A majority of Americans doubt journalists act in the public’s best interests, with 57 percent expressing low confidence in media professionals according to new analysis from Pew Research Center.
The study shows 40 percent of adults have “not too much confidence” while 17 percent report having “none at all” in journalists to serve the public good. By comparison, only 43 percent say they maintain a great deal or fair amount of confidence in media professionals.
Previous surveys demonstrate the public places less confidence in journalists than in several other institutions and professions including the military, scientists and police officers. Additional polling has documented relatively low trust in news organizations more broadly.
The analysis from the Pew Knight Initiative examines how confident Americans feel about journalists acting in citizens’ best interests. The research center regularly surveys Americans about their confidence in different groups and institutions to better understand changing perceptions over time.
Researchers posed the question as part of alarger study exploring how Americans think about their role in the news environment. The survey included 3,560 U.S. adults interviewed from December 8 to 14, 2025. All participants belong to the Center’s American Trends Panel, representing views of the full U.S. adult population.
Researchers also conducted nine online focus group discussions led by PSB Insights with 45 U.S. adults from June 10 to 18, 2025, though these discussions do not represent the entire population.
Substantial partisan divisions emerged on this topic. Democrats and Democratic leaning independents register 61 percent confidence in journalists to act in the public’s best interests, more than twice the 25 percent reported by Republicans and GOP leaners.
Since researchers first asked this question in 2020, Democrats have consistently demonstrated greater likelihood than Republicans to express confidence in journalists. This partisan gap has persisted over time, though it has decreased since 2020.
The corporate media’s collapse in public trust demonstrates why America desperately needs alternative news sources, independent journalists and media outlets willing to challenge establishment narratives rather than amplify them. Supporting citizen journalists, substack writers, podcast hosts and digital platforms that prioritize truth over access to power represents the only path toward rebuilding an informed citizenry capable of holding institutions accountable.
Americans seeking actual journalism rather than propaganda must actively seek out and financially support the independent voices corporate gatekeepers work relentlessly to silence and discredit.
