How trustworthy is your newsroom? Use this audit to find out

Published on April 23, 2024April 22, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

We created a trust audit to help your newsroom assess and decide where you should be working to earn your community’s trust

Deadline extended! Apply now to create an Election FAQ with help from Trusting News

Published on April 18, 2024April 24, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

In this program, newsrooms will work alongside Trusting News staff and a cohort of newsrooms to create an election FAQ

Meet the cohort of newsrooms working to confront news avoidance

Published on April 9, 2024April 9, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

Congratulations to these 11 journalists who will work alongside Trusting News to better understand and address news avoidance

Meet the newsrooms working to add transparency, corrections to daily coverage

Published on March 27, 2024April 7, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

Congratulations to these eight journalists who will work on either writing a corrections policy or inserting transparency into daily coverage

Trusting News hosting webinar, cohort to help journalists confront news avoidance

Published on March 11, 2024March 25, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

We’re announcing two new opportunities for journalists to confront news avoidance this spring

Meet the 2024 Advancing Democracy newsrooms working to transform their political coverage

Published on February 27, 2024February 27, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

We’re excited to kick off another year of the Advancing Democracy fellowship, a virtual fellowship for newsrooms to transform their political and election coverage. More than 70 journalists across 20 newsrooms will participate in this nine-month fellowship. The fellowship is run in partnership with us at Trusting News along with Hearken and Solutions Journalism Network. […]

Applications open for Trusting News research cohorts on corrections, transparency

Published on February 26, 2024February 26, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

Journalists in the cohort will work to build trust alongside other newsrooms, researchers and Trusting News staff. Each journalist will receive a $250 stipend.

Trusting News’ 2024 priorities include AI, elections, news avoidance and newsroom echo chambers

Published on February 14, 2024February 27, 2024 by Mollie Muchna

Trusting News Director Joy Mayer trains a group of Koch Fellows at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Feb. 7, 2024. Photo by Gil Asakawa.

How to engage and reach new audiences with postcards and snail mail

Published on January 17, 2023November 15, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

Listening is a crucial component when it comes to building new audiences. We have research that shows this, but it also makes sense: If journalists want to provide coverage that is relevant and useful to people they aren’t already effectively reaching, they have to first take the time to get a sense of what those people […]

Build trust by being real, right, objective and part of your community

Published on October 3, 2022November 26, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

When it comes to trust, local news organizations have been the bright spot for the journalism community as years of research and polling continue to show people trust in local news content more than national. For many people working in local news, that trend brings comfort, hope and sometimes makes the issue of building trust seem not […]

Step-by-step guide: How journalists can talk to people who don’t trust news (and build trust doing it)

Published on August 22, 2022November 26, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

If you’re a journalist wanting to reach more diverse audiences, especially audiences that have been historically ignored or underserved by your newsroom, a lot of that work starts with laying a foundation of trust. Without understanding the assumptions that have led to distrust and the roadblocks that exist in creating sustained relationships, it’s almost impossible for […]

Advice from journalists: Why we’ve invested in listening to people who don’t trust us

Published on August 22, 2022November 26, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

There’s no big secret when it comes to building new audiences. There’s no new beat or newsletter that can be created to undo decades of harm news organizations have caused to certain groups of people. And there’s no magic tool journalists can use that will automatically help them earn the trust of and reach their […]

Why the Keene Sentinel disabled commenting on certain Facebook posts

Published on July 12, 2022November 14, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

After noticing an uptick of inappropriate comments, personal attacks and misinformation on COVID-19-related Facebook posts, a team at the Keene Sentinel — James Rinker, the digital community engagement journalist, and Cecily Weisburgh, an executive editor — made the decision that it was time to disable comments on posts related to the pandemic.

How newsrooms can better explain (and sometimes edit) wire coverage while being transparent with their audiences

Published on March 8, 2022November 26, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

If you’re a journalist who has faced criticism about national coverage published in your new products but not produced by your journalists, you’re not alone. Far from it, actually. We regularly hear from local newsrooms frustrated and overwhelmed by complaints related to the wire coverage they publish. Some local newsrooms we work with have said […]

How listening to the community transformed this Charlotte newsroom

Published on April 15, 2021November 15, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

How Ju-Don Marshall and staff at WFAE in Charlotte have helped turn the station’s operations around to be an engagement-centered newsroom.

Seattle Times reporter Q&A accompanies investigative piece

Published on November 11, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO reporter on wearing braids on TV

Published on November 11, 2020August 4, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

6am publishes plan for covering election

Published on November 11, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Grand News Source guiding principles

Published on November 11, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Capitol Times People’s Agendas

Published on November 2, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Colorado Sun ethics page

Published on November 2, 2020August 4, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel uses Instagram to explain shooting coverage

Published on November 2, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

WITF box explaining late election results

Published on November 2, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

News Tribune editor responds to comments

Published on October 11, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Tennessean fact-checks local TV station

Published on October 11, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Fulcrum Voter FAQ

Published on October 11, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Chalkbeat Philadelphia asks for reader feedback

Published on October 11, 2020October 11, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

FiveThirtyEight’s disclaimer about polls

Published on October 11, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

CPR’s guide for covering 2020 elections

Published on October 11, 2020October 11, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

News Tribune note about election coverage

Published on October 11, 2020October 11, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

PEN tip sheet for discussing misinformation

Published on October 9, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Austin Statesman’s contact page

Published on October 9, 2020October 9, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO asks viewers for candidates questions ahead of election

Published on October 9, 2020October 9, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Green Bay Gazette letter to the editor process

Published on October 9, 2020October 9, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Green Bay election guide

Published on October 9, 2020October 9, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO elections basics box

Published on October 9, 2020October 9, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Colorado Sun explains approach to 2020 election coverage

Published on October 1, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Deseret News explains anonymous sources policy

Published on October 1, 2020October 1, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Atlanta Journal-Constitution asks for public’s election questions

Published on October 1, 2020October 1, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO explains coverage decisions

Published on October 1, 2020August 10, 2021 by Mollie Muchna

Tulsa journalists defend their work

Published on October 1, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Rivard Report About Us page

Published on August 21, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

AJC explains changes to election coverage

Published on August 21, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

KBOO about page

Published on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO explains how political advertising works

Published on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Crosscut transparent about trust, diversity efforts

Published on August 8, 2020August 8, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Vox explains audience support program

Published on August 8, 2020August 8, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

NPR public editor on election misinformation in interview

Published on August 6, 2020August 6, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Wirecutter explains removing outdated information

Published on August 6, 2020August 6, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Trust Tip 74: Explain why a story is being done and encourage audience participation

Published on July 7, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Coloradoan explains bias toward facts

Published on July 3, 2020July 3, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Community Impact Newspaper explains reporting process

Published on July 3, 2020July 3, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Trust Tip 73: Learn how people perceive your election reporting

Published on June 30, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

KING 5 anchors discuss inter-racial friendship

Published on June 30, 2020June 30, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

LAist provides synthesized information about coronavirus

Published on June 30, 2020June 30, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Florida Today explains validity of SpaceX photo

Published on June 30, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO shares station’s commitment to community

Published on June 30, 2020June 30, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

News 5 Cleveland explains why station doesn’t report scanner traffic

Published on June 30, 2020June 30, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

News 5 Cleveland explains breaking news policy

Published on June 30, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

ProPublica explains decision behind publishing graphic video

Published on June 30, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

PolitiFact explains fact-checking process

Published on June 27, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Indiana Daily Student explains protest photo policy

Published on June 27, 2020June 27, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO responds to viewer complains on air

Published on June 27, 2020June 27, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Philadelphia inquirer owns up to headline mistake

Published on June 27, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

KPRC asks for reader questions

Published on June 27, 2020June 27, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Weather channel explains how ownership affects coverage

Published on June 27, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Guardian explains mission, asks for support

Published on June 27, 2020June 27, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

AJC explains approach to covering big story

Published on June 25, 2020June 25, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

AJC explains reporting process, context

Published on June 24, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WJXT4 explains reporting process, mission

Published on June 24, 2020June 24, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Trust Tip #71: Acknowledge what you don’t know

Published on June 23, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

NewsChannel 5 shows transparency admitting bias in Facebook posts

Published on June 20, 2020June 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Philadelphia Inquirer explains newsroom processes

Published on June 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

KPRC 2 responds to reader feedback

Published on June 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

KPRC newsroom policy on President Trump press conferences

Published on June 20, 2020June 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

KPRC explains breaking news policy

Published on June 19, 2020June 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Trust Tip 69: Share your humanity while reporting on protests

Published on June 7, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WEWS combats misinformation about COVID-19 deaths

Published on May 25, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WLNS reporting on suicide

Published on May 25, 2020May 25, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

ProPublica transparency around fair news

Published on May 25, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Atlanta Journal-Constitution on covering legislature

Published on May 19, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Guardian signposts older stories

Published on May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Tennessean editorial board describes decision process

Published on May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Coloradoan reporters share personal subscription pleas

Published on May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO on using Associated Press content

Published on May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Atlanta Journal-Constitution on covering Georgia’s Legislature

Published on May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Atlanta Journal Constitution front page

Published on May 19, 2020July 23, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Herald and Review newsroom handout

Published on May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

USA TODAY policy graphic border photo

Published on May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO cuts back use of mugshots

Published on May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Tamp Bay Times how this story was reported

Published on May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Philadelphia Inquirer shares tips for finding trustworthy news

Published on May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Day subscription plea during coronavirus

Published on May 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Vox support plea for explanatory journalism

Published on May 14, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

SF Chronicle reporting process explainer

Published on May 7, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

SF Chronicle explain your process boxes, columns

Published on May 7, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Philadelphia Inquirer highlights breadth of journalism

Published on May 7, 2020May 7, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Trust Tip 64: Disclose stimulus funds and explain the ethics involved

Published on April 28, 2020April 28, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

The Day asks community for support during COVID-19

Published on April 24, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WCPO explains how their COVID-19 coverage different from competitors

Published on April 24, 2020April 24, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Spokesman-Review explains newsroom processes, ‘fake news’

Published on April 23, 2020April 24, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

WJXT4 explains beach visuals during COVID-19 aren’t altered

Published on April 23, 2020April 23, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explains visuals aren’t altered

Published on April 23, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Trust Tips 63: Demonstrate that your visuals aren’t manipulated

Published on April 21, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

San Fransisco Chronicle uses explain your process boxes

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

San Fransisco Chronicle explains endorsements

Published on April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Malheur Enterprise explains reporting process

Published on April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Malheur Enterprise asks for community support

Published on April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Salem Reporter explains reporting process

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

PA Post explains story selection process

Published on April 20, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

NPR publishes internal newsroom policies and ethics guidelines

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Levittown Now explains reporting process

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

The Oklahoman explains reporting process, story selection

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Globe and Mail adds explain your process boxes

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Toronto Star explains news vs sponsored content

Published on April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

The Echo addresses possible conflict of interest

Published on April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Pinckneyville Press asks community for support

Published on April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Colorado Sun uses credibility indicators to increase transparency

Published on April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Atlanta Journal-Constitution community support during COVID-19

Published on April 20, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

San Fransisco Chronicle explains anonymous sources

Published on April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

How the San Fransisco Chronicle cover candidates

Published on April 15, 2020August 12, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

AJC focuses on solution-based opinion content during coronavirus

Published on April 15, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Fort Worth Star-Telegram paywall during COVID-19

Published on April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

Trust Tips 62: Tell your audience that COVID-19 information might change

Published on April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mollie Muchna

If you let your readers in on your process, they might just surprise you

Published on April 15, 2020November 26, 2023 by Mollie Muchna

This post was written by Newsroom partner Jennifer Hefty. Most of us have heard the chorus. You know the one I’m talking about. “How could this article be so biased?” “How could they get x, y, and z so wrong?” “Why are these reporters insisting on dividing us instead of bringing us together?” “Clearly, these […]