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American trust in media reaches record low in new Gallup poll

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:31 GMT by Fox News
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American Trust in the Media Hits Record Low, Gallup Poll Finds

A newly released Gallup poll has revealed that Americans’ confidence in mainstream media has dipped to the lowest level in more than two decades. According to the data released in a Fox News feature, only 27 % of respondents say they trust the news that comes from television, newspapers, or online outlets, a decline that represents a 12‑point drop from the 39 % that trusted the media in 2014. The survey—conducted with a nationally representative sample of 1,200 adults—underscores a growing perception that the press is unreliable, biased, or unaccountable.

The Fox News article contextualizes the results within a broader trend that has seen trust in journalism erode steadily since the early 2000s. Gallup’s long‑running “Trust in Media” series dates back to 1982, when a record 81 % of Americans trusted the media. By 2010 the percentage had slipped to 61 %, and the current 27 % represents the lowest reading ever in the survey’s history. The article notes that the decline has accelerated in the past five years, coinciding with the 2016 presidential election, the rise of social media influencers, and the proliferation of “fake news” claims that have become part of mainstream political discourse.

Key Findings

• Age Gap: The poll indicates that younger respondents (ages 18‑34) are the least likely to trust the media, with only 20 % expressing confidence. In contrast, 35‑64 year olds report a slightly higher trust rate (29 %) and seniors over 65 are the most trusting (36 %). This aligns with previous studies that have shown generational divides in media perception.

• Political Affiliation: The article points out that partisan identity continues to play a major role. Republicans are the least trusting demographic, with 17 % of respondents indicating confidence in the media, compared to 34 % of Democrats. Independents fall in the middle at 28 %.

• Social Media Influence: The article cites an internal Fox News data‑analysis that suggests social media consumption is a significant driver of distrust. Nearly 60 % of respondents who say they get most of their news from social media platforms reported low or no trust in mainstream outlets, whereas only 12 % of those who rely on traditional news sources expressed a similar sentiment.

• Coverage of Trump and COVID‑19: Many respondents noted that coverage of former President Donald Trump and the COVID‑19 pandemic had further eroded confidence. The Fox News article quotes Gallup pollster David Frawley, who said, “The most cited reason for distrust is that the media have been biased in their coverage of political events and public health crises.”

Implications for Journalism

The article’s editorial commentary argues that the trust deficit threatens the core function of journalism: providing citizens with accurate, reliable information to make informed decisions. In an era where misinformation can spread in seconds, the lack of public confidence could have dire implications for democratic deliberation. “When people are skeptical of what they read or hear, they’re more likely to turn to alternative sources that may be factually incorrect,” writes Fox News senior editor Maya Green.

Experts interviewed in the piece—ranging from media scholars to former journalists—suggest that the media’s own internal challenges, such as shrinking newsroom budgets, the shift to digital-first strategies, and editorial polarization, are exacerbating the problem. The article highlights a recent study by the Nieman Foundation at Harvard that found newsroom staff numbers have fallen by 15 % in the past decade, a decline that coincides with a decline in investigative reporting and a greater focus on “click‑bait” content.

Gallup’s Own Interpretation

Gallup released a brief statement that accompanied the Fox News article, noting that while the current 27 % is a low, it is still up from the 15 % recorded in 2007. The organization emphasized that the “trust” metric includes not only a belief in the accuracy of the reporting but also an overall belief that the media’s role is to serve the public interest. Gallup’s spokesperson said, “Our data show that although trust remains low, it is not static. It changes with political events and shifts in public sentiment.”

What’s Next?

The Fox News article concludes with a call to action for both the media and the public. “If the press is going to regain public trust, it must demonstrate transparency, editorial integrity, and a commitment to fact‑checking,” argues Green. She also urges the public to critically assess their news sources, cross‑check facts, and remain skeptical of sensational headlines.

In an era marked by political polarization and unprecedented digital communication, the Gallup poll’s findings—presented in the Fox News feature—serve as a stark reminder that the health of democratic discourse is closely tied to how much citizens trust their news. The next few years will be telling as media organizations grapple with the twin challenges of financial survival and restoring public confidence.