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France’s 2026 Media Trust Barometer Shows Deep Skepticism, Backing for an Independent Media Label

The release feeds a policy debate over how to counter online falsehoods without undermining pluralism.

Overview

  • Sixty-one percent of respondents say they should be wary of what the media report on major topics, while roughly three quarters express concern about foreign disinformation efforts.
  • About 62% support creating a non-state, independently assigned online media label, yet 48% fear it would favor large outlets or amount to indirect content control.
  • Use of new information channels is rising, with 41% reporting they use AI services for news and 42% turning to influencers, despite low trust in both sources.
  • Distrust shows clear partisan splits, with 66% of Rassemblement National sympathizers skeptical of media coverage compared with 46% among those close to Renaissance.
  • Information fatigue affects 47% of the public, down four points from the previous barometer, suggesting a modest easing in news avoidance.