When I started my career in local news, we talked a lot about conversational writing. There are phrases you’ll find in articles that no one repeats in real life, like “five allegations in as many years.” In the hundreds of conversations that I’ve been a part of around expanding readership, chasing younger audiences, and becoming more digitally native, more conversational language was consistently thought of as the direction the news industry needed to head.

Over the last decade, as the media industry has attempted to navigate the Trump administration’s stream of lies, the language has become less conversational and more convoluted. Critics often say they feel like journalists are bending over backwards to find a phrasing that isn’t too damning.

This is where creators are finding authentic connection with their audiences. Creator content feels like you’re hearing a story at happy hour. They use understandable and relatable language, and, because creators are usually speaking with their community and not at an audience, they call things they way they see them.

With the SNAP story, we also saw creators masterfully explain how the divestment food benefits would impact local economies and people who don’t receive SNAP benefits, such as with gas prices. And they served their audiences by calling out AI-generated SNAP content on the same platforms where this misinformation was living. Overall, consuming five or six SNAP-related videos on Instagram or TikTok likely gave you a more nuanced picture of what was actually happening across the country.

I’ll be at the Texas Tribune Festival this week, so if you’re around Austin and want to say hello, drop me a message at [email protected].

We know it’s a tough time to be asking for money. If you have the means to donate, we’d love for your support so we can continue investing in independent creators and community messengers. We’re gearing up to expand our programming to high school and college students, community gathering spots like farmers markets, newsrooms, and more.

You can also support our mission by following us on LinkedIn, amplifying our posts, and connecting us to potential partners and funders.

Our first IRL workshop, which is in Philadelphia on December 3, is now sold out. (!)

I’m thrilled to announce our first virtual masterclass open to the public:

How Comedy Helps Audiences Build Deeper Understanding of the NewsDecember 10 at 1 p.m. ET

Late night TV has delivered news through comedy for decades, and this workshop, led by Emmy-winning Josh Burstein, reveals how basic improv and standup tactics can be integrated into anyone’s writing or performing style. In this highly interactive workshop, participants will leave with a strong understanding of where comedy can be employed differently with monologues, man on the street videos, explainers, and sketches. This class is designed for content creators, journalists, community messengers, and anyone providing information to a community. Participants are encouraged to come with a concept or news story that could be workshopped live with Josh and fellow attendees.

Grab your tickets before they sell out. (This is a donation-based event. You can give as little as $1 to secure your spot.)

Lynn Walsh provides a useful framework for anyone who shares information on the internet in order to thoughtfully consider how to best show up for your audience and minimize harm.