Public Trust in Journalists
Only 6% of adults in the U.S. feel they have “great trust in journalists to act in the public’s best interests.” On the flip side, 17%—which is nearly three times that number—report they have no confidence at all.
This data comes from a public opinion survey released this week, though it was actually conducted in mid-December. Interestingly, it sheds light not just on trust in media, but specifically on the belief that journalists act in the public’s interest.
The summary of the poll indicates that 57% of Americans express low confidence in journalists. This includes 40% who feel “not very confident” and 17% who outright say they have no confidence. In contrast, 43% of adults claim to have significant confidence in journalists.
Keep in mind, this survey is focused on whether the media serves the public well, and only 43% of respondents believe it does. That number is actually a drop from 47% last year.
Interestingly, just 25% of Republicans think the media acts in the public’s interest, while 61% of Democrats feel similarly—though that’s down from 69% the previous year.
From a broader perspective, it’s somewhat baffling that 43% still have faith. Even if one leans Democratic, it’s hard to see how fabricating stories and inciting division could genuinely serve the public. It raises the question: what’s the purpose?
One Democrat from a Pew focus group voiced a common sentiment: “Right now, we don’t have good journalists reporting accurate news.”
And it’s a fair point. A Republican in the same survey reflected on how news used to seem trustworthy when they were younger. Now, with so many biased and unreliable sources, approaching news with skepticism seems necessary.
This polling indicates a shift in public perspective regarding traditional media. It seems that newer media outlets have created challenges for established ones, undermining their credibility and, as a result, their influence over public opinion. This erosion of trust could severely impact the financial viability of many legacy media organizations.
Take the washington post, for instance—its relevance is dwindling. CNN? Not much interest there anymore. And new york times has morphed into a type of lifestyle brand than a reliable news source. Public engagement with NPR or PBS seems questionable, especially since their corporate support appears uncertain moving forward. And this trend doesn’t look promising for other traditional outlets either.
Although some brands like rolling stone and newsweek will likely persist, the battle for credibility is not as vital as their influence—something that feels increasingly precarious.
A recent release titled borrowed time has received glowing reviews, underscoring a growing appetite for narratives that challenge conventional media perspectives. It seems there’s a tide shifting regarding what readers actually value.
