commentary. We named these actors Pandemic Pundits and classified them into 6 types: Prudent Officials (in Germany and Israel), Scientific Officials (mainly in the United States), Sober Scientists (exclusive to Germany), Reckless Leaders (namely, U.S. President Trump), Dominant Journalists (prevalent in Israel), and In-House Experts (particular to the United States and Israel). We conclude that U.S. television news politicized the pandemic by framing scientific expertise within a political context; German news scientified the coverage, emphasizing autonomous scientific voices; and Israeli news journalized the pandemic, relying primarily on journalists and semi-experts.