Public trust in news in the UK has hit rock bottom, according to a damning new study from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University. The annual report paints a stark picture of dwindling confidence among audiences, both domestically and internationally – a phenomenon that should send alarm bells ringing in the corridors of power.
The latest statistics reveal a five-point drop in trust levels over the past year, with just 30% of people now placing their faith in news outlets. This represents a staggering 20-point decline compared to ten years ago. Globally, average trust has plummeted to an all-time low of 37%, based on an online survey of nearly 100,000 individuals across 48 markets. The findings have been peer-reviewed as part of the institute's rigorous academic research.
The study suggests that a toxic cocktail of anxiety, disengagement, and cynicism is driving this collapse in trust. Many respondents voiced their dissatisfaction with how publishers are covering major stories such as immigration, inflation, and international conflicts. Yet, paradoxically, there is also evidence of an openness among audiences to new news sources and formats – alongside a continued faith in the value of high-quality journalism.
While more than half of respondents rely on third-party platforms like social media and video networks for their news, confidence in these channels is woefully low at just 22%. In contrast, traditional sources such as news websites and television news remain more popular in the UK. Interestingly, only 10% of participants stated that creators and influencers meet most of their news needs – suggesting these new figures primarily complement, rather than replace, established media outlets.
The research also sheds light on the emerging role of artificial intelligence. Globally, faith in AI chatbots currently stands at a paltry 20%, despite weekly usage having increased from 7% to 10%. Among under-35s, however, this figure rises to 16%. Amidst these shifting consumption patterns, support for impartial news remains remarkably robust – with only a three percentage point drop since 2020. This underscores the persistent demand among audiences for unbiased reporting.
This year's findings build upon previous research by the Reuters Institute, which has consistently highlighted fluctuating trust levels. The latest data highlights a widening gap between news organisations and their audiences – prompting pressing questions about journalistic practices and audience engagement strategies. The surge in popularity of online news video also underscores a fundamental shift in how individuals prefer to consume information.