Stable trust in journalism since 2022
A recent study by Motivaction shows that 57% of Dutch citizens trust the news, a significantly higher percentage compared to the 32% of Americans who express similar confidence. This research, conducted for the third consecutive year, indicates that trust in journalism in the Netherlands has remained stable since 2022.
Growing media literacy among Dutch citizens
Although overall trust in journalism is relatively high, many Dutch citizens critically assess news accuracy—43% say they regularly verify information by consulting multiple sources, an increase from 38% in 2022. This trend suggests a growing awareness of the importance of media literacy.
Rising importance of press freedom
The study also highlights an increasing recognition of press freedom and independent journalism as essential for a well-functioning society. In 2024, 44% of respondents considered press freedom crucial, up from 37% in 2022.
Traditional news anchors remain the most trusted
Interestingly, while new journalist-led talk shows continue to emerge, traditional news anchors such as Rob Trip and Annechien Steenhuizen remain the most trusted figures in the Dutch media landscape. This suggests that familiarity and credibility play a key role in maintaining public trust in news sources.
