Americans' overall opinion of the U.S. news media has declined over the past five years, according to a study conducted by Gallup and the Knight Foundation.

"Only 26% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the news media, the lowest level Gallup and Knight have recorded in the past five years, while 53% hold an unfavorable view," the study report states.

"Across all political affiliations, more Americans say they hold an unfavorable opinion of the news media compared to a survey conducted in late 2019-early 2020. This rise is especially pronounced among independents but is also apparent among Democrats — who typically hold more favorable views of the media."

Only 23 percent of those surveyed said "most national news organizations care about the best interests" of their audience.

"While 72% say national news organizations have the resources and opportunity to report the news accurately and fairly to the public, only 35% say most national news organizations can be relied on to deliver the information they need," the report states.

"Fifty percent of Americans feel most national news organizations intend to mislead, misinform or persuade the public."

The study also surveyed Americans on their trust in various institutions, including if they think elections are "free and fair."

"While 70% of Americans with high emotional trust in national news organizations believe elections are free and fair, just 22% of those with low emotional trust say the same," the report states.

"Twenty-nine percent of Americans who have high emotional trust in national news organizations say elected officials have their constituents' best interests in mind, compared with just 4% of those with low emotional trust."