U.S. Media Freedom: Perceptions Hit New Low

Gallup reports that 69% of Americans surveyed in May and June 2026 said U.S. media have a lot of freedom, six points below the previous low recorded in 2025. Perceptions are sharply divided by party: 91% of Republicans, 57% of Democrats and 68% of independents said the media have a lot of freedom.

Gallup places the results alongside its historical series and comparisons with other advanced economies, while noting that the 2026 OECD median was not yet complete. The findings track public belief in the press’s ability to operate freely, a perception that affects whether people see journalism as a credible watchdog.