American Trust in Mass Media Hits Historic Low, Gallup Poll Reveals Widespread Decline
Gallup poll shows American trust in mass media at historic low of 28%, with confidence declining across all political groups, including record lows.
Overview
A recent Gallup poll reveals American trust in mass media has fallen to a historic low of 28%, marking the first time it dropped below 30% in 50 years.
Confidence declined across all major partisan groups, with Republican trust hitting a record low of 8% and independents remaining at a record low of 27%.
Democrats' trust in media is at a record low of 51%, matching 2016 levels, while older adults (65+) show significantly higher confidence at 43%.
This decline continues a trend since the mid-1970s, when over 70% trusted media accuracy, and has remained below majority levels since 2004.
A significant 34% of respondents express no trust in the media, with an additional 36% having little confidence, highlighting widespread national skepticism.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by characterizing the record-low trust in media as a "moment of crisis" for traditional journalism. They attribute this decline to specific factors, including President Trump's attacks on outlets and reporters, and a broader shift in audience consumption towards newer forms of media, thereby offering a particular interpretive lens for the poll's findings.