Trust in the media: no fatality

Don’t let us down! Of course, the Barometer of trust in the media, published as every year by La Croix, is not flattering for the press (1). Interest in the news is waning, affected by the growing weariness of citizens faced with a flow of anxiety-provoking news. The credibility of the press is weak, even if the newspapers and the radio are doing better than others, in particular the Internet, whose trust rating is very low. These results are certainly a warning for the media and journalists.

→ EXPLANATION. Media barometer 2022: French confidence at an all-time low

Yet we choose here to remain, if not optimistic, at least voluntary. And our mobilization is based on our convictions but also on experience. Thus, our last week’s issue devoting 40 pages to a year-long investigation in a police station met with great success. Yes, it is possible to do quality journalistic work and yes, the public is then there. There is no fatality, all is not lost in the world of info.

→ READ. “I could no longer manage this overflow of information”: these citizens in favor of the media diet

In this election year, the La Croix poll also shows that French people’s expectations of the press remain high. Citizens want the media to allow candidates to present their programs, they expect journalists to track down false information, give citizens something to make their choice, promote peaceful debate. We are up to the challenge! It is indeed in this spirit that the team at L’Hebdo works week after week, as does the entire team at La Croix. That, on their side, our readers do not underestimate the part they take in this enterprise. Because, without loyal readers, there will be no means, therefore no sufficient number of journalists, no field reports, no time to investigate, no money to employ photographers and illustrators, no possible investment in tools ( digital, editorial system, etc.) to meet new audiences. Media determined to do quality work and an engaged public: two essential conditions for building a relationship of trust between the press and citizens.

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