Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 25, 2025 · Entertainment

America's News Anchors Unveiled: Loved, Hated, and Least Trusted

The Ratings Game: Who's on Top, and Who's on the Chopping Block?

The golden age of news anchors is over, folks! The traditional TV personalities who once dominated the airwaves with their steady voices and trustworthy reporting are no longer the only game in town. A new generation of influencers has risen to power, shaking up the media landscape and leaving many industry insiders reeling.

According to our exclusive survey, conducted by thescholarlynote.com, the balance of power is shifting, and it's not just about who's on top – but also who's struggling to stay relevant. The results are both fascinating and unsettling, revealing a deeply divided nation that's increasingly skeptical of mainstream media.

Anderson Cooper has been crowned America¿s best-loved news anchor in our DailyMail+ Power List, out of a list of 30 hand-picked personalities

Anderson Cooper: The Last True Brand Anchor

CNN stalwart Anderson Cooper has emerged as the most beloved news anchor in our survey, edging out Jon Stewart and ABC's David Muir. With a salary reportedly raking in $18 million a year, Cooper is undeniably one of the biggest stars in the business. But his dominance comes with a caveat: he ranks near the bottom when it comes to perceived bias – a fact that might raise some eyebrows given his liberal leanings.

Cooper's tenure at CNN has spanned 23 years, making him the network's longest-serving anchor. However, insiders claim that if he were to leave, it would be "an earthquake" both symbolically and strategically. "He's not just a host – he's CNN's last true brand anchor," one source reveals.

Fox News' Harris Faulkner was the top ranking female host and the only woman to make it into our top five, coming in fourth place

The Fall of Joy Reid

On the opposite end of the spectrum is MSNBC host Joy Reid, who has been crowned America's least favorite news anchor. With her infamous controversies over antisemitism allegations, it's no wonder she ranks low in likability and knowledgeability. Insiders describe her as "abrupt" and "critical," making her a polarizing figure on screen.

Reid's firing from MSNBC last February was met with widespread criticism, but thescholarlynote.com's survey suggests that viewers are not impressed. Her former colleagues Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski fare no better, ranking as the least truthful pundits in the business.

Fired MSNBC host Joy Reid places bottom overall as America¿s least favorite host, just below her beleaguered former colleagues Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski

Kaitlan Collins: The Rising Star Who's Failing to Impress

CNN's rising star Kaitlan Collins is another surprise inclusion on our list – for all the wrong reasons. With a 33-year-old profile that suggests she should be ascending the ranks, Collins' numbers are alarming. Viewers see her as untrustworthy, unlikeable, and unknowledgeable – even beating out Joy Reid in some categories.

Collins' sparring with President Trump has made her a target for criticism, but it seems that viewers are not buying what she's selling. Insiders whisper that her reputation is built on conflict rather than substance, leaving many to wonder if she'll be able to recover from this blow.

In what is perhaps the most surprising result of the bunch, CNN rising star Kaitlan Collins ranked almost last across multiple categories

The Pundits: Who's Got What It Takes?

As the traditional TV anchors struggle to stay relevant, a new crop of pundits has emerged to take their place. thescholarlynote.com's survey reveals that podcasters Joe Rogan and Megyn Kelly are among the most likable, knowledgeable, and fun figures in the business.

Rogan's massive audience of 11 million listeners makes him a force to be reckoned with, while Kelly's media empire is still growing. However, it seems that some of these newcomers may not have what it takes to succeed – at least not yet.

The Divide: Who Do Republicans and Democrats Trust?

Our survey reveals a stark divide between the way Republicans and Democrats view their favorite news anchors. Cooper, Blitzer, Muir, and Maddow are favorites among Democrats, while Rogan, Hannity, Carlson, and Kelly top the list for Republicans.

Hannity, who rakes in an estimated $45 million a year from Fox News, is seen as biased by Democrats but loved by his own party. It's clear that Americans have become increasingly polarized, with each side having its own favorites and dislikes when it comes to news anchors.

The Verdict: A Grim Reading for Mainstream Media

In the end, thescholarlynote.com's survey is a grim reading for mainstream media – particularly CNN, which seems to be struggling to stay relevant. With falling audience numbers and upheaval behind the scenes, it's clear that change is in the air.

As one insider notes, "You can be the most truthful person in the world, but if you're on Fox or MSNBC, you're still seen as biased." The future of news anchors looks uncertain, but one thing is clear: only time will tell who will emerge on top – and who will be left behind.