📰Most Trusted News Sources in America
Trust in news media shapes public understanding and democracy in America. Sources vary widely in perceived reliability due to ownership, bias, and accuracy track records. Which news outlets do you trust most? Vote now.
What counts: Best means highest perceived trustworthiness based on fact-checking, neutrality, and audience data. Figures are approximate.
WSJ news pages have long separated straight reporting from its conservative editorial board. Landmark investigations into corporate scandals demonstrate its sourcing power. The split between news and opinion keeps it high in trust rankings.
Founded: 1889Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: News CorpMonthly Reach (M): 60 MNeutrality (0-10): 8/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRThe Wall Street Journal
20NPR▲ Rising
NPR's public-funding model and long-form audio reporting built listener loyalty over decades. Its 2016-2020 election coverage balanced data with on-the-ground stories. This combination places it among the most trusted national sources.
Founded: 1970Primary Format: Radio + DigitalOwnership: Public radio stationsMonthly Reach (M): 45 MNeutrality (0-10): 7/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRin 3 rankings
19Axios▲ Rising
Axios launched with a concise, bullet-point style that prioritizes clarity over narrative. Its smart brevity and sourcing transparency attracted readers seeking signal over noise. Rapid growth in policy circles reflects this disciplined approach.
Founded: 2016Primary Format: Digital newsletterOwnership: Axios MediaMonthly Reach (M): 25 MNeutrality (0-10): 7/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsAxios
19Reuters▲ Rising
Reuters built its reputation on wire-service neutrality since the 19th century and has maintained strict separation from opinion content. Its 2020-2023 coverage of elections and pandemics set the factual baseline that other outlets cite. This earns it the top spot for consistent, low-bias reporting.
Founded: 1851Primary Format: Wire serviceOwnership: Thomson ReutersMonthly Reach (M): 80 MNeutrality (0-10): 9/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 9/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsReuters
16Associated Press▲ Rising
The AP's cooperative model and stylebook have defined American journalism standards for decades. Its election-night projections and fact-checked dispatches remain the gold standard for local and national outlets. This track record secures second place.
Founded: 1846Primary Format: Wire serviceOwnership: CooperativeMonthly Reach (M): 75 MNeutrality (0-10): 9/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 9/10
added by IJR
16BBC News▲ Rising
BBC's charter-mandated impartiality and global newsgathering give U.S. audiences a non-domestic perspective. Its rigorous editorial guidelines and corrections process set a high bar. American trust stems from this structural independence.
Founded: 1922Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: UK public corporationMonthly Reach (M): 35 MNeutrality (0-10): 8/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsBBC News
16CBS News▲ Rising
CBS News maintained a traditional broadcast standard through decades of network competition. Its 60 Minutes franchise established long-form accountability journalism. This legacy keeps it in the upper tier of trusted TV sources.
Founded: 1927Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: Paramount GlobalMonthly Reach (M): 40 MNeutrality (0-10): 7/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRin 2 rankings
15ABC News▲ Rising
ABC News leveraged its prime-time platform and 20/20 franchise to reach wide audiences with verified reporting. Nightly World News maintained a middle-American tone. Trust derives from consistent, accessible delivery.
Founded: 1945Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: DisneyMonthly Reach (M): 45 MNeutrality (0-10): 7/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsABC News
12USA Today▲ Rising
USA Today pioneered national, color-printed journalism with a focus on accessible facts. Its 1980s launch and subsequent digital growth targeted broad demographics. This reach and clarity support steady trust scores.
Founded: 1982Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: GannettMonthly Reach (M): 55 MNeutrality (0-10): 7/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsUSA Today
11PBS NewsHour▲ Rising
PBS NewsHour's deliberate, interview-driven format has avoided sensationalism since the 1970s. Its reliance on viewer donations reinforces a public-service mission. This steady approach earns consistent high marks for trust.
Founded: 1975Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: Public broadcastingMonthly Reach (M): 20 MNeutrality (0-10): 8/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankings
10Bloomberg News leveraged terminal data and market access to deliver precise financial and policy reporting. Its 2020 election coverage emphasized data over narrative. This specialized strength secures solid trust.
Founded: 1981Primary Format: Digital + TerminalOwnership: Bloomberg L.P.Monthly Reach (M): 30 MNeutrality (0-10): 8/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRBloomberg News
8The Times expanded investigative capacity after the 2016 election and built a large subscriber base. Its 1619 Project and pandemic data work showed both ambition and scrutiny. Subscriber-funded model supports continued high-output reporting.
Founded: 1851Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: NYT CompanyMonthly Reach (M): 100 MNeutrality (0-10): 6/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsThe New York Times
6The Economist applies data-driven, global analysis to U.S. stories with minimal domestic partisanship. Its anonymous-byline model emphasizes institutional voice. This detachment supports high trust among policy readers.
Founded: 1843Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: Economist GroupMonthly Reach (M): 20 MNeutrality (0-10): 8/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRThe Economist
5MSNBC
MSNBC grew from NBC roots into a progressive-leaning cable network with strong primetime voices. Its daytime news blocks retain more traditional reporting. Trust varies sharply by political alignment.
Founded: 1996Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: ComcastMonthly Reach (M): 35 MNeutrality (0-10): 4/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 6/10
added by IJRin 2 rankings
4The Monitor's nonprofit, church-affiliated model emphasizes thoughtful, less sensational international and domestic coverage. Its weekly magazine and daily digital output maintain a low-profile but respected presence.
Founded: 1908Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: Church of Christ, ScientistMonthly Reach (M): 10 MNeutrality (0-10): 8/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRThe Christian Science Monitor
4The Post expanded digital investigations after Bezos acquisition and exposed major stories on government and tech. Subscriber growth funded continued reporting capacity. Trust remains solid but partisan perceptions vary.
Founded: 1877Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: Nash HoldingsMonthly Reach (M): 80 MNeutrality (0-10): 6/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsThe Washington Post
2Breitbart News
Breitbart positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream outlets with populist framing. Its 2016 election influence demonstrated digital reach. Trust is concentrated among its core audience.
Founded: 2007Primary Format: DigitalOwnership: PrivateMonthly Reach (M): 30 MNeutrality (0-10): 3/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 4/10
added by IJRin 2 rankings
1CNN
CNN pioneered 24-hour cable news but shifted toward opinion programming post-2016. Its fact-checking units and international bureaus remain assets. Mixed audience perception reflects this tension.
Founded: 1980Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: Warner Bros. DiscoveryMonthly Reach (M): 70 MNeutrality (0-10): 5/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRin 3 rankings
-1New York Post
The Post delivers tabloid energy with aggressive local and national scoops. Its Page Six and sports coverage built loyal readership. Trust splits along partisan lines due to sensational style.
Founded: 1801Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: News CorpMonthly Reach (M): 40 MNeutrality (0-10): 4/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 5/10
added by IJR
-2ProPublica▼ Falling
ProPublica pioneered nonprofit, donor-funded investigative journalism with Pulitzer-level impact. Its collaborative model with legacy outlets extended reach. This mission-driven approach places it high among specialized sources.
Founded: 2007Primary Format: DigitalOwnership: NonprofitMonthly Reach (M): 15 MNeutrality (0-10): 8/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 9/10
added by IJRProPublica
-4NBC News combined network reach with MSNBC cable extension while keeping core reporting separate. Meet the Press and dateline investigations anchor its credibility. Broad distribution sustains its mid-tier trust position.
Founded: 1940Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: ComcastMonthly Reach (M): 50 MNeutrality (0-10): 6/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsNBC News
-5Fox News▼ Falling
Fox News built dominance with prime-time commentary while its news division maintained separate sourcing. 2020 election coverage tested internal standards. Audience loyalty remains high despite trust polarization.
Founded: 1996Primary Format: TV + DigitalOwnership: Fox CorpMonthly Reach (M): 65 MNeutrality (0-10): 4/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 6/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsFox News
-6Time magazine's long-running person-of-the-year franchise and cover stories shaped national conversation for a century. Its shift to digital subscription model preserved some legacy reach.
Founded: 1923Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: Marc BenioffMonthly Reach (M): 25 MNeutrality (0-10): 6/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRTime
-7The Atlantic▼ Falling
The Atlantic revived long-form narrative journalism after its 2017 acquisition and built a subscriber base around ideas. Its political coverage draws both praise and criticism for framing. Trust is high among engaged readers.
Founded: 1857Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: Emerson CollectiveMonthly Reach (M): 25 MNeutrality (0-10): 6/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 7/10
added by IJRThe Atlantic
-10Newsweek competed directly with Time for decades before digital struggles and ownership changes. Recent revival attempts focus on digital subscriptions and opinion.
Founded: 1933Primary Format: Print + DigitalOwnership: PrivateMonthly Reach (M): 15 MNeutrality (0-10): 5/10Fact-Check Score (0-10): 6/10
added by IJRNewsweek
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