Global Public Trust in News Plummets to 37%, Lowest Since 2015
A new research report indicates that public trust in news has fallen to an all-time low, registering 37% globally. This figure marks the lowest point since annual reports by the Reuters Institute commenced in 2015. The decline is particularly stark in the United Kingdom, where trust has plummeted by five points to 30%, representing a 20-point decrease over the past decade.
Shifting Consumption Habits
Over half of the survey respondents now source their news from third-party platforms, predominantly social media and video networks. While news websites and television news continue to be utilised, particularly in the UK, the shift towards online platforms is undeniable. Despite this, confidence in news accessed via social media stands significantly lower at 22%.
The report suggests this trend reflects "a mix of anxiety, disengagement, and cynicism from audiences, many of whom don't like the way publishers are covering long-running news stories such as immigration, inflation, and international conflict." However, it also notes an openness to new formats and sources, alongside an enduring belief in the value of quality journalism.
AI and Content Creators
Only 10% of participants reported that content creators and influencers fulfilled most of their news requirements, suggesting these figures act as a supplement rather than a replacement for traditional media. Confidence in AI chatbot-generated news remains low at 20%, although weekly usage has risen from 7% to 10% overall, climbing to 16% among individuals under 35 years old.
In the United States, trust in news stands at 25%, dropping to a mere 15% among politically right-leaning Americans. Major US news outlets, including CBS News and Fox News, have seen trust decline by 10 points since 2025, with CNN experiencing a six-point reduction. Online news video is now a mainstream consumption method, with 77% globally watching online news video weekly, surpassing broadcast TV news in most markets surveyed.
These findings are based on an online survey encompassing nearly 100,000 individuals across 48 markets.
