By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, media trust levels vary significantly across different regions. While some countries exhibit strong confidence in their media institutions, others remain highly sceptical.
The report highlights that China (75%), Indonesia (75%), and India (67%) lead in media trust, representing a combined population of over three billion people. Similarly, Thailand (67%), Kenya (66%), and Nigeria (63%) also display notable levels of trust in their media.
Other nations with relatively high trust levels include Singapore (62%), Saudi Arabia (61%), Malaysia (60%), and the United Arab Emirates (59%).
These figures suggest that media institutions in these countries retain significant public confidence, possibly due to factors such as state control, regulatory policies, or consistent reporting.
Regional disparities in media trust
Despite strong media confidence in parts of Asia and Africa, trust levels drop significantly in other regions. For instance, countries like Japan (33%) and South Korea (38%) show widespread scepticism towards their media. This contrasts sharply with their regional counterparts such as China and Indonesia, where trust is significantly higher.
Changes in media trust over time
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer indicates that most countries have witnessed a slight increase in media trust. However, five nations recorded declines in trust levels, reflecting concerns over misinformation, political influence, and media bias.
The most dramatic change occurred in Argentina, where trust in the media saw a significant rise. This surge coincided with increased public confidence in the government following the election of President Javier Milei. His administration’s policies and approach to governance may have played a role in shifting public perception of the media.
The findings from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer highlight a complex global landscape regarding media trust. While certain countries maintain high confidence in their media institutions, others remain highly critical.
The increase in trust levels in most regions suggests a gradual shift in public perception, though scepticism persists in various parts of the world. As media landscapes continue to evolve, factors such as government influence, journalistic integrity, and transparency will likely play crucial roles in shaping future trust levels.
| Rank | Country | % who trust media | P.P. change from 2024 to 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 75% | -2 |
| 2 | Indonesia | 75% | +5 |
| 3 | India | 67% | 0 |
| 4 | Thailand | 67% | -2 |
| 5 | Kenya | 66% | +4 |
| 6 | Nigeria | 63% | +7 |
| 7 | Singapore | 62% | +2 |
| 8 | Saudi Arabia | 61% | 0 |
| 9 | Malaysia | 60% | 0 |
| 10 | UAE | 59% | -4 |