NEWS CLUBS

A news club is a lot like a book club – there are many different ways to run clubs, so you can do what works best for you – you can always change things as you go. 

News sources can be from traditional printed press, TV, social media, podcasts, videos or any sources you like. You can keep to one source, or mix it up.

Media Revolution are working in partnership with News Club – a group based in the UK with a substack and podcast focussing on progressing news clubs and promoting the format around the world, and have created the following information and advice to help you get started with your own news club. 

OBJECTIVE

Come together as a group to digest and discuss the news and what to do about it.
Share thoughts and opinions constructively.  

Increase engagement with movement-media.  

BENEFITS

  • Reduce isolation
  • Improve mental health 
  • Access an increased diversity of opinion 
  • Become coordinated in your community
  • Increased media literacy

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Generally speaking, clubs that work have someone who is organising, (a sort of chair person) and a back up (co-chair) to support and help stand in if they’re not available. 

The group needs a minimum of 3 people. If your group is large, it works well to split into smaller groups of 3/5 to discuss each topic.

You might want to plan to share or rotate the chair role – whatever works best for you. Self organising for the win!

You might want to invite an occasional guest – someone knowledgeable about your chosen topic. 

Groups can be 

  • Open – welcoming any members to come along (best once you’ve got a bit of experience)
  • Closed – invitation only (keeps it to just the people you know)
  • Mixed – mostly closed but sometimes running an open session 

MEETING UP

Clubs meet in a physical or digital place suitable for the group – remember accessibility needs.

Generally, clubs might want to spend an hour, either weekly or fortnightly 

LOGISTICS

You will need an organising channel – like Signal, WhatsApp, email or in person – whatever works for you

FORMAT EXAMPLES

There are a few formats for clubs that you might like to try, and of course you can come up with your own.

  1. NEWS THIS WEEK/FORTNIGHT
  • Pick 3 news topics from this week
  • Allow 20 mins discussion time per topic
  • Give each topic a 5 minute introduction (any member can do this, take in turns). You can circulate topics and questions beforehand via your organising channel 
  1. HOT TOPIC NEWS CLUB

Stick to one specific trending or popular topic and pick 3 stories covering that topic. 

  1. NO AGENDA

Suggest anything/don’t have a structure, just whatever ‘comes up’.  

FORMAT VARIATIONS 

  • Choosing one topic only 
  • Local news (your town/area)
  • Varied diet

1 article from the established media 

1 article from indie media 

1 article about activism

DISCUSSION PROMPTS 

It sometimes helps to have discussion prompts planned in advance.

Here are a few to get started.

  1. How do you feel about the coverage?
  2. Were the sources credible?
  3. What do you think might be missing?
  4. What can be done about this news?

SUMMARY / FINAL THOUGHTS 

Coming together as a group to discuss news can be really fun and interesting – you get access to people’s thoughts and feelings. News can also often be controversial – it might even be designed to be divisive. 

Keep things kind and compassionate – if things get heated, take a break, and come back to your common objective. 

We’d love to hear about your news clubs, let us know if you have any questions or feedback!