Pew study: Americans value journalists but see influence waning in digital age

WASHINGTON — A new Pew Research Center study released Aug. 20 finds that while most Americans still view journalists as important to society, many believe their influence is slipping — and are divided over who qualifies as a journalist in today’s fragmented media environment.

The survey of more than 9,000 U.S. adults, paired with online focus groups, highlights how digital platforms and nontraditional news outlets have blurred definitions of journalism. Roughly 79% of Americans consider someone who writes for a newspaper or news website a journalist, compared with 65% who say the same about TV reporters and 59% for radio reporters.

Yet fewer than half see podcasters (46%), newsletter writers (40%) or social media news posters (26%) as journalists, with about a quarter of respondents uncertain in each case.

Generational differences also stand out. Younger adults are more likely to view “new media” figures as journalists, though they care less than older adults about whether their news comes from someone with formal journalism credentials. “I feel like anyone can do it,” one woman in her 20s told researchers, reflecting on the ease of starting independent news channels.

At the same time, Americans continue to place high expectations on those who deliver news. Honesty, intelligence and authenticity rank as the top desired traits, with 84% saying accurate reporting is essential and 64% calling for corrections of false statements from public figures.

Only a minority, however, want news providers to share their personal opinions.

Still, trust remains fragile. While 59% say journalists are very or extremely important to society, 49% believe they are losing influence, compared with just 15% who say they are gaining ground. Less than half (45%) express strong confidence that journalists act in the public interest. Many focus group participants pointed to commercial pressures and the pursuit of “clicks” as undermining credibility.

Partisan divides are sharp. Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to view journalists as biased, elitist or dishonest. Democrats, by contrast, are more inclined to describe journalists as intelligent and well-intentioned. This polarization echoes broader debates about news trust and political identity in the U.S.

Americans are also split on whether it is acceptable for journalists to advocate for the communities they cover. Just over half oppose journalists publicly expressing political or religious views while reporting, with 56% saying most reporters cannot fully separate personal opinions from their work.

The report underscores how Americans’ image of journalism remains rooted in 20th-century figures — from Walter Cronkite to Lester Holt — even as the digital age expands the field to podcasters, newsletter writers and influencers. As one participant summed up: “If you’re a journalist, let’s stick to journalism. And if you want to be an influencer or social change warrior or whatever, just stick to that.”

This is an edited version of the report published by Pew Research Center.