Serving the public? A content analysis of COVID-19 public service announcements airing from March – December of 2020 in the U.S

•Federally affiliated public service announcements (PSAs) about COVID-19 aired in 2020 did not center health equity.•Few PSAs referenced group differences in risk of infection or transmission, nor did they highlight scientific evidence.•PSAs frequently included health guidance and specifically to stay at home, practice social distancing, and wash hands.•Guidance to wear a mask was less frequently included in content and observed in slightly more than one-third of PSAs.•Attention to the groups that face a disproportionate burden from COVID-19 is needed in future communication.