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Trust in Mainstream Media at a New Low, But the Black Press Stands as the Trusted Voice

October 8, 2025

Trust in mainstream American media has fallen to a record low, with Gallup reporting only 28% of adults have confidence in news outlets to report fully and fairly, down from 31% last year and 40% five years ago. The decline is particularly pronounced among Republicans (8%) and Independents (27%), while Democrats show higher but declining trust at 51%. For Black America, this distrust is not new, as the Black Press has historically carried truths when mainstream outlets would not, though now these approximately 200 family-owned Black newspapers face their own survival struggles due to reduced advertising and support.

Who is affected

  • American adults across political affiliations and age groups
  • Black Americans and communities who rely on the Black Press
  • The approximately 200 family-owned Black newspapers, many led by women
  • Mainstream media outlets facing record low trust levels
  • Publishers of Black newspapers who are struggling economically

What action is being taken

  • Ben Crump is pledging $50,000 over five years to support the Black Press
  • Black newspapers continue publishing despite economic challenges
  • Gallup is conducting surveys to track Americans' trust in media
  • Black women publishers are working to keep their papers alive despite resource limitations
  • The Black Press is continuing to disseminate information to Black communities

Why it matters

  • Trust in mainstream media has fallen to historic lows, with only 28% of adults expressing confidence
  • The Black Press has historically been crucial for carrying truths when mainstream media would not
  • The institution that once defended Black humanity and carried the voices of leaders like Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, Dr. King, and Malcolm X is now fighting to survive
  • The Black Press serves as an essential source of information for Black communities when mainstream sources are distrusted
  • As Ben Crump noted, the Black Press is "needed more than ever before" during a time when Black Americans feel "under attack"

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Trust in Mainstream Media at a New Low, But the Black Press Stands as the Trusted Voice