• by Ray Schultz , November 10, 2024

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% 

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.”