Legacy media faces declining ratings and historic trust lows

Legacy media and cable news networks are experiencing a significant decline in both viewership and public trust. While Fox News continues to lead in cable news ratings, its audience has seen substantial decreases in total viewers and key demographics compared to previous years. Other major networks, including CNN and MSNBC, are also facing shrinking audiences.

Data from Gallup indicates that trust in traditional news outlets—including newspapers, television, and radio—has fallen below 30 percent for the first time in half a century. This decline is widespread across political lines, though distrust is particularly high among Republicans. The Reuters Institute’s 2026 Digital News Report further notes that only a quarter of Americans report trusting the news most of the time.

As traditional institutions lose credibility, audiences are increasingly turning to independent creators and social media platforms for news. This shift is driven by a perception that corporate media prioritizes safe, lawyer-approved narratives and managed talking points over direct, verifiable reporting.