How Party and Religion Shape Americans’ Trust in Television News, News Organizations, and Journalists - PRRI
Americans’ confidence in public institutions, including the media, has declined precipitously in recent years. Similarly, few Americans view journalists as being highly ethical or honest. According to PRRI’s 2025 Trump’s First 100 Days Survey, a plurality of Americans (43%) say they most trust mainstream TV news sources for accurate information on politics and current events. This includes broadcast network news (15%), local television news (11%), public television news (7%), CNN (6%), and MSNBC (3%).Americans’ confidence in public institutions, including the media, has declined precipitously in recent years. Similarly, few Americans view journalists as being highly ethical or honest. At the same time, party and religion shape both the sources of news that Americans consume as well as their regard for news professionals.Americans’ confidence in public institutions, including the media, has declined precipitously in recent years. Similarly, few Americans view journalists as…This Spotlight Analysis examines which media sources Americans trust most for political news, as well as Americans’ confidence in news organizations and views of journalists in the current political climate.
