Polls show that many people do not trust the media . But as someone whose primary job is to train the next generation of journalists through my work at the College Fix, I have a few ideas on how to rectify the situation.

According to a recent poll , people "feel distrust on an emotional level, believing news organizations intend to mislead them and are indifferent to the social and political impact of their reporting." Other surveys have reached similar conclusions .

In just a few simple steps, however, allegedly neutral media outlets can begin to restore trust. It may take time, but it can be done.

First, the media should cite primary source documents in online reporting. In today’s technological age, there is no reason not to provide a link to a full court case or copy of legislation in an article. Let readers who want to read the full ruling or dive into the proposed law be able to find out more information quickly. When possible, show people your work.

Second, the stated position of the American Medical Association or American Academy of Pediatrics is not inerrant. Like any large national organization, there are political considerations behind the groups’ decisions . So stop citing the AMA or APA as a definitive source on topics such as masks or transgender drugs or surgeries . It is good to include the commentary of major medical groups on such topics, but also consider a variety of viewpoints.

Finally, it would be good to remember that labels such as "opinion," "analysis," or "commentary" are good to use when articles sold as "news" are really the reporter’s personal opinion. For example, ABC News ran an Associated Press story on Feb. 27 that is entirely one-sided, leading with quotes from someone named Gwendolyn Herzig, a man who believes he is a woman.

The AP story used all the normal words and methods that would be acceptable for an opinion piece but should not be labeled as news: "restricting gender-affirming care for minors," "demeaning questions and rhetoric," and, of course, relying on the aforementioned AMA.

Andrew DeMillo, the AP writer, wrote this paragraph that is really opinion: "The idea of protecting children by withholding medical care is undermined by health experts, who have said minors with gender dysphoria who do not receive appropriate care face dramatically increased risk of suicide and serious depression," he wrote. The "health experts" are of course the AMA.

I have seen this problem close to home.

My local paper in northwest Indiana, the Times of Northwest Indiana, opened up an article about legislation on transgender drugs and surgeries , as well as a parental rights bill , by saying that gender dysphoric children "received a drubbing." This story, filed under the news section, is really the opinion of reporter Dan Carden. This type of slanted coverage is one reason I no longer subscribe to my local newspaper.

However, I would reconsider if the Times of Northwest Indiana would take my advice.

Matt Lamb is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog. He is an associate editor for the College Fix and has previously worked for Students for Life of America and Turning Point USA.