Global trust in news hits new low, research finds

Trust in news has hit an all-time low globally, according to research published Tuesday by the Reuters Institute. The annual report shows that public trust worldwide stands at 37%, down three percentage points from last year. In the UK, trust has dropped five points to 30% – 20 points lower than a decade ago.

More than half of respondents now get their news from third-party platforms like social media and video networks, although a similar number still use news websites and TV news. Traditional sources remain more popular in the UK.

The institute noted a mix of anxiety, disengagement, and cynicism among audiences, many of whom dislike how publishers cover ongoing stories such as immigration, inflation, and international conflict. However, the report also found openness to new sources and formats, and a belief in what quality news can offer.

Despite more people accessing news via social media, confidence in that format is much lower – at 22%. Only 10% of participants said most of their news needs were met by creators and influencers, suggesting they complement rather than replace traditional media.

Trust in answers from AI chatbots stands at 20% globally, though weekly use has grown from 7% to 10% (and to 16% among under-35s). Support for impartial news remains high, falling only 3% since 2020.

In the US, trust in news is 25%, dropping to 15% among right-leaning Americans. Major outlets saw significant declines: trust in CBS News and Fox News fell 10 points from 2025, while CNN dropped six points.

Online news video is now mainstream everywhere: 77% of respondents consume it weekly, and it now leads broadcast TV in all markets except Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The report states that the popularity of creators and online video shows people still want news, but want it to feel more accessible, understandable, and relevant.

The findings are based on an online survey of nearly 100,000 people in 48 markets.