Local newspapers and TV stations are the most trusted news channels in the country, judging by a study from America’s Newspapers, conducted by Coda Ventures.
The
most trusted media are:
- Local newspapers—51%
- Local TV stations—51%
- Local radio stations—49%
- Network TV news—43%
- National newspapers—36%
- Cable news networks—36%
- Social media—20%
What drives trust? The respondents cite these attributes:
- Is transparent and unbiased in reporting—61%
- Has ethical and
professional standards—59%
- Is committed and invested in the issues affecting the community—31%
- Has similar priorities and
values as me—25%
- The news is produced locally—25%
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Based on the above attributes, here are the most
trusted media:
- Local newspapers—25%
- Local TV stations—19%
- Network TV
News—17%
- Social media—13%
- Cable news networks—9%
- National newspapers—9%
- Local radio stations—8%
What accounts for the shift?
Meanwhile, 76% of Americans are concerned about the spreading of false or inaccurate news information.
“Misinformation continues to shake Americans’
faith in national media, with three-quarters expressing significant concerns about false news from larger outlets,” the study says. "As trust in national sources wanes, the spotlight falls on
local newspapers as a reliable counterpoint, connecting readers with fact-checked, accountable news that serves their community.”