Greater media independence was significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality during the initial stages of the pandemic. This finding runs counter to traditional theories on media freedom and emergency response—if the media is free, it is able to report on emergencies and pressure the government to take action. However, media companies can also spread misinformation about the pandemic that stokes doubts over government policies or encourages dangerous public health practices. The spread of misinformation during the pandemic—particularly on social media—contributed to the spread of erroneous health practices (such as super-spreader events, false cures, ‘debunking’ established protections like mask-wearing, etc.) that contributed to the spread of the disease.