Americans’ confidence in the news media has fallen to a new low, according to a new Gallup poll. Just 28% saying they have a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in television, newspapers, and radio to report the news fully, fairly, and accurately.

That figure is down from 31% a year ago, and sharply lower than 40% just five years ago. Forty-one percent of U.S. adults now say they have “not very much” confidence in the media, while 34% say they have “none at all.”

Republican Trust in Media Plunges to 8%

The decline has occurred across all major political groups. Among Republicans, trust has collapsed to 8%, the lowest ever recorded in Gallup’s long-running trend. Independents now mirror that distrust at 27%, and even among Democrats only a narrow majority, 51%, express confidence — the lowest point for that group.

A striking generational divide also emerged. Among Americans aged 65 and over, trust in the media stands at 43% — higher than any younger age group. No younger age bracket reports more than 28% trust.

Trust Was as High as 72% in the 1970s

When Gallup first asked the question in the 1970s, trust ranged between 68% and 72%. It remained above 50% through much of the late 20th century, only beginning its long decline in the 2000s.

Analysts say the challenge for media outlets is steep: restoring credibility in an era of deep political polarization and growing skepticism. With younger generations, including Democrats, expressing weaker faith, overall trust could erode even further unless meaningful changes are made.