‘Alarm bells are ringing’: Why Indian newsrooms are losing the trust of the public

2 hours ago 7

The Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2026 highlights a news industry in India that is in flux. Trust in news fell four percentage points year-on-year to 39 percent, in line with a global decline to a decade-low 37 percent — “the lowest since we started recording this figure a decade ago,” says Jim Egan, senior research associate and lead author of the report. To unpack what these findings mean on the ground, Mitali Mukherjee, director of the Reuters Institute, hosted a panel featuring Dhanya Rajendran, editor-in-chief of The News Minute, Pradeep Gairola of The Hindu Group, Sannuta Raghu of Scroll, and Jim Egan, who discussed what this shift means for newsrooms of very different scales. The decline in trust resonated closely with Dhanya Rajendran. “What I was taken aback by is the lack of trust that people have in the media, though it’s not surprising to see that the trust is going down further. Alarm bells are ringing in my brain as to how we can salvage the situation,” she says. She points to a related shift in the data: “If you look at the India statistics, it says that a lot of people are on YouTube – they’re consuming news on YouTube. And it also says that traditional media houses are not capitalising on YouTube as much as content creators, and I think that is applicable even to smaller organisations like The News Minute.” That tension between where audiences are and where newsrooms can follow runs through the report’s wider findings. Social media and video platforms have overtaken both TV and news websites as the primary source of news worldwide, and India shows some of the highest YouTube news consumption globally. AI chatbot use for news is notably higher in India, too, at 22 per cent, compared with the global average of 10 per cent. The conversation also touched on news avoidance, generational trust gaps, and the challenge of monetising video, underscoring an industry still searching for sustainable footing amid rapid technological change. Watch this conversation for more insights. Subscribe to Newslaundry: https://pages.razorpay.com/nlsm Join us on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va61PEo0QeacOqU9vr2k Download the accessible Newslaundry app: https://www.newslaundry.com/download-app Follow and engage with us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/newslaundry Twitter: https://twitter.com/newslaundry Instagram: https://instagram.com/newslaundry

The Vision and Mission of Upilink News - Empowering Informed Citizens

Welcome to Upilink News, your gateway to unbiased news, investigative journalism, and a platform free from government censorship. At Upilink, we believe in the power of information to empower citizens, fostering a well-informed society capable of making informed decisions.

Our platform, hosted at www.news.upilink.in, is meticulously curated to provide users with a reliable source of news, steering clear of propaganda and ensuring the delivery of objective reporting.

The Need for Upilink News

In an era where information is abundant but often tainted with bias and misinformation, the need for a trustworthy news source has never been more critical. Upilink News recognizes this necessity and strives to fill the gap by offering a carefully curated selection of news from diverse, reputable sources.

Our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism distinguishes us as a beacon of truth in the digital news landscape.

Our Unique Approach

What sets Upilink News apart is our meticulous selection process for news sources.

We prioritize transparency, accountability, and reliability in our curation, ensuring that only the most credible and unbiased reports make it to our platform.

Our team of experienced journalists and fact-checkers work tirelessly to sift through the noise and present users with news that stands up to scrutiny.

The Role of Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is at the heart of Upilink News. We understand that a well-functioning democracy relies on an informed citizenry, and investigative reporting plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.

Sustaining Upilink News - Your Support Matters

Free Access for All

At Upilink News, we firmly believe that access to information should be a fundamental right for everyone. Therefore, our platform is entirely free to use, allowing users from all walks of life to stay informed without any financial barrier.

Donations - Fueling Independent Journalism

To sustain our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism, we rely on the generosity of our users. Your donations go directly towards supporting our team, maintaining our infrastructure, and enabling us to continually improve and expand our coverage.

By contributing, you become a vital part of the Upilink community, driving the mission to keep information free and accessible.

Advertisement - Balancing Sustainability

In addition to donations, we embrace advertisements as a means of generating revenue to support Upilink News.

In conclusion, Upilink News is more than just a news aggregator; it's a commitment to empowering citizens through unbiased information.

Join us in our mission, explore the diverse and credible news on our platform, and consider supporting us through donations. Together, let's build a community that values truth, transparency, and the power of an informed citizenry.