What Is the Most Trusted News Source: Public Opinion Surveys

You might be surprised to learn just how much trust varies among American news sources. Public opinion surveys reveal that your preferences could be shaped not just by facts, but by the source's credibility. The Weather Channel ranks as the most trusted, but then there's a stark drop for others. Why is there such a dramatic divide in how we perceive news outlets? The answer might just reflect deeper societal issues.

Overview of Trust in American News

In the current media landscape, trust in American news sources varies significantly. The Weather Channel is notably perceived as the most reliable news outlet, with a net trust score of +49.

However, there's a pronounced partisan divide in news source preferences: Democrats tend to favor ABC and CNN, while Republicans are more inclined to trust Fox News and Newsmax.

Overall, only 31% of Americans report having substantial confidence in the media, with trust levels experiencing minor fluctuations over time.

Trust in news distributed via social media remains low, especially on platforms such as TikTok and Facebook. Understanding these trends is essential for identifying dependable news sources that align with individual preferences.

Most Trusted News Sources in 2025

In 2025, perceptions of trust in news sources have shown notable developments. The Weather Channel has emerged as the most trusted news source, with a trust score of +49. The BBC and PBS follow in close succession, reporting trust scores of +26 and +25, respectively.

A significant trend in public opinion is evidenced by the increase in news outlets receiving positive trust ratings from both Democrats and Republicans, with this figure rising to 27% from 13% in the previous year. Additionally, Al Jazeera and Bloomberg appear to have gained substantial trust among Democratic audiences.

Conversely, the National Enquirer continues to hold the position of the least trusted news source, with a trust score of -37. This data suggests a shifting landscape of media trust, indicating that while some traditionally established outlets maintain their positions, there's a complex dynamic at play regarding trust across the political spectrum.

Least Trusted News Sources in 2025

As of 2025, a considerable segment of the American population demonstrates a lack of confidence in various media outlets.

According to recent assessments, the National Enquirer has emerged as the least trusted news source, registering a net score of -37. Infowars ranks just behind, with a net score of -15, while Breitbart News follows closely with a score of -7, all of which categorize them among the least trusted media sources.

Surveys indicate that 36% of Americans report no trust in the media overall. This sentiment of skepticism is shared across political lines, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing doubts about the credibility of news organizations, illustrating a notable agreement on the issue of media distrust.

Partisan Trust Dynamics in News Media

Trust in news media among Americans is notably differentiated along partisan lines. Research indicates that Democrats exhibit a higher level of trust in various news sources compared to Republicans; specifically, 54% of Democrats express trust in news media, whereas only 12% of Republicans do the same.

This disparity is further illustrated by partisan preferences for specific media outlets, with 85% of news organizations favored by Democrats compared to those favored by Republicans.

The case of Fox News exemplifies these partisan trust dynamics, demonstrating a significant trust gap of 76 points between Democrats and Republicans.

This polarization reflects broader trends in media consumption and perceptions of credibility. While certain exceptions exist, such as The Weather Channel, Democrats typically prefer mainstream news outlets, whereas Republicans tend to choose alternative sources.

This divergence underscores the complex relationship between political affiliation and trust in news media.

Emotional Reactions to News Consumption

The consumption of news often elicits a range of emotional responses, with many individuals experiencing predominantly negative feelings.

A survey indicates that between 32% and 43% of Americans report emotions such as anger and anxiety linked to news consumption.

There's a noticeable difference in emotional responses based on political affiliation, with Republicans generally feeling more hopeful, while Democrats tend to report feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious.

This divide in emotional reactions also correlates with varying levels of trust in news sources.

Despite the fact that 53% of Americans feel adequately informed, the emotional impact remains considerable, as fewer than 20% indicate feelings of motivation or hopefulness in relation to the news.

Such findings highlight the complexities associated with news consumption and the necessity for individuals to address their emotional reactions while engaging with news content.

With 76% of Americans utilizing social media as a news source, it's important to examine the impact of trust in these platforms on individuals' information perceptions.

YouTube has emerged as the most trusted social media outlet, achieving a trust score of +12. In contrast, platforms such as TikTok and Facebook experience considerably lower trust scores, reported around -26 and -21, respectively.

Research indicates that younger adults generally exhibit higher trust in social media news compared to older generations, suggesting variations in news consumption patterns across age groups.

Despite a modest uptick in trust levels—ranging from -16 in 2024 to -10 in 2025—many Americans continue to regard social media as a problematic source for news, which ultimately influences their overall news consumption behaviors.

Changes in Trust Levels Over Time

Trust in news sources has evolved significantly in recent years, indicating changing public perceptions. By 2025, the average net trust in news outlets reached +8, reflecting an increase in public confidence.

Democrats displayed a notable rise in net trust, achieving a score of +28, while Republicans experienced a modest improvement to -1.

The Weather Channel was identified as the most trusted news source, attaining a score of +49.

Furthermore, trust in social media news sources improved, moving from -16 to -10, which may suggest a gradual acceptance of these platforms, particularly among younger demographics.

Nonetheless, pronounced partisan divides persist, with Democrats showing higher levels of trust in most news outlets compared to Republicans.

Age Differences in News Source Usage

Research indicates distinct differences in news consumption across various age demographics, reflecting broader shifts in media engagement.

Adults under the age of 45 predominantly access news through social media platforms, showing higher trust levels in sources such as YouTube compared to their older counterparts. In contrast, individuals aged 65 and above demonstrate a strong preference for traditional television news, with a reported trust rate of 43% in these outlets.

Moreover, there's been a noted increase in social media usage among Republicans, rising by 14 percentage points, while younger Democrats are increasingly turning to established news organizations, such as the BBC, to gather information.

These disparities underscore significant differences in trust and consumption habits among age groups, revealing an evolving landscape for news sourcing that warrants further examination.

Public Perception of Local vs. National News

Public perception of local versus national news varies significantly, particularly regarding trust levels. Research conducted by the Pew Research Center indicates that 67% of Americans express confidence in local news sources, contrasting sharply with the mere 31% trust in national media overall.

Local news outlets, which typically include television stations, radio broadcasts, and community newspapers, are often perceived as more community-oriented. This local focus is believed to enhance accountability, as these sources tend to cover issues directly affecting the local population. The familiarity with local journalists and their reporting can cultivate a sense of connection among community members, thereby fostering trust.

On the other hand, national news organizations often encounter challenges related to credibility. Many individuals question the relevance of national media coverage to their personal lives, which can diminish trust in these outlets. The perception of partisanship and the broad scope of national issues may also contribute to this skepticism, making it difficult for individuals to relate to the content.

Conclusion

In a landscape where trust in news varies widely, it’s clear that perception often aligns with political affiliations. While sources like The Weather Channel stand out for their reliability, others like the National Enquirer struggle to maintain credibility. As you navigate this complex media environment, stay mindful of how emotions and social media shape your views. Remember, your choices in news consumption can significantly impact your understanding of important issues, so choose wisely!