EFFECT OF NEWS MEDIA CREDIBILITY ON PUBLIC TRUST IN GOVERNMENT DURING CRISES IN PAKISTAN: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED INFORMATION TRANSPARENCY AND THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE

Abstract

This study examined the effect of news media credibility on public trust in government during crises in Pakistan, with a focus on the mediating role of perceived information transparency and the moderating role of social media usage. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 387 respondents who actively consumed news via traditional and social media. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that news media credibility significantly enhances public trust, and perceived information transparency partially mediates this relationship. Additionally, social media usage was found to strengthen the positive impact of credible news on trust, highlighting the importance of digital engagement in crisis communication. The findings underscore the need for transparent, credible media reporting and strategic social media communication to foster public confidence in government during critical events.