**Trust in News Hits a New Low, Research Suggests**
Recent research from the Reuters Institute has revealed a significant decline in global trust in news, marking the lowest levels recorded since their annual reports began in 2015. The findings, published on Tuesday, indicate that public trust in news worldwide has fallen to 37%, a decrease of three percentage points compared to the previous year. In the UK, the situation is even more pronounced, with trust plummeting five points to 30%, a stark 20 points lower than a decade ago.
The study highlights a shift in how people consume news, with more than half of respondents now relying on third-party platforms, such as social media and video networks, for their news. Despite this trend, traditional news sources like websites and television remain popular, particularly in the UK.
The Reuters Institute attributes this decline in trust to a combination of factors, including anxiety, disengagement, and cynicism among audiences. Many respondents expressed dissatisfaction with how long-running issues, such as immigration, inflation, and international conflicts, are covered by news publishers.
Interestingly, the report also points to a willingness among audiences to explore new sources and formats of news, as well as a recognition of the potential value that quality journalism can provide. Despite the rising consumption of news through social media, confidence in this format is notably low, with only 22% of participants expressing trust in news obtained from social platforms. Furthermore, just 10% of respondents indicated that most of their news needs were met by creators and influencers, suggesting that these newer sources are seen as complementary rather than replacements for traditional media.
The report also examined the role of artificial intelligence in news consumption. Trust in information provided by AI chatbots stands at 20%, although there has been a slight increase in weekly usage, rising from 7% to 10% overall, and reaching 16% among individuals under 35.
In the United States, trust in news is particularly low, recorded at just 25%. Among politically right-leaning Americans, this figure drops even further to 15%. Major news outlets have experienced significant declines in trust, with CBS News and Fox News both seeing a drop of 10 points since 2025, while CNN's trust rating has decreased by six points.
The popularity of online news video has surged globally, with 77% of respondents consuming online news video each week. This format has overtaken broadcast television news in most markets, with the exception of Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The report suggests that the growing interest in creators and online video does not indicate a waning demand for news; rather, it reflects a desire for news that is more accessible, understandable, and relevant to people's lives.
These findings stem from an extensive online survey involving nearly 100,000 participants across 48 markets. As the landscape of news consumption continues to evolve, the implications of these trends for traditional media and the future of journalism remain significant. The research underscores a critical moment for news organizations to address public concerns and adapt to the changing preferences of their audiences.