Only 31% of Americans have a "great deal" or a "fair amount" of trust in mass media "when it comes to reporting the news fully, accurately and fairly," according to Gallup poll conducted in early September. A greater number of Americans — 36% — say they have no trust at all.  

Going back to when Gallup first asked the question in 52 years ago, trust was highest in 1976, topping out at 72% — more than double current levels. Meanwhile, the percent expressing complete distrust has soared from single digits in '76.