Media Trust Has Risen Among U.S. Adults

A recent Gallup poll indicates a slight increase in public confidence regarding news media outlets.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Political Parties

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a studio microphone placed on a stack of blank paper, representing news media communication. — Thirty-three percent of U.S. adults now report having confidence in news media, according to recent Gallup survey data, an increase from 28% last year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you generally trust the news media to report stories fully, accurately, and fairly?

Thirty-three percent of U.S. adults now report having a great deal or fair amount of confidence in the news media. This figure represents an increase from the 28% level of trust recorded last year.

Why it matters

The survey results highlight a shift in public opinion, with notable changes in confidence levels observed across different political affiliations.

Current public confidence in mass media sits at 33%, a rise from 28% in 2025. Among political groups, Democratic confidence stands at 50%, while independent confidence is 31%.

The players

Gallup

Gallup is an American analytics and advisory company known for conducting public opinion polls globally.

The details

Gallup measured confidence in newspapers, television, and radio to report news fully, accurately, and fairly. While overall trust is up, opinion remains split, with equal thirds of Americans reporting having not very much confidence and no confidence at all.

The 1970s marked the first measurement of media trust by Gallup.
The year 2025 saw record-low media trust levels.
The Gallup Governance poll was conducted between September 1 and September 17, 2026.

Political Context

The current 33% trust level remains significantly lower than the 70% seen in 1970s media trust levels. This long-term trend reflects a broader decline in institutional confidence that persists despite the minor annual increase.

These polling numbers reflect how Americans consume news and interact with information sources in their daily lives. The partisan split in trust levels may influence how different communities access and perceive national information campaigns.

The takeaway

Public trust in media currently remains fragmented, with deep divides between political groups. Readers should consider diverse news sources to ensure they are accessing a complete and fair report of current events.