Global News Trust Reaches Record Low, Research Reveals
Trust in news hits a new low – A new study indicates that trust in news organizations has reached its lowest level in over a decade, according to data from the Reuters Institute. The report, released this week, highlights a decline in public confidence, with global trust now standing at 37%—a three-point drop from the previous year.
UK Trust Drops Sharply
In the United Kingdom, trust in news has fallen by five percentage points to 30%, marking a significant 20-point decrease since 2015. Despite this, traditional news sources remain more favored in the UK compared to other regions.
Over half of respondents now rely on third-party platforms such as social media and video networks, while a comparable number still turn to news websites and television broadcasts. This shift reflects a growing reliance on alternative formats, even as traditional media retains its dominance in certain markets.
“Our data points to 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,” the institute stated.
However, the report also notes a willingness to embrace new sources and formats, with many expressing belief in the potential of news at its best. Notably, confidence in social media-based news remains lower than general trust in news, measuring at just 22%.
AI Adoption Rises, But Trust Lags
Weekly use of AI chatbots has increased from 7% to 10% globally, with 16% of individuals under 35 utilizing them. Yet, only 20% of respondents express faith in AI as a reliable source of information.
Support for impartial news continues to be strong, showing minimal impact from changing consumption habits. This support has declined by 3% since 2020, yet it remains relatively stable across different platforms.
Political Divides in News Trust
In the United States, trust in news stands at 25%, and it is even lower among right-leaning voters, at 15%. Major outlets have also experienced notable declines, with trust in CBS News and Fox News dropping 10 points from 2025, and CNN losing six points.
Online news video is now a mainstream format, with 77% of people worldwide consuming it weekly. In most markets, it surpasses broadcast television in popularity, except in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
“The popularity of creators and online video is not evidence that people no longer want news, but it suggests they want news to feel more accessible, more understandable, and more relevant to their lives,” the report concluded.
The findings are based on an online survey of nearly 100,000 participants across 48 countries, offering insights into evolving media habits and perceptions.
