Trust in news is at an all-time low globally, according to recent research, but there's a silver lining: a growing openness to new sources and formats. Despite this, confidence in news remains low, especially in the US, where trust stands at 25%, and even lower among politically right-leaning Americans (15%). This is a significant drop from 2025, with major news outlets like CBS News, Fox News, and CNN experiencing trust declines of 10 and 6 points, respectively. But what's truly fascinating is the shift in news consumption patterns. While more people are accessing news via social media, confidence in this format is only 22%. This suggests that social media is not replacing traditional media but rather complementing it. Interestingly, just 10% of respondents said their news needs were fully met by creators and influencers, indicating that traditional media still holds a strong position. The report also highlights the growing popularity of online news video, with 77% of respondents consuming this format weekly. This is a significant trend, as online news video now surpasses broadcast TV news in most markets, except for Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. What makes this particularly fascinating is the idea that people want news to be more accessible, understandable, and relevant to their lives. This shift in news consumption patterns raises a deeper question: how can news outlets adapt to meet these new expectations while maintaining their integrity and impartiality? The answer lies in embracing new formats and sources while ensuring that the core values of journalism are upheld. This is a challenge, but one that is essential for the future of news. The findings are based on an extensive online survey of almost 100,000 people across 48 markets, providing a comprehensive view of global news consumption trends. This research underscores the need for news organizations to listen to their audiences and adapt their strategies accordingly. In my opinion, the key to rebuilding trust in news is not just about addressing the current issues but also about proactively shaping the future of news. This means investing in new technologies, exploring innovative storytelling methods, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. As an industry, we must embrace the opportunities presented by the digital age while remaining steadfast in our commitment to ethical journalism. The future of news is not about replacing traditional media but about evolving and adapting to meet the needs of a diverse and increasingly digital audience. This is a complex task, but one that is essential for the health of our democratic societies.
