Trust in the corporate media among Americans remains significantly low. Just 31 percent say they expect media outlets to report news “fully, accurately and fairly.” This figure is nearly unchanged from last year’s 32 percent.
The most recent Gallup survey, conducted between September 3 and 15, highlights a persistent trend since 2016, where confidence fell to around 32 percent. For three years in a row, more individuals stated they have no trust in media 36 percent, compared to those who expressed at least some trust. Additionally, 33 percent report having minimal confidence in media accuracy.
Since Gallup first measured it in 1972, trust in media has decreased substantially. During the 1970s, it ranged between 68 percent and 72 percent, falling to between 51 percent and 55 percent by the late 1990s and early 2000s.
ONLY DEMOCRATS TRUST THE MEDIA.
Partisan differences in media trust are evident as well. Currently, 54 percent of Democrats, 27 percent of independents, and 12 percent of Republicans express confidence in the corporate press—suggesting that there is a degree of awareness regarding the media’s overarching political bias. There is also a noticeable age-related gap in trust, with those 65 and older showing 43 percent confidence compared to 26 percent among those under 50.
Obvious examples of political favoritism can partly explain the low confidence in media. The National Pulse reported in July that CNN’s media correspondent, Hadas Gold, acknowledged the White House press ignored Joe Biden’s cognitive decline because they feared it would help former President Donald J. Trump’s campaign.
Gallup’s survey also examines trust in various political and civic institutions. Local governments receive the highest trust levels, at 67 percent, followed by state governments and the American public’s judgment. Congress and media are among the least trusted, with 34 percent confidence levels. The judicial and executive branches also see relatively low trust figures, between 40 percent and 48 percent.
