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Astro AWANI has once again been named Malaysia’s most trusted news brand for the 9th year, according to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026, even as overall public trust in the country’s news media recorded its sharpest single-year drop in recent years. The finding reaffirms Astro AWANI’s standing as the benchmark for credibility in an increasingly fragmented and pressured media landscape.
The 2026 report places Astro AWANI at 64% brand trust, the highest of any outlet measured, continuing its leadership position. While the broader headwinds facing the industry persists, across formats, television and broadcast outlets continue to outperform print and digital-only players on credibility, with Astro AWANI again topping that group.
This resilience comes against a backdrop of mounting pressure across Malaysian media. The report documents a 22% contraction in total advertising expenditure in 2025, with digital ad spend down 39% as social platforms and live commerce absorb budgets once directed at traditional news outlets.
Against this turbulence, Astro AWANI’s consistent position at the top of the brand trust rankings, alongside its continued lead in weekly news reach across TV, online, and on-demand platforms, signals that audiences continue to rely on it as a credible anchor amid noise, misinformation concerns, and the rapid rise of influencer-led news commentary on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
“Trust in news isn’t inherited, it’s earned every single day. For 19 years, our newsroom has held the line on accuracy and editorial independence. We are still guided by the same principle we started with: get the facts right, and report responsibly. This recognition tells us Malaysians still value reporting they can rely on. We don’t take that for granted, and we don’t intend to start now,” emphasized Zaiful Mohd Ariffin, Director & Editor-in-Chief of Astro AWANI.
Astro AWANI remains committed to strengthening editorial standards, expanding multiplatform engagement, and safeguarding the line between independent journalism and commercial content, principles that underpin its continued leadership in public trust.
Beyond the numbers, Astro AWANI extends its heartfelt appreciation to Malaysians nationwide for their continued trust and support over the years. This recognition belongs as much to its viewers, readers, and listeners as it does to its newsroom, and it is a trust the news brand remains committed to honouring with every story told.
