Trust in news hits new low globally, research suggests

Trust in news hits new low globally, research suggests

Global trust in news has plummeted to its lowest level since the Reuters Institute began tracking it in 2015. Recent data reveals a widespread decline in confidence across multiple countries, with various sources contributing to this shift. Despite this, many individuals still rely on traditional news outlets alongside newer platforms for their information needs.

More than half of those surveyed reported obtaining news from third-party platforms such as social media and video networks. However, a comparable portion continues to consume news through websites and television broadcasts, with traditional sources maintaining greater popularity in the UK. The institute behind the study noted that audiences are experiencing a combination of anxiety, disengagement, and skepticism, particularly toward the coverage of ongoing issues like immigration, inflation, and international conflicts.

Although more people are turning to social media for news, trust in these platforms remains relatively low, standing at just 22%. Additionally, only 10% of respondents said that creators and influencers fulfill most of their news requirements, indicating that such content serves more as a supplement rather than a replacement for conventional media. Trust in AI chatbots providing news answers is currently at 20%, with weekly usage having increased slightly overall, especially among younger people under 35.

Support for impartial journalism remains strong, with only a slight 3% drop since 2020, despite shifts in how news is consumed. In the United States, trust levels are particularly low at 25%, dipping even further to 15% among politically right-leaning citizens. Major news organizations have experienced significant declines in trust as well, including CBS News and Fox News, each dropping by 10 points since last year, and CNN falling by six points. Meanwhile, online news video has become a dominant format globally, with 77% of people watching such content weekly, surpassing traditional broadcast TV news in most markets surveyed. The report suggests that the rise of creators and online video reflects a desire for news that is more accessible, understandable, and relevant to everyday life

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