This paper examines the evolution of COVID-19 news coverage in Romanian media throughout 2020, analyzing how various media outlets responded to the unprecedented public health crisis. The research explores five key dimensions: the relationship between mainstream and independent media, the spread of misinformation alongside factual reporting, public trust in media sources, government influence on media coverage, and the accuracy of scientific reporting. The study reveals that Romanian media initially aligned closely with government messaging during the early emergency phase, but later developed more diverse approaches as the pandemic progressed. While some outlets maintained responsible journalism standards, others drifted toward sensationalism or became platforms for conspiracy theories. Government interventions, including emergency decrees to combat "fake news" and financial support for media organizations, raised concerns about press freedom and independence. The "infodemic" of misinformation significantly influenced public behavior, with surveys indicating troubling levels of belief in conspiracy theories among Romanians. By the end of 2020,

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public trust in media had become notably polarized, with implications for subsequent public health initiatives. This analysis underscores the crucial role of responsible journalism during health emergencies and highlights the delicate balance between combating misinformation and preserving press freedom.