One of the biggest stories in the news creator space this week has been Trump’s press conference linking the use of Tylenol in pregnancy and autism, which NPR notes has no scientific backing. Stories like this are not only flooding social media for those who follow health and wellness related creators; it’s also in the feeds of audiences consuming parenting, reality TV, politics, and news stories. In other words, it’s pretty difficult for many creators focused on sharing information to avoid weighing in on.
Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, an OBGYN with nearly 3 million followers on TikTok, commented on the story, and she used a few crucial tactics to provide her audience with the information required to make the decision for themselves.
A few things to notice:
She cited her credentials and why she’s qualified to speak on the issue.
She provided research and citations for the facts she presents.
She doesn’t lean into a black and white take: She lays out the bigger picture, adding context to what we do know and what we still need to learn. She states that this nuance helps medical professionals build trust with patients.
She leaves her audience with a strategy to help them make decisions moving forward. In this case: Take medical advice from medical professionals.
This story is a great example of a core tenet of News Creator Corps: Information impacts action. The quality of the information you receive while pregnant can drastically change your experience—and outcome. What is said online will have real-world consequences, and fighting misinformation has never been more important.
An important upcoming deadline
The deadline to apply to be part of our first trusted creators training program is Sunday, Sept. 28 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
News Creator Corps’ pilot 8-week program will provide partnership and training to U.S.-based information providers who want to level-up their connection to their communities. From discussing social platform changes to accessing expert training on fact-checking, interviewing and other traditional news skills, creators will graduate from the program feeling more equipped to provide their audiences with impactful information, and with a cohort of colleagues to learn from and share with.
Creators chosen for this cohort will receive a $5,000 stipend and will be eligible for additional compensation through paid creator programs with NCC news organization, nonprofit, and public relations partners.
An opportunity for creators
NCC is partnering with the Outrider Foundation on an opportunity for information-focused content creators.
The Outrider Foundation is hosting its second annual conference for media folks and science communicators covering national security, artificial intelligence, climate, health, and the environment to deepen their knowledge about how these beats are interconnected in the new nuclear landscape. They recognize the importance of content creators and want to cover your expenses to attend the summit. Apply here.
What We’re Writing
Journalists should take note of some of the strategies news creators do to build and keep audiences that increasingly avoid mainstream news brands.
Somewhere along the way, we bought into the idea that it’s us or them: traditional media or creators. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
RJI fellow Nicole Lewis lays out why journalists and news creators need to adopt a theory of change in order to inspire action and impact.
What We’re Reading
College Journalism: 'We're going to do so much better work if we are comparing notes'
How you can support our mission
Here’s what we’ve heard since launch: This is so needed, and it needs to be bigger. Our ambition is to build on our pilot and launch several classes next year, bringing the training program to high school classes, college students, and current journalists, in addition to trusted creators. You can support our mission by following us on LinkedIn, amplifying our posts and connecting us to potential partners and funders.