Trusted News Outlets
In a fast-moving media environment, Americans face an overwhelming mix of credible reporting and misinformation. According to the Pew Research Center’s News Media Tracker (2025), trust in journalism varies sharply by political affiliation, age, and source. Pew identified 30 major outlets most recognized and consumed nationwide—spanning TV, print, digital, and podcasts. The findings reinforce a central point: people who seek fact-based, transparent reporting are better equipped to engage in democratic action.
Trusted news sources serve as the foundation for effective civic participation. Reliable journalism helps communities:
Stay informed about policy and government actions.
Verify information before sharing or acting.
Recognize bias and avoid manipulation.
Strengthen local and national democratic engagement.
As part of our mission to promote informed, peaceful democracy, we encourage members to rely on verified, nonpartisan, and transparent media organizations. Ground News is a valuable addition to this mix because it doesn’t function like a traditional news outlet. Instead, it serves as a media transparency and bias-comparison platform, enabling readers to see how different outlets cover the same story. Additionally, the following list combines data from Pew’s 2025 News Media Tracker into a compilation of nearly 40 trusted outlets. These are newsrooms that practice journalistic accountability, fact-checking, and editorial independence.
Mainstream National Outlets
Associated Press – Global wire service known for accuracy and neutrality; provides original reporting to thousands of outlets.
Reuters – International news agency emphasizing financial, political, and global affairs reporting; minimal editorial bias.
BBC News – UK-based global network with broad coverage and editorial transparency standards.
NPR (National Public Radio) – Publicly funded U.S. media network providing in-depth national and local coverage.
PBS NewsHour – Public television journalism focused on long-form, balanced reporting.
The New York Times – Comprehensive national and international coverage; strong investigative reporting.
The Washington Post – Known for government accountability and investigative journalism.
The Wall Street Journal – Business and economic reporting with a generally center-right editorial page but rigorous news standards.
USA Today – Accessible national coverage emphasizing factual, concise reporting.
The Guardian (U.S. Edition) – Independent, reader-supported global news outlet emphasizing human rights and democracy.
CNN – 24-hour news network emphasizing breaking news and global coverage.
Digital & Investigative Journalism
ProPublica – Nonprofit newsroom producing investigative journalism on corruption, inequality, and democracy.
Politico – Political news and policy analysis with a focus on government and campaigns.
Axios – Known for concise, data-driven reporting on politics, business, and tech.
The Atlantic – Magazine-style journalism on politics, culture, and society; strong analytical depth.
Bloomberg News – Financial and political reporting with rigorous data verification.
The Hill – U.S. political news with a focus on Congress and national policy debates.
Mother Jones – Investigative nonprofit magazine focusing on social justice and political accountability.
Vox – Explanatory journalism clarifying complex political and social topics.
FiveThirtyEight – Data-driven political, sports, and social analysis.
Center for Public Integrity – Nonpartisan investigative newsroom focused on democracy and money in politics.
Regional & Public Interest Journalism
Christian Science Monitor – Long-respected outlet emphasizing balance and context.
Stat News – Specialized reporting on science, health, and medicine.
Inside Climate News – Nonprofit newsroom covering environmental and climate issues.
The Texas Tribune – State-level nonprofit reporting model, often cited as the gold standard for local transparency journalism.
Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting – Multimedia storytelling focused on justice and equity.
Fact-Checking & Verification Outlets
FactCheck.org – Nonpartisan project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center that monitors accuracy in U.S. politics.
PolitiFact – Rates political claims on its “Truth-O-Meter”; run by the Poynter Institute.
Snopes – Longstanding online fact-checking outlet debunking misinformation and viral falsehoods.
Reuters Fact Check – Monitors and corrects misinformation circulating online.
Additional Outlets Recommended by Indivisible Chapters
Slate – Commentary and analysis with a progressive editorial tone but factual grounding.
The New Yorker – In-depth reporting, cultural criticism, and longform journalism.
NowThis News – Digital-first platform focusing on youth and social justice topics.
Democracy Now! – Independent news program with a focus on social movements and international human rights.
The Intercept – Investigative journalism emphasizing government surveillance and accountability.