(WND News Center)—Today’s journalism involves hundreds, even thousands, of internet citizen journalists: They watch what happens in their communities and government and report on it.
And they often have video to substantiate their reports.
Not much more than a generation back, before the Web, network and newspaper reporters watched what happened and then reported what they wanted.
And that, according to a new polling of teen citizens, hasn’t changed much.
A survey from the News Literacy Project confirms that teens, like adults, “tend to be distrusting of news media in the United States.”
It reported that teen’s descriptions of the media included:
- Biased
- Boring
- Bad
- Fake
- False
- Lies
- Crazy
- Chaotic
- Depressing
- Scary
- Deceptive
- Untrustworthy
- Compromised
- Wild
- Misleading
The report confirms “an overwhelming 84% of surveyed teens have a negative view of the media.”
Nine percent have a positive view, ranging from “OK” to “great.”
Forty-five percent of teens said “journalists do more to harm democracy than to protect it” and only 56% believe journalists and news organizations take journalism standards such as accuracy and fairness seriously in their work.
Eight of 10 said journalists fail to produce information that is more impartial than other content creators online, and seven of 10 think news organizations intentionally add bias to coverage to advance a specific perspective.
NLP said, “With views like these, it’s little wonder that many young people also indicated they do not see the value of preserving America’s Fourth Estate. About two-thirds (67%) of the teens we surveyed said they are a little or not at all concerned about the sharp decline in the number of news organizations in the U.S. over the last 20 years.”
The NLP noted young people are not alone in their views: “A 2025 Gallup poll showed record-low trust in mass media (newspapers, TV and radio) among U.S. adults, with only 28% of Americans having a great deal or a fair amount of trust and confidence in the mass media to report news ‘fully, accurately and fairly’ (Brenan, 2025).”
Reuters came up with similar results.
The NLP contracted to have more than 750 teen respondents to an earlier survey contacted again with follow-up questions.
“What we learned from this brief follow-up survey paints a shockingly bleak picture of how teens view and understand journalism and news media today. In short, they believe that unethical behaviors, including corruption and lying, are more commonplace in the profession than adhering to the ideals and standards based practices that are regarded as sacred and obligatory in legitimate newsrooms across the country.
“They are also much more likely to have negative associations with news media and journalism than positive ones.”
An explanation of the situation at the Washington Stand said, “The report found many of the respondents believed journalists were more ‘skilled at lying and deceiving than informing the public.’ At least 50% believe journalists ‘make up details,’ with at least 60% stating that photos and videos are taken ‘out of context.’ … Eighty percent ‘said that journalists fail to produce information that is more impartial than other content creators online.’ Sixty-nine percent ‘thought that news organizations intentionally add bias to coverage to advance a specific perspective.’”
In fact, 37% of the teens did not have “anything good to say about journalists today.”
Their suggestions?
Journalists should start “being honest” and “minimizing bias.”
The Stand explained, “NLP conducted this survey with a primary goal of ‘learn[ing] whether teens think journalists and news organizations these days are generally following professional journalism standards and ethical guidelines.’ The overarching consensus? ‘Teens consistently demonstrated the belief that unethical behaviors that overtly violate journalism principles are distinctly more common among journalists and news organizations than even the most fundamental standards-based practices.’”
So follow the NLP’s own recommendations:
“Encourage young people to distinguish between standards-based journalism and other types of information.”
“Teach students verification skills and how standards-based newsrooms operate.”
And, “Foster accurate perceptions of journalism by helping teens question unrealistic portrayals or sweeping statements about ‘the media’ and by acknowledging examples of high-quality journalism.”
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This article was originally published by the WND News Center.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.