# Global decline in traditional media trust and viewership

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-decline-in-traditional-media-trust-and-viewership
> Updated: 2026-09-22T22:58:47.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Global and domestic trends indicate a significant shift in news consumption from traditional legacy media toward social media and digital platforms. According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026, 54% of respondents across 48 countries access news via social media, surpassing the 52% who use television.

This transition is occurring alongside a historic decline in media credibility. Global confidence in news has reached lows of approximately 32%, with some markets reporting levels as low as 16%. In the United States, Gallup data shows trust in traditional outlets—including newspapers, television, and radio—has fallen below 30 percent for the first time in fifty years. 

As viewership for major cable networks like Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC declines, audiences are increasingly turning to independent creators. This shift is driven by a perception that corporate media prioritizes “safe, lawyer-approved narratives and managed talking points” over direct reporting. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on redesigning journalism education to include skills in video, streaming, and artificial intelligence.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Legacy media faces declining ratings and historic trust lows

Legacy media networks face declining ratings and historic lows in public trust as audiences shift toward independent digital creators and social media platforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/legacy-media-faces-declining-ratings-and-historic-trust-lows

### 2026-09-17: Digital news consumption shifts toward social media as trust declines

Social media has overtaken television as a primary news source, with 54% of global respondents using it. This shift coincides with declining media trust and a need for updated journalism training.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digital-news-consumption-shifts-toward-social-media-as-trust-declines

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Cite as: Global decline in traditional media trust and viewership. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-decline-in-traditional-media-trust-and-viewership