What's Happening?
In 2025, public trust in media and journalism in the United States has reached a historic low, with only 28% of people expressing confidence in the media's ability to report news fully, accurately, and fairly, according to a Gallup poll. This decline
in trust is not seen as a rejection of the media's role in democracy but rather a concern about its effectiveness in fulfilling its civic duty. The Knight Foundation, a significant journalism funder, has highlighted these concerns, noting that political bias, misinformation, and the use of generative AI in news production are major factors contributing to this mistrust. Despite the overall decline, local news organizations maintain higher trust levels compared to national outlets and social media. Philanthropic efforts are focusing on increasing local news coverage and supporting media literacy to combat misinformation.
Why It's Important?
The decline in trust in journalism has significant implications for democracy and society. Media serves as a critical watchdog, holding governments and corporations accountable, and shaping public attitudes and beliefs. The erosion of trust can undermine these functions, leading to a less informed public and weakened democratic processes. Philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by funding local news initiatives and media literacy programs. These efforts aim to rebuild trust by ensuring access to reliable information and educating the public on discerning credible news sources. The success of these initiatives could lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry, essential for a healthy democracy.
What's Next?
Philanthropic organizations are expected to continue their support for local news and media literacy programs. Initiatives like Press Forward, which aims to strengthen local news ecosystems, are likely to expand. Additionally, there may be increased advocacy for transparency in journalism and efforts to diversify newsrooms to better reflect the communities they serve. These steps could help restore public confidence in journalism and ensure that media continues to play its vital role in society.
Beyond the Headlines
The decline in media trust also raises ethical and cultural questions about the role of journalism in society. As newsrooms face pressure to adapt to digital platforms, there is a risk of compromising journalistic standards in pursuit of audience engagement. Philanthropy can help address these challenges by supporting ethical journalism practices and promoting transparency in news production. Long-term, these efforts could lead to a more resilient and trusted media landscape.
