A new opinion poll suggests that over 54 percent of Americans do not trust mainstream media and consider news websites more reliable.

Some 41 percent said they trust the 'Internet news and information websites' more than the press.

The new Harris Interactive survey reflects the findings of a Harvard University study conducted last year, which found 'nearly two-thirds of Americans have no faith in campaign coverage by the news media'.

The poll indicates that only 30 percent 'tend to trust the press', while 44 percent say Radio is the most trusted media in the United States.

The poll suggests that the selective media coverage of the ongoing Iraq war has caused Americans to lose faith in mainstream media.

MD/HGH