Trust in news hits new low globally, research suggests

The BBC reports on the Reuters Institute's 2026 Digital News Report, which found global trust in news has fallen to 37%—an all-time low since the annual survey began in 2015. Trust in the UK dropped to 30%, and in the US to 25% (15% among right-leaning Americans), while major outlets like CBS News, Fox News, and CNN experienced significant declines. The reporting is well-sourced from the Reuters Institute's survey of nearly 100,000 people across 48 markets, with specific data points on consumption patterns, AI chatbot confidence (20%), and social media news adoption (77% watch online news video weekly), though the article provides limited direct quotes from Reuters researchers beyond institutional statements. Independent search results corroborate the Reuters Institute report as the authoritative source and add regional context—the Philippines experienced the largest decline globally at 10 percentage points—while also noting broader institutional trust erosion (CDC trust referenced in search results). Monitor upcoming media responses from major outlets to these findings and whether news organizations adjust coverage strategies in response to audience concerns about immigration, inflation, and international conflict coverage.