The problem is that people don't just ignore the mainstream news media. A lot of them also turn to fringe channels that peddle an alternative view of the world that's more affirmative of their own worldview - without being more truthful. It's going to be a huge challenge to every democracy because people will fundamentally disagree about basic facts.
Considering that even “The Experts” who many claim hold “The Truth” are subject to the same echo chambers and powerful tribal allegiances that everybody else is… you cannot really trust them either. Many will be more than happy to bend things to suit their political affiliations or sometimes even lie to you face if it promotes their narrative.
The most important skill, I believe, is question everything you hear. Only you can determine what is true and isn’t. Outsourcing critical thinking to others is setting yourself up for manipulation. It’s sounds ridiculous, but based on the events over the last three years I believe that is as good as it gets in modern times. There is no such thing as “The Expert”. It’s your brain against the endless tide of information and only you get to decide what makes sense and what doesn’t.