Trust in Media Plummets 40% Since 1972 Amid Growing Skepticism Among Gen Z, Millennials, and Republicans

Trust in Media Hits Historic Low: Gallup Poll Reveals Alarming Decline A staggering 40 percentage point collapse in trust in media since 1972 has left the nation's faith in journalism at an all-time low, according to a recent Gallup poll. The latest data, gathered in September 2025, shows that only 28% of U.S. adults express confidence in newspapers, television, and radio to report news accurately and fairly. The sharp decline is attributed to a growing skepticism among Gen Z, millennials, and Republicans, with trust levels plummeting across all demographics. "This is a disturbing trend that threatens the very foundation of our democracy," said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. "When people don't trust the media, they're more likely to rely on misinformation and echo chambers, which can have devastating consequences." The Gallup poll reveals that 70% of U.S. adults report having not very much confidence (36%) or none at all (34%) in media organizations. This marks a significant drop from last year's already historic low of 31%. The data also shows that trust levels have been declining steadily over the past five decades, with a high of 68% recorded in 1972. Experts point to several factors contributing to this decline, including the rise of social media and the proliferation of misinformation. "The way we consume news has changed dramatically," said Tom Rosenstiel, co-founder of the American Press Institute. "We're seeing a shift from traditional news sources to online platforms that often prioritize clicks over accuracy." The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with potential consequences for civic engagement and democratic participation. "When people don't trust the media, they're less likely to engage in public discourse and more likely to rely on partisan sources," said Jamieson. As the nation grapples with this crisis of confidence, experts are calling for a renewed focus on media literacy and critical thinking skills. "We need to teach people how to evaluate information and identify biases," said Rosenstiel. "This is not just about trust in media; it's about trust in ourselves as citizens." The latest Gallup poll serves as a wake-up call for the media industry, which must adapt to changing consumer habits and address concerns around accuracy and fairness. As Jamieson noted, "The media has a responsibility to regain the public's trust by prioritizing fact-based reporting and transparency." Background: Gallup has been tracking trust in media since 1972, with the latest poll conducted in September 2025. The survey of 1,015 adults aged 18 and older was conducted via telephone and online. Additional Perspectives: "The decline in trust is a symptom of a larger problem – the erosion of civil discourse and the rise of partisan politics." – Kathleen Hall Jamieson "We need to rethink our approach to news consumption and prioritize accuracy, fairness, and transparency." – Tom Rosenstiel Current Status and Next Developments: The Gallup poll serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the media industry. As experts continue to analyze the data and explore solutions, one thing is clear: regaining trust in media will require a concerted effort from journalists, policymakers, and citizens alike. In the coming weeks, Fortune Intelligence will examine the implications of this trend in more depth, exploring strategies for rebuilding trust and promoting media literacy. Stay tuned for further analysis and insights on this critical issue. *Reporting by Fortune.*