Ainsley Earhardt: Most Trusted - 20%
It would be criminal of us if we were to miss Ainsley Earhardt’s name on this list! After all, she is a prolific anchor who is known for speaking her mind in any kind of setting. While she famously told her audience that she knows very little about politics, she got better with time and became a reliable voice in the Fox News studio.
Deborah Knapp, the veteran journalist, states that Earhardt manages to come right through our TV sets, and we couldn’t have put it in a better
manner.
Gayle King: Most Trusted - 22%
Gayle King’s demeanor and eloquence might have stolen our hearts, but it was something else that led to her gaining the trust of her viewers. She has a track record of dispensing accurate information, and that feat led her to interviews with numerous A-listers.
With 22% of the survey respondents taking her word at face value, we can rest assured that King is going to be around for a long time. Moreover, CBS is determined to have her around, even if it means shelling out a whopping $12 million a year!
Sean Hannity: Least Trusted ─ 30%
Some TV hosts don’t leave room for a middle ground view of them; you simply can’t be neutral with these presenters. You either love them or instead can’t stand their sight. Fox News’s host Sean Hannity is definitely one of those people.
Whether you are one who trusts Chris or not, you’ve got to admit that he’s actually a joy to watch. Plus, whatever your stance might be ─ love him or not ─ you’d have to accept that his willingness always to state his mind and stand by his words is somewhat admirable.
Chris Wallace: Most Trusted - 22%
In an era when reporters are increasingly becoming cautious about what to speak, there are only a handful of people who continue to remain unfazed. Chris Wallace is certainly one of those who can keep it real and be fair at the same time. The man has been appealing to the sensibilities of both liberal and conservative audiences for a while now, and that in itself is a big achievement!
With primetime shows like Fox News Sunday and NBC Nightly News on his resume, we aren’t surprised that 22% of the respondents like to hear him when he speaks.
George Stephanopoulos: Most Trusted - 23%
George Stephanopoulos had a thriving career in the White House as a communications director before he decided to revolutionize the newsrooms of ABC. Within a span of a decade, he found himself in the role of a chief anchor and a leading voice in the American news circuit.
Now, we are pretty sure that 23% of the survey respondents are glad that he traded a White House job to be on primetime news! We doubt that if there'll be anyone who can fill George's shoes anytime soon in the near future.
Andrea Mitchell: Most Trusted - 23%
We haven’t seen someone who is as composed as Andrea Mitchell for the longest time. Plus, her segments are always packed with rigorous analyses and beautifully explained scoops.
While Andrea is composed during the broadcasts, it does not mean that she lets her interviewees of the hook easily. Tough questions, rebuttals, and demands for explanations - these are a few things that we can always expect when she is on the anchor’s seat. In fact, these are the attributes that have elevated her to the status of a TV diva!
Brian Williams: Most Trusted - 24%
You know that a primetime host is well-versed with the nuances of his trade when he can present even the most devastating news in a calm and collected manner. Brain Williams does just that when it comes to reporting on international and domestic events of importance.
At one point, Williams did run into trouble during his time at NBC, but he almost instantly cleared the air and regained public trust. And now, the network’s post-primetime show, 11th Hour with Brian Williams, is topping all the late-night rating charts once again!
Wolf Blitzer: Least Trusted – 17%
In a bid to appear more diplomatic, Wolf Blitzer employs a passive questioning style with a leisurely approach when conducting interviews on CNN. On the other hand, viewers think he is rather dull, and they expect more gusto, which may be why they are hesitant to trust the reporter fully.
Having worked for CNN for three decades, Wolf has an adequate level of integrity, but in a survey of those who watch the news channel, 17% of people did not trust him. Yet, another 17% had more confidence in his commentaries, so he had an even split among the crowd.
Chris Hayes: Least Trusted ─ 18%
You can tell that a show is doing something right when many of its viewers remain loyal despite their lack of trust for its host. All in with Chris Hayes takes this to a whole other level ─ with about 18 percent of viewers stating that they had no trust in the host, Chris Hayes.
One can’t help but wonder why these viewers do not trust Hayes; after all, he has been hosting the show since 2013 and has even won quite the number of Emmy’s. None of this seems to help his reputation, nonetheless.
Steve Doocy: Least Trusted – 18%
Regardless of the popularity of the well-known American morning talk-show, Fox & Friends which airs on Fox News where Steve Doocy is one of the hosts, 18% of people interviewed said they did not trust him. It’s the same case with other reporters as they give the talk-show host low reviews no matter how high the show’s ratings are.
There are reservations among the audience about Steve’s unusual views, which makes them hesitant to buy into his thoughts, and his attempt at real-time reporting did not go so well either.
Juan Williams: Least Trusted – 19%
There’s just no way to escape conflict when you’re a democrat amongst republicans at Fox News, and Juan Williams has been in the midst of the clash since he joined the news station in 1997.
Even though he has articles published in credible newspapers and is also a guest host for The O’Reilly Factor, 19% of viewers don’t find him a reliable source of information despite how long he has worked with the network. With the statistics against him, he would need a lot more than his strong opinions to win their hearts.
Chuck Todd: Least Trusted – 19%
Morning Consult held a survey among those that watch NBC’s political director, Chuck Todd, and it turned out that he had the participants even out on the trust scale with 19% having low levels of trust in his words while one in five has a lot of confidence in him.
Chuck is seen on Meet The Press including its spin-off segment, while also serving as an on-air analyst on the news channel. It appears NBC trusts him enough to have him on their team despite Chuck being one of the least trusted news personalities!
Rachel Maddow: Least Trusted – 26%
Since Rachel Maddow joined MSNBC in 2008 and got her own program, The Rachel Maddow Show, which became increasingly popular, she has been heavily criticized for her political views. The anchor does not shy away from saying things she believes in, but her approach is a sure way to have many people disagree with her views, making it inevitable to lose trust among a good number of her audience.
In the face of the harsh climate that came with Rachel’s success, the several awards she has under her belt are proof that there are people who still appreciate her input in the world of journalism.
Mika Brzezinski: Least Trusted – 23%
Mika Brzezinski is famous for her confident, no-nonsense approach when hosting the Morning Joe show on MSNBC with her husband, Joe Scarborough, and she doesn't hold back, speaking her mind when she needs to. The journalist has ensured that the program has incredibly high ratings, but that doesn't mean all love her.
Despite her willingness to go after a story and ask the hard questions regardless of who is on the hot seat, to some people, Mika is a tad too aggressive, which is perhaps why she makes the list of the least trusted hosts. We hope she keeps on doing what she does best and wins more fans!
Chris Matthews: Least Trusted – 22%
Famous for hosting Hardball With Chris Matthews, Chris Matthews is a veteran journalist whose logical demeanor and specific trait endeared him to many fans. Having plied his trade for over two decades, most recently on MSNBC, the host finally hung his boots up in 2020.
It will be interesting to see who replaces Matthews on the show, with his passionate debating skills, an ingredient that will be sorely missed. We hope whoever takes after the legendary journalist pursues the truth as the man himself did with confidence and grit, despite having big shoes to fill.
Joe Scarborough: Least Trusted – 22%
Joe Scarborough is one of the most prominent conservative voices in media, using his show Morning Joe to discuss political issues, and has served in the US House of Representatives; there is no person better suited for the role. With the program's popularity, you would think many Americans hold the host in high regard, but if the polls are anything to go by, that's not the case.
22% of the viewers trust what Joe has to say, which is a tad surprising. It seems his experience as a public office-holder and journalist hasn't helped grow his rapport with the audience.
Tucker Carlson: Least Trusted – 21%
Being famous and having people trust you are two different things, as Tucker Carlson found out. The journalist is considered Fox News Channel's favorite news anchor and has some of the highest ratings on television, but people don't have faith in what he says.
Despite over 4 million people tuning in to watch Carlson's broadcasts, 21% of the group say they don't trust the host. That is quite ironic and confusing, which makes us wonder what the veteran journalist will do to make the audience trust him more? We're looking forward to seeing what steps Tucker and the network will take to raise his trust ratings.
Chris Cuomo: Least Trusted – 20%
Thanks to his Cuomo Prime Time show on CNN, Chris Cuomo has achieved massive fame in presenting news to the world, but he has ironically been involved in numerous disagreements that might have contributed to the low trust rating. Despite having millions of viewers worldwide, 20% of them don't trust the journalist.
Winning the audience's trust is one of the hardest things to do, and it would be interesting to see how Chris goes about trying to get fans back on his side. Maybe getting rid of some viral videos might help, but whether that will work remains to be seen.
Laura Ingraham: Least Trusted – 20%
Laura Ingraham is a famous journalist who has created a name for herself in media by hosting The Ingraham Angle on Fox News. Despite her popularity and charm, it was shocking to see that 20% of the public do not trust her.
Ingraham is known for taking a hard stance, asking difficult questions, and those traits might have been a contributing factor to her dwindling trust rate card. Audiences can be a tricky group of people to please, and maybe the veteran news reporter might change her style and get more people to trust her.
Anderson Cooper: Least Trusted – 19%
You might know Anderson Cooper from the popular CNN program Anderson Cooper 360˚ but did you know that he is among the least trusted journalists? A poll conducted by Morning Consult determined that 19% of the audience doesn't trust the acclaimed journalist.
Cooper's signature hair and glasses make him one of the most memorable faces on television, and the confident, eloquent delivery of his broadcasts is one of the admirable traits about him. It seems that despite his appearance on numerous shows and his fame, he needs to put in some work to ensure that the public trusts him more.
John Dickerson: Most Trusted - 19%
John Dickerson’s career graph has been on an upward trajectory for quite some time now, and that is for a good reason. CBS News has been handing him show after show owing to his great approval ratings and his ability to deliver results.
A poll suggests that he has the complete trust of nearly 19% of CBS Evening News and CBS This Morning viewers. Besides, his position as Time’s White House correspondent only adds to his credibility as a journalist. So, don’t be surprised if you start seeing more of him on TV in the near future!
Jake Tapper: Most Trusted - 19%
Politico magazine famously stated that Jake Tapper's innate ability to undertake extensive research helps him win the audience's faith. Backing up that quote, nearly 19% of the members in a survey said that they are all-in when it comes to trusting the man's word.
As the host of The Lead with Jake Tapper and the Chief Washington Correspondent at CNN, he is definitely nailing the getting-facts-straight game. Moreover, Tapper has a unique way of phrasing the day's news, and this alone can leave the viewers of his show hooked for more.
Dana Perino: Most Trusted - 21%
Ardent followers of American politics know Dana Perino and her prowess since her time as a White House secretary. It is probably her great communication skills or her vast knowledge of the Capitol Building’s procedures that makes her a trusted voice for viewers. Either way, we are glad that she decided to make her grand entry into the broadcasting space.
Now, we are off to watch The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino in anticipation for the news anchor to break down the biggest stories in a simple and comprehensible manner!
Don Lemon: Least Trusted – 25%
Don Lemon is not shy with words when airing his views as one of the leading news presenters on CNN. He came into the spotlight in 2016 during the election season when he made his thoughts known to the world, sparking widespread controversy in the process.
The backlash did not phase Don’s resolve to stay true to himself by giving his unfiltered take on whatever issue is presented to him. Despite being one of the least trusted news reporters because of his resilience, many people still tune in daily to listen to what Lemon has to say.
Craig Melvin: Most Trusted - 21%
Reporting and presenting the news is a serious business, which leaves little room for lighter moments and playful banter. And if there is one person who has exploited every opportunity to demonstrate his sense of humor, it is Craig Melvin. With these traits, the anchor has become one of the loved and respected journalists in the country.
Melvin catapulted to the limelight for the first time when MSNBC took him in as a weekend reporter. People loved him, and soon, he was made the face of Today’s Third Hour on NBC!
Harris Faulkner: Most Trusted – 24%
Harris Faulkner climbed up the journalism ladder quickly, from working as a freelance business writer to being one of the most-viewed and formidable news correspondents. Owing to her unbiased and exceptional news anchoring, the conservative newscaster has bagged multiple Emmy wins! Three of these were won in the Best Anchor category.
No wonder many Americans tune in to her daily daytime show Outnumbered Overtime With Harris Faulkner. Even in a group, her dynamic personality stands out! Faulkner became the first woman of her origin to host her very own show on Fox News. Truly inspirational!
Robin Roberts: Most Trusted – 28%
Watching morning news can be exhausting, but not if it’s being hosted by the remarkable Robin Roberts! That’s right, Roberts’ morning show Good Morning America has been ranked one of the most-watched shows in the whole country. The reason for such vast fan-following is her cheerful attitude, which could feel energizing in the early hours of the day!
Moreover, the anchor’s reliable and neutral news reporting is a breath of fresh air and is admired by countless young people and political enthusiasts. What people love the most is that she never crosses boundaries and always looks calm and composed.
David Muir: Most Trusted – 28%
If you are on a hunt for a reliable source of national and international news, your best bet at getting that is from ABC World News, which is hosted by David Muir. Muir’s very own show World News Tonight with David Muir is one of the most-followed news programs and is watched by 12 million people each day!
According to online polls, a staggering number of people have responded that they trust David a lot. It also shows in the many awards he has received for his neutral reporting, including the Edward R. Murrow Award!
Anderson Cooper: Most Trusted – 29%
The devotion of Anderson Cooper towards truthful journalism is well-known. Many people may disagree, but when the viewership numbers come in, they clearly seem to suggest otherwise! It is said that millions tune in to CNN to get their share of impartial updates on the daily happenings.
He often delivers news reports from the studio of CNN, but if need be, he will break certain news pieces right from the location of the stories. This is what makes Cooper a reliable source of information; he not only tells but also shows!
Lester Holt: Most Trusted – 32%
Following his unbiased anchoring in the first presidential debate of 2016, Lester Holt earned a reputation as a fact-checker rather than a mindless minion of the political system. Due to his trustworthy persona, he is now held in high regard in the eyes of not only the viewers but also prominent publications!
The Washington Post credited the journalist for his fact-checking skills and refuting fraudulent statements that promote hidden agendas. Not many people do that. He is loved and respected among his peers and by fans! We feel that Lester’s era is just beginning, and much more can be expected of him in the future.