As the debates over trust in media, misinformation and control over information rage, a new Knight-Gallup survey of more than 19,000 U.S. adults shows that Americans believe that the media have an important role to play in our democracy — yet they don’t see that role being fulfilled.
Part of the Knight Foundation Trust, Media and Democracy initiative, the new report, one of the largest on this topic, holds important implications for the future of journalism. As news organizations and policy makers contemplate ways to advance the role of strong journalism as essential to our democracy, it also underscores the competing views and perceptions that are affecting American trust in the media. Here are 10 findings that stood out to us.