A new program to rebuild trust in the news, one conversation at a time

With communities drowning in information but thirsty to be informed, TOMO mags has teamed up with the Trust Project on a solution. The News Reading Club™, which launches in Austin with a series of events Sept. 15–19, brings people back together to seek out, share and discuss news on issues that matter.

The News Reading Club™ is a program to exercise our brains and strengthen our communities. Together, members break the trance of drama-filled screens driven by algorithms. They learn the standards behind ethical news and put them to work. They find reliable news, use it, and talk about it across difference.

Why we’re doing this

“We have maxed out. We need more hands-on interactions, more conversations. We want to rebuild trust in the news and what it delivers to us: cultural exchange and civic-mindedness,” said Vico Puentes, owner of TOMO Mags, an independent magazine shop, cultural hub and concept store in downtown Austin.

“Bots, not people, drive our online engagement. That hurts our communities. We want to equip people with ways to share their opinions in real life, with one another, backed by reliable news and information,” said Sally Lehrman, founder and CEO of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Trust Project, which amplifies journalism’s commitment to accuracy, fairness and inclusion in news so people can make informed news choices.

The data

More than three-quarters of Americans feel it’s very important to stay informed about issues like immigration and economic policies, voting and election processes, and the healthcare system, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. People hunger for the confidence to develop an opinion and engage in conversation about the issues of the day, the Trust Project has found. And yet many are tuning out because when it’s flooding our screens, news can feel overwhelming, angering and scary.

The News Reading Club™ introduces a reflective workbook featuring the 8 Trust Indicators®, which help people check who and what is behind the news. They’ll build an everyday practice to grow love for the news and use it to bind our communities together.

Sponsors include Patagonia Austin, Thompson Austin, Giant Noise, Guerilla Suit, the Downtown Austin Alliance, and the Austin American-Statesman.

Schedule

Tickets and details coming soon.

Sept. 15, 7 p.m., TOMO mags, Austin: Salon

A candid conversation about how news actually gets made, with prominent editors from magazines and newspapers. Invitation only; please inquire.

Sept. 18, 10 a.m., Thompson Hotel, Austin: Civic leader working session

A working session on bringing news fluency, through the Trust Project’s 8 Trust Indicators, to the places it especially matters. Invitation only; please inquire.

Sept. 19, 10 a.m., Thompson Hotel, Austin: News Reading Club meeting

A public meeting to develop news fluency and community conversation. Check the News Reading Club to get tickets.

For more details please contact info@tomomags.com