American Trust in News Media Has Risen

A new Gallup survey shows 33% of Americans now express confidence in newspapers, television, and radio.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Media

Isometric editorial illustration showing a tower of stacked, matte geometric blocks against a neutral background. — A new Gallup survey released on September 29, 2026, shows that 33% of Americans now express confidence in news media, up from 28% last year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you generally trust the news media to deliver accurate and fair reporting?

Gallup data published on September 29, 2026, indicates that 33% of Americans have confidence in news media. This figure reflects a modest recovery following the 2025 record low of 28%.

Why it matters

The shift in public perception is driven by a notable increase in Republican confidence, which rose from 8% to 22%. Meanwhile, trust levels among Democrats and independents remained unchanged.

The Gallup survey tracked confidence levels across the United States, measuring a rise in trust to 33% compared to the 2025 record low of 28%. Republican trust saw the most significant movement, climbing from 8% to 22%.

The players

Gallup

This is a global analytics and advisory company known for its public opinion polls and social research.

Center for Integrity in News Reporting

Founded in 2024, this organization incentivizes journalistic integrity through state and national award programs.

The details

The Center for Integrity in News Reporting, founded in 2024, is working to improve these metrics by rewarding impartial reporting and encouraging journalistic values. The organization currently offers $5,000 state awards across 23 states to incentivize high-quality journalism.

2024 marks the founding year of the Center for Integrity in News Reporting.
A record low media trust of 28% occurred in 2025.
Gallup poll findings were published on September 29, 2026.
National awards will be renamed the Benjamin Franklin Prizes in 2027.
The fourth annual national awards ceremony is scheduled for May 2027.

Market Landscape

The media sector is currently navigating a period of fractured public trust that reached a nadir in 2025. By incentivizing impartial reporting, organizations like the Center for Integrity in News Reporting are attempting to reshape the competitive environment of news consumption.

For the average news consumer, the current landscape suggests an evolving media environment where institutional trust is being actively courted. Readers may notice a greater emphasis on standardized journalistic integrity as various organizations compete for public credibility.

The takeaway

Increased public confidence suggests that news organizations may successfully restore their reputations through transparency and consistent reporting. Audience members should look for indicators of journalistic impartiality when evaluating the reliability of their news sources.

What happens next

The Center for Integrity in News Reporting will rename its national awards the Benjamin Franklin Prizes in 2027 and hold its fourth annual ceremony in May 2027.