POLITICAL UPHEAVAL AND NEWS MEDIA WE CHOOSE: TRUST ACROSS PLATFORMS DURING IMRAN KHAN’S NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between different forms of news consumption and trust in media coverage regarding the no-confidence motion against former prime minister Imran Khan within the framework of social capital theory. A self-administered survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 1464 university students. The results of the study revealed that different forms of news consumption are associated with varying levels of trust in media coverage, particularly when analyzed across different media platforms. News consumption via traditional media was significantly correlated with trust in print and broadcast media coverage, but not with digital media coverage. In contrast, online news consumption was found to be significantly associated with trust in digital media coverage, but not with traditional media coverage. Additionally, incidental news exposure was solely associated with trust in digital media coverage. The results further indicated that trust in digital platforms was higher than trust in conventional media during the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. Overall, the results highlight the need for robust adaptive strategies to restore public trust in conventional media.