March 19, 2026

Building Trust in New Mexico’s Newsrooms

Local journalism continues to evolve in a rapidly changing information environment. That was the focus of a recent discussion at the 2026 New Mexico Local News Fund Summit, Local News in a Digital World: Navigating the New Information Era.

During the two-day event, Tom Garrity had an opportunity to present findings from the 2011–2025 Garrity Perception Survey to help journalists better understand how New Mexicans view reporters and where trust is strongest across the state.

The research shows that while trust in journalism varies across communities, several demographic groups consistently report higher levels of confidence in reporters. These audiences include women (29%), adults ages 18–34 (30%), residents age 65 and older (36%), households earning $40,000–$60,000 (37%), college graduates (31%), those with graduate degrees (45%), and registered Democrats (46%).

Rather than viewing trust as something that must be rebuilt from the ground up, the findings suggest an opportunity: start where trust already exists. By strengthening relationships with audiences that already express confidence in journalism, reporters and news organizations can reinforce credibility while helping extend trust to broader communities.

The following strategies highlight ways journalists can deepen those relationships and build on the audiences that already believe in the value of local news.

1. Engage Women as Community Connectors 

Women show higher levels of trust in reporters, and they often serve as information hubs within families, workplaces, and community networks.

Opportunities for journalists

• Feature reporting that reflects issues affecting families and communities.
• Elevate female voices as sources, experts, and storytellers.
• Host conversations in spaces where women already gather—schools, nonprofits, community groups.

Why it matters: When women trust the information they receive, that trust often travels through their networks.

2. Meet Younger Adults Where They Already Are

New Mexicans ages 18–34 are more trusting than many assume, but their relationship with news is platform-driven and interactive.

Opportunities for journalists

• Use visual storytelling and short-form explainers.
• Provide transparency: how the story was reported, where the data came from.
• Engage through Q&A formats, podcasts, and community conversations.

Why it matters: This generation doesn’t just consume news—they participate in it.

3. Respect the Experience of Older Residents

Residents 65+ have the highest trust levels. Many grew up when local journalism was the backbone of civic life.

Opportunities for journalists

• Continue delivering strong local reporting on issues that affect daily life.
• Use newsletters, local radio, and community events to stay visible.
• Highlight continuity and accountability—two values older audiences deeply respect.

Why it matters: Older audiences often serve as community memory keepers and civic leaders.

4. Provide Clear, Practical Reporting for Middle-Income Households

Households earning $40,000–$60,000 show the highest trust levels. These residents are often balancing work, family, and financial pressures.

Opportunities for journalists

• Focus on reporting that directly affects daily decisions: cost of living, schools, infrastructure, healthcare.
• Use practical explainers and service journalism.

Why it matters: When journalism helps people navigate their lives, trust grows naturally.

5. Lean Into Educated Audiences as Amplifiers

College graduates and those with graduate degrees show elevated trust in reporters.

Opportunities for journalists

• Provide deeper context, data, and analysis.
• Partner with universities, libraries, and civic organizations for public discussions.
• Highlight the reporting process and investigative rigor.

Why it matters: Educated audiences often share and advocate for credible information.

6. Recognize Political Trust Trends Without Becoming Political

Registered Democrats show the highest trust in reporters—46%, up from 29% in 2011.

Opportunities for journalists

• Maintain transparency in reporting methods and sourcing.
• Emphasize accountability journalism that applies to all institutions.
• Focus coverage on solutions and impacts, not just conflict.

Why it matters: Trust increases when audiences believe journalism is fair, transparent, and grounded in evidence.

For more information about The Garrity Group or our Garrity Perception Survey sign up for our regular insights at https://garritypr.com/research/

About The Garrity Group

Established in 1997, The Garrity Group helps small businesses to be heard and large organizations to be understood. The firm provides media relations and community engagement services for companies and organizations with a presence in New Mexico. For more information about the firm and our services, please visit www.garritypr.com. Download your copy of the 2025 Garrity Perception Survey by visiting: https://garritypr.com/research/.