Trust in Media Plummets to Historic Low: 28% of Americans Doubt News Accuracy

Trust in Media Hits Historic Low: Gallup Poll Reveals Alarming Decline A staggering collapse of trust in media has reached an all-time low, with only 28% of U.S. adults expressing confidence in newspapers, television, and radio to report news accurately and fairly, according to a recent Gallup poll. This marks a precipitous drop from the previous record-low of 31%, set just last year. The survey, conducted in September 2025, reveals that skepticism toward the media now transcends age and party lines, with trust levels plummeting across all demographics. A staggering 70% of U.S. adults reported having little to no confidence in media organizations, a significant increase from previous years. "This is a disturbing trend," said Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. "The erosion of trust in media has serious implications for our democracy, as it can lead to the spread of misinformation and undermine the ability of citizens to make informed decisions." According to Gallup data, the decline in trust began in 1972, when 68% of Americans expressed confidence in the media. Since then, trust has steadily decreased, with a particularly sharp drop over the past five years. The current crisis of trust is not limited to any one demographic or party affiliation. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are among those who have seen their trust in media plummet, with only 22% and 19%, respectively, expressing confidence. Republicans, traditionally a skeptical group when it comes to the media, have also seen their trust levels decline significantly. In 1972, 53% of Republicans expressed confidence in the media; by 2025, that number had dropped to just 15%. The causes of this decline are complex and multifaceted. Some attribute it to the rise of social media, which has created a culture of echo chambers and confirmation bias. Others point to the increasing polarization of politics and the media's perceived role in perpetuating partisan narratives. Regardless of the cause, the consequences are clear: a society without trust in its media is one that is more susceptible to misinformation and manipulation. As Dr. Jamieson noted, "The loss of trust in media has serious implications for our democracy, and it's essential that we work to rebuild trust through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to fact-based reporting." Background and Context Gallup has been tracking Americans' trust in the media since 1972, when 68% expressed confidence. Since then, trust has declined steadily, with a particularly sharp drop over the past five years. Additional Perspectives Other experts point to the role of technology in shaping public perception of the media. "The internet and social media have created a culture of instant gratification and constant distraction," said Dr. Robert McChesney, professor of communication at the University of Illinois. "This has led to a decline in attention span and an increase in skepticism toward traditional media." Current Status and Next Developments As trust in media continues to plummet, it's essential that journalists and media organizations prioritize transparency, accountability, and fact-based reporting. By doing so, they can begin to rebuild trust with the public and restore their role as a vital component of a healthy democracy. Sources: Gallup poll (September 2025) Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center Dr. Robert McChesney, professor of communication at the University of Illinois *Reporting by Fortune.*