Context:

A recent Pew-Knight poll reveals that only six percent of U.S. adults have a great deal of confidence in journalists acting in the public's best interests, while 17 percent express no confidence at all. This reflects a growing skepticism, with 57 percent reporting low confidence levels, particularly among Republicans, where trust drops to 25 percent. The data indicates a decline in overall trust in media, down from 47 percent the previous year, suggesting that the credibility of traditional news outlets is waning. This erosion of trust is impacting the financial viability of corporate media, leading to diminished influence over public opinion and raising questions about the future of journalism. As trust in established media declines, alternative new media sources are gaining traction.

Dive Deeper:

• The Pew-Knight poll, conducted in mid-December 2025, shows that only 43 percent of adults believe journalists act in the public's best interests, a decline from 47 percent the previous year.

• Among political affiliations, 61 percent of Democrats expressed some level of confidence in media, down from 69 percent the previous year, while only 25 percent of Republicans shared similar views.

• The poll highlights a general sentiment of distrust, with many respondents commenting on the perceived bias and unreliability of news sources, leading to a need to view information skeptically.

• John Nolte argues that the rise of new media has undermined traditional media's credibility, severely impacting their ability to influence public opinion and their overall financial health.

• Many mainstream outlets are facing significant challenges, with the Washington Post described as being 'on life support' and CNN's viewership reportedly declining.

• The shifting landscape of media consumption indicates that traditional journalism's influence is fading, as audiences turn to alternative platforms for news.

• Nolte emphasizes that this crisis in trust is not only affecting journalism but also reshaping the media industry's future viability and relevance.