As AI reshapes media, a new Reuters Institute report reveals a growing trust gap between newsrooms and audiences worldwide. Over half of respondents in the U.S. (52%) and UK (63%) say they’re uncomfortable with news primarily generated by AI—especially on hot-button topics like politics.
Distrust in the Digital Age
Audiences fear AI could worsen ‘content reliability’, with 59% globally worried about online misinformation—up 3% from last year. Election-year jitters spike in South Africa (81%) and the U.S. (72%), where fake news risks run high.
Paywalls vs. TikTok Stars
While subscription growth stalls (only 17% pay for online news), news influencers are winning Gen Z. 57% of TikTok news users prefer personalities over traditional outlets. ‘Newsrooms must build direct ties with audiences while leveraging platforms,’ says report author Nic Newman.
AI’s Double-Edged Sword
Though suspicious of AI-generated articles, audiences are open to AI tools boosting journalistic efficiency behind the scenes. But with tech giants like Google rolling out AI summaries that could divert traffic, media’s revenue model faces new pressures.
‘Newsrooms must build direct ties with audiences while leveraging platforms,’ says report author Nic Newman.
China Proposes New Rules to Label AI Content 
