The latest report from Gallup on trust in the news media is not good.
In its latest survey on trust in the US news media the Gallup Organization found that seven in 10 adults said they have “not very much” confidence or “none at all.” Overall, only 28% of those surveyed said they have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust that the new is being reported fairly and accurately. Gallup noted this is the first time this level has dipped below 30%.
The latest figures are down from the 31% recorded last year and part of a steady decline. Gallup started asking questions about trust in news media in 1972. In the 1970’s about 70% of those surveyed said they had a great deal or fair amount of trust in news gathering and reporting.
Read the full report HERE.
Gallup does not offer any solutions, but did note:
With confidence fractured along partisan and generational lines, the challenge for news organizations is not only to deliver fair and accurate reporting but also to regain credibility across an increasingly polarized and skeptical public.
Fortunately, the SPJ does have some suggestions.
Lynn Walsh, Trusting News assistant director, will be running sessions at MediaFest25 here in Washington. Wednesday, Oct. 15 there will be a session on “Trust or Bust: How to foster loyalty with your audience and your community” form 1-5 pm. Friday, Oct. 17 at 9 am the topic is “You’re biased!” Tips to depolarize your coverage.”
Also on Wednesday is a session for journalism educators on “How to teach media literacy” with National Association for Media Literacy Education president Kimberly R. Moffitt and NAMLE vice president Stephanie Flores-Koulish.
There are plenty of great sessions for everyone involved in journalism. You can see the full schedule HERE. Tickets are still available at the MediaFest25 website.
