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Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Thursday, October 02, 2025

Americans' confidence in the mass media has edged down to a new low, with just 28% expressing a "great deal" or "fair amount" of trust in newspapers, television and radio to report the news fully, accurately and fairly. This is down from 31% last year and 40% five years ago. Meanwhile, seven in 10 U.S. adults now say they have "not very much" confidence (36%) or "none at all" (34%). When Gallup began measuring trust in the news media in the 1970s, between 68% and 72% of Americans expressed confidence in reporting. However, by the next reading in 1997, public confidence had fallen to 53%. Media trust remained just above 50% until it dropped to 44% in 2004, and it has not risen to the majority level since. The highest reading in the past decade was 45% in 2018, which came just two years after confidence had collapsed amid the divisive 2016 presidential campaign.

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The latest 28% confidence reading, from a Sept. 2-16 poll, marks the first time the measure has fallen below 30%.

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The MSM is controlled by Conservative Corporate America.

End MAGA. End Billionaires. End Monopolies of the Air Waves.

#1 | Posted by Sycophant at 2025-10-02 10:19 AM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

"When Gallup began measuring trust in the news media in the 1970s, between 68% and 72% of Americans expressed confidence in reporting. However, by the next reading in 1997, public confidence had fallen to 53%."

This tracks with the economy that used to lift all boats transitioning to today's economy.

Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households.

All the major problems in America stem from this.

The news does not delve into economic structural imbalance because the news is owned by the oligarchs doing the imbalancing.

It takes an easily cowed, poorly educated mind to blame the workers for that, instead of the managament.

It's like yelling at the gate agent because your flight is delayed because the President fired the Air Traffic Controllers.

#2 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-02 10:37 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Screw 'em.
It's become plenty clear the Major Networks were all in on Project 2025. So, I cut 'em all loose.
I discovered I can live without pro or college sports.

#3 | Posted by morris at 2025-10-02 10:50 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

They lost my confidence when Trump was reelected and they've done nothing but play stupid with the 'well golly gee whiz, will you look at that wrong statement! How did they make that mistake?' nonsense approach to reporting, acting as if the "mistakes" weren't loud projections of their intentions and mindset.

#4 | Posted by jpw at 2025-10-02 10:57 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Accepting and promoting Trump's 300,000 plus lies alone might just cause a wee bit of loss of confidence... especially among Swing Voters who feel betrayed, and semi-conscious Trumpers watching prices go up and their bank accounts go down.

Shocker.

#5 | Posted by Corky at 2025-10-02 11:54 AM | Reply

Trump has them pretty much all the main stream media cowed. Even if they win a $15 billon dollar law suit, it puts their finances in jeopardy just to fight off the government prosecutors/lawyers.

Have you not noticed how MSM dances around the Trump issues? Their wording is very careful. Then there is the Colbert and Kendal affairs. Both owners trying to obtain merger approval, knowing they have to kiss the butt of Trump for the ok.

These are reasons I no longer trust MSM. They've rolled over just like big law firms did. If they won't stand up for themselves, how can I believe them?

The answer is, I don't.

#6 | Posted by BBQ at 2025-10-02 09:30 PM | Reply

In an America with no Corporation for Public Broadcasting, where capitalist media consolidation has run amok for decades,

This poll indicates most Americans think Capitalism has degrades the quality of the news media over the past fifty years.

But most people are simply incapable of blaming Capitalism.

#7 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-02 09:38 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

One thing that's problematic is people are using social media for "news" but all they're getting is confirmation bias.

At a much higher volume than what they got from traditional mainstream media.

#8 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-02 09:56 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Capitalism has degrades the quality of the news media over the past fifty years.

It became a quest for ratings.

#9 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-02 10:01 PM | Reply

28%. I'm surprised it's that high.

This wound is 100% self inflicted.

#10 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-10-03 10:35 AM | Reply

This wound is 100% self inflicted.

POSTED BY BELLRINGER

Your ignorance of reality and lack of awareness is showing again.

Our media (and you) are being manipulated by powerful AI algorithms from several sources. Including our own intelligence agencies. What percentage do you think that might account for?

Hint: it's a nonzero positive number.

#11 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-10-03 11:20 AM | Reply

Outlets like RT and Sputnik publish content in multiple languages to push Kremlin-approved narratives. They often mimic the style of legitimate news, publishing content that promotes Russia's geopolitical agenda and discredits its opponents.

So much so that we have our own leaders repeating it as gospel.

Russian troll farms, such as the Internet Research Agency (IRA), use fake social media accounts, bots, and paid influencers to amplify divisive social and political topics. These campaigns often target Western elections to sow chaos and increase polarization.

Russia has been observed using AI to produce fabricated news stories and deepfake videos to deceive audiences. In some cases, it has attempted to manipulate the algorithms of Western AI chatbots by flooding web crawlers with its own narratives.

Russia tailors its disinformation to specific audiences, amplifying different narratives in the U.S., Europe, and the Global South. A 2024 campaign, for example, impersonated Western news outlets to spread disinformation about the war in Ukraine.

#12 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-10-03 11:28 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I gave up on TV media after Columbine. It was just segments blaming Doom and Marilyn Manson for the shooting, which is ridiculous.

#13 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-10-03 11:32 AM | Reply

And then there is China ...

Chinese state media, including CGTN and Xinhua, have expanded their reach globally to promote the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) ideological narratives. They enter into content-sharing agreements with foreign outlets and use platforms like TikTok to target younger audiences.

The CCP recruits or provides stipends to Western social media influencers and bloggers to create and share seemingly unbiased but pro-Beijing content. These influencers are directed to produce videos that present a sanitized view of China, including sensitive regions like Xinjiang and Tibet.

China has been documented using fake social media accounts to spread divisive content and disinformation in Western countries. For instance, in 2024, a "Spamouflage" operation aimed to spread disinformation to U.S. voters.

If you are unaware of any of this then you are or have been probably manipulated by it.

#14 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-10-03 11:33 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

It was just segments blaming Doom and Marilyn Manson for the shooting, which is ridiculous.
#13 | Posted by Alexandrite

There was one good sound bite that came out of that.
Somebody asked Marilyn Manson what he would do about this and he said:

He would ask the children what they think and listen to what they have to say.
No politician has ever done that, and they never will.

#15 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-03 12:29 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Yeah, from "Bowling for columbine"

MM used to be a really intelligent thoughtful person. He unfortunately became a monster.

#16 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-10-03 12:39 PM | Reply

#2 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-02 10:37 AM | Reply | Flag:VICTIM

#17 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-10-03 01:38 PM | Reply

#2 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-02 10:37 AM | Reply | Flag:VICTIM
#17 | Posted by lfthndthrds

Aww, isn't that sweet.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Fact is, everyone in the middle class and below is a victim of this economy. And that is by design. Which design? The one I keep talking about. "Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households."

You don't seem to understand that working class Republicans want to go back to the income distribution before 1975. Because you are not working class.

#18 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-03 06:05 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

You don't seem to understand that working class Republicans want to go back to the income distribution before 1975. Because you are not working class.

#18 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-03 06:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yet I don't know a single person who didn't get exactly what they aimed for. 99% of people are poor because of ------ life choices.

#19 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2025-10-04 11:00 AM | Reply

"Yet I don't know a single person ... "

Pro tip:

It's hard to make friends when you are constantly acting like a horses arse.

#20 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-10-04 11:14 AM | Reply

"Yet I don't know a single person who didn't get exactly what they aimed for."

I don't know what this means.

What does it mean?

#21 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 11:19 AM | Reply

"99% of people are poor because of ------ life choices."

There is zero evidence to support your ridiculous claim. You will now spend a few moments Googling to find something to prove Snoofy wrong, big you will fail.

Regardless, the lack of evidence to support your claim will do nothing to deter you from continuing to believe that you are right, and everybody else is wrong.

Your opinions are manifestatiins of your emotions; typically hatred and scorn.

Not the result of rational thinking.

Whoever hurt you left wounds that will seemingly never heal.

#22 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 11:25 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 3

" 99% of people are poor because of ------ life choices."

Any actual proof of that claim, or are you using Republican Math?

#23 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-10-04 11:41 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Any actual proof of that claim, or are you using Republican Math?

POSTED BY DANFORTH

No proof. Just more typical maga gibberish.

It is just a tale (pulled from his tail) told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

#24 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-10-04 11:44 AM | Reply

He really does think he's smart, though.
He really believes that.
He thinks he has a point, and it doesn't really matter to him that every time he's pressed for details, he can't deliver the goods.
That part doesn't matter because he knows he's right anyway.
It's what happens to people when they've never been nurtured. Never been taught where true self-worth comes from.

#25 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 11:50 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

99% of people are poor because of ------ life choices.

#19 | Posted by lfthndthrds

You've never had any sort of real life.

#26 | Posted by Zed at 2025-10-04 12:22 PM | Reply

"Yet I don't know a single person who didn't get exactly what they aimed for."

Jesus.

You've never had any sort of a real life.

Or you're lying.

#27 | Posted by Zed at 2025-10-04 12:23 PM | Reply

Most poor people work... and they don't get a living wage.

A poor life choice would be lying about this daily on these pages.

#28 | Posted by Corky at 2025-10-04 12:36 PM | Reply

People are poor because they're born poor. It's hard to get out of.

#29 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2025-10-04 12:46 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

It makes sense, though.

If you sincerely believe that low-income people should be punished for making "poor life choices"...

Never any reason to feel sorry for the additional pain you cause them.

#30 | Posted by Zed at 2025-10-04 12:50 PM | Reply

I've also got new insight as to why some "Christians" hate the poor and think that mercy towards others is weak. Or should I say "woke"?

#31 | Posted by Zed at 2025-10-04 12:54 PM | Reply

you sincerely believe that low-income people should be punished

There was a time in America when a working man making minimum wage could support their family with their income.

That was when America was great and the idea of the American Dream was a reality.

Now most minimum wage employees need two to three jobs in order to support their family.

#32 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-04 03:30 PM | Reply

"99% of people are poor because of ------ life choices."

Stop lying.

You know it's more like 97%.

Keep in mind most poor folks were born into it.

So it's ------ life choices ... ..just not their own choices.

#33 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 04:02 PM | Reply

"There was a time in America when a working white man making minimum wage could support their family with their income."

FT

In any case, the days of a $.05 root beer are behind us.

Move on.

#34 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 04:04 PM | Reply

the days of a $.05 root beer are behind us.

Do you know why?

#35 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-10-04 04:07 PM | Reply

Because you'll pay $2.50 for a root beer.

#36 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 04:33 PM | Reply

Keep in mind most poor folks were born into it.
So it's ------ life choices ... ..just not their own choices.
#33 | Posted by eberly

Allowing poverty to flourish is a choice an entire society makes, Eberly.

You are absolutely hopeless if you can't recognize that.

#37 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 05:12 PM | Reply

It's just so hopelessly easy to dunk on you all day, bro.

#38 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 05:16 PM | Reply

-Allowing poverty to flourish is a choice an entire society makes, Eberly.

I agree. Combating poverty is also a choice. And a good one.

I was talking about how folks get into poverty.

Not that we should ignore it.

Every post is just more proof you're just a little kid dying for attention.

Make a point once in a while instead of trying to make it about me.

#39 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 05:39 PM | Reply

"hopelessly easy to dunk on you all day, bro."

All you can do is dunk on yourself. 6' goal, of course.

You're so hysterically self destructive you managed to ban yourself.

It's quite clear you are medicated.

#40 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 05:43 PM | Reply

"I was talking about how folks get into poverty.
Not that we should ignore it."

Republicans shutting down the government is intended to put more people in poverty.

Take the W.

#41 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 06:15 PM | Reply

Insurance companies have started dropping seniors.
I know multiple people who have received letters in the last few days.
#38 | Posted by jpw
drudge.com

Take a W for that too, Eberly.

Your Republican Family Values are finally taking hold across America.

#42 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 06:25 PM | Reply

"Make a point once in a while instead of trying to make it about me."

My points are usually about Republicans.

You're a Republican.

It's not my fault if you take that personally.

It's yours.

#43 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 06:28 PM | Reply

One reason trust in MSM is so low is Republicans aren't held to account by the media.

Not that it's necessarily possible for the media to do that -- but there's not much effort to, either.

This is setting aside the obvious media that's spreading Trump's lies, which is another reason not to trust "the media" in whole, because more and more of it is tainted and propagandized.

#44 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 06:31 PM | Reply

@#44 ... One reason trust in MSM is so low is Republicans aren't held to account by the media. ...

Another reason may be what, exactly, does MSM mean nowadays?

Anyone here care to define it vs. how MAGA seems to use it?

Yeah, MSM now seems just to be another vague rallying call of MAGA, one without any real meaning behind it.

#45 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 06:52 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

-Take the W.

making it about me because you have nothing else to bring and you want me so badly.

Clearly, it's you who takes this and everything else massively personally.

-Anyone here care to define it vs. how MAGA seems to use it?

Rush Limbaugh managed to drive a wedge between many Americans and the MSM. He turned it into a derogatory term.

#46 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 07:27 PM | Reply

@#46

Your current alias quotes my comment at one point, but also seems to go off in some other direction.

... Rush Limbaugh managed to drive a wedge between many Americans and the MSM. He turned it into a derogatory term. ...

Really, was it him?

But good to see the apparent acknowledgement is has been turned into an derogatory term by MAGA.

That aside, I'll ask again, what, exactly, does MSM mean when MAGA uses it?

If MAGA seems to be using it so frequently, then they should have a clue of what they are talking about ....

#47 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 07:37 PM | Reply

-That aside, I'll ask again, what, exactly, does MSM mean when MAGA uses it?

Media not to be trusted. Completely in the bag for the democrats.

#48 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 08:02 PM | Reply

"Rush Limbaugh managed to drive a wedge between many Americans and the MSM. He turned it into a derogatory term."

LOL, "many Americans." Why not just say Republicans? That's Rush's audience.
You like playing these Overton Window games with your deliberate vagueness.

Speaking of Rush, Rush Limbaugh architected the post-truth era we live in now.
Rush Limbaugh architected a political discourse where "Barack The Magic Negro" is acceptable political commentary from the Riiight.

That being said, the Gallup Poll does not use the term MSM:

"In general, how much trust and confidence do you have in the mass media " such as newspapers, TV and radio " when it comes to reporting the news fully, accurately and fairly " a great deal, a fair amount, not very much or none at all?"

The mass media, by definition, includes Rush Limbaugh, FOX News, WSJ, 700 Club, and so on. So if you were to ask me, I would answer "A Fair Amount" or "Not Very Much." And Rush Limbaugh is an example of why.

Republicans poison the airwaves, and then turn around and say "The Mass Media is lying to you!"
Yeah, you're right, Republicans. You're the ones doing the lying.

#49 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-10-04 08:19 PM | Reply

Rush Limbaugh managed to drive a wedge between many Americans and the MSM. He turned it into a derogatory term.
#46 | POSTED BY EBERLY

This just proves once again that we are not a divided nation. We are a nation that has been purposely divided. For fun and profit.
...

Media not to be trusted. Completely in the bag for the democrats.

#48 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Fixed News is MSM.

#50 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-10-04 08:23 PM | Reply

"your deliberate vagueness."

You're unbelievably thin skinned.

I didn't leave out "Republican" to be vague.

It's obvious. I could have said the right, conservatives, republicans, etc. that's the audience for sure.

Good grief ... ... .you are such a ------ baby.

#51 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 08:26 PM | Reply

Rush Limbaugh managed to drive a wedge between many Americans and the MSM. He turned it into a derogatory term.

For which Lewzer gave him the Medal of Freedom.

#52 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-10-04 08:31 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

-We are a nation that has been purposely divided. For fun and profit.

Interesting way to describe it. I agree with that take and the proof is the amount of hypocrisy from the GOP and their friends in the media. The division isn't really rooted in meaningful ideological differences.

It's just about winning.

#53 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 08:32 PM | Reply

@#48 ... Media not to be trusted. Completely in the bag for the democrats ...

That's not a definition, it is an opinion.

Do try harder.

What is the definition of MSM, as used by MAGA?


If it cannot be defined, then why use it?


#54 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 09:13 PM | Reply

-That aside, I'll ask again, what, exactly, does MSM mean when MAGA uses it?

I answered that question, you old fool.

Try harder? You're funny.

Go guard a bulletin board and swat people with your cane when they prove they are superior to you.

That's all you're doing here.

Swatting people with your cane using your prose while proving you can't actually make an argument

#55 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 09:33 PM | Reply

@55 ... I answered that question, you old fool. ...

Your current alias did not answer my question.

As I noted, it provided a political opinion, and not a definition.

And now it seems to resort to ageism attacks in a lame attempt to justify it's posts.

So sad.

But just more of the apparent usual trolling of your current alias for replies.


#56 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 09:43 PM | Reply

-Your current alias did not answer my question.

Take your pick, old man.

Either I will consider you a liar or retarded.

I 100% answered your question.

My alias has been longer than you.

You're embarrassing yourself.

Proving you can't argue.

Again ... ..change your depends and get back to your bulletin board.

And it's not sad. It's funny to watch

No wonder Hans found you so moronic. You're a little like him.

#57 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 10:03 PM | Reply

= when they prove they are superior to you.

Yikes!

Someone has a Complex.

#58 | Posted by Corky at 2025-10-04 10:04 PM | Reply

I'm superior to just about everyone here.

Most of you just accept it.

:-)

#59 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 10:06 PM | Reply

-That aside, I'll ask again, what, exactly, does MSM mean when MAGA uses it?

Answered that question. Accurately BTW. You all agree with me.

#60 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 10:07 PM | Reply

@#57 .. Either I will consider you a liar or retarded. ...

So, resorting to degradation instead of answering a simple question.

Let me ask it once again ...

What, specifically, is the definition of MSM?


#61 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 10:10 PM | Reply

"resorting to degradation"

I know that's what you'd call it when you use that lame ass "current alias" line. You have to use it. You're defenseless at that point.

What does MSM mean to MAGAs?

I'm speculating here but I'd say it's anything except a short list of right leaning websites, pundits, syndicated talk show hosts, etc.

Everything else? MSM

Why are you asking such stupid questions?

#62 | Posted by eberly at 2025-10-04 10:30 PM | Reply

Remember the "very fine people" hoax? Want to hear what Trump actually said, on C-SPAN. This is where it came from. This is the whole clip, but you can start at 2 minutes. www.youtube.com

This is where "There where good people on both sides" came from, and the NYT used it to claim Trump was a Nazi.

That's the MSM. Nothing but woke lies.

#63 | Posted by HeliumRat at 2025-10-04 10:53 PM | Reply

@#63 ... That's the MSM. Nothing but woke lies. ...

So, you seem to attribute what the NY Times says to MSM?


What about what the uber-popular FoxNews says?

Is that also considered to be MSM?



#64 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 11:04 PM | Reply

@#62 ... I'm speculating here but I'd say it's anything except a short list of right leaning websites, pundits, syndicated talk show hosts, etc. ...

Good.

Finally, we're getting somewhere.

So you seem to define MSM as all the media that may not say what MAGA wants to hear?



#65 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 11:06 PM | Reply

I thought the original "MSN" was ABC, CBS, and NBC. ie the broadcast networks.

#66 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-10-04 11:18 PM | Reply

@#66 ... I thought the original "MSN" was ABC, CBS, and NBC. ie the broadcast networks...

yeah, but it seems to have expanded beyond that.

And now, with the MAGA takeover of CBS, what would Mr Cronkite say?

#67 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 11:23 PM | Reply

what would Mr Cronkite say?

"Goodbye".

#68 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-10-04 11:30 PM | Reply

Depeche Mode - Shake the Disease (1985)
www.youtube.com

Lyrics excerpt ...

genius.com

...
I'm not going down on my knees, begging you to adore me
Can't you see it's misery and torture for me?
When I'm misunderstood
Try as hard as you can, I've tried as hard as I could
To make you see
How important it is for me
...

#69 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-10-04 11:53 PM | Reply

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