The News Literate Community Initiative
is proud to present a
Community Conversation: Combatting Truth Decay
In partnership with Truckee Meadows Tomorrow.
Community Conversation:
Combatting Truth Decay
An evening of expert panel discussion, audience Q&A,
and community connection, exploring the challenges of
misinformation in our media landscape.
Date
April 29, 2026
Time
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue
Reno Public Market
Free Admission
ABOUT THE EVENT
Why this conversation matters
Misinformation isn’t just a media problem. It’s a community problem. When trust in journalism erodes, it weakens the shared understanding we need to make decisions together, from local policy to public health.
Truth Decay is the term researchers use for the diminishing role of facts and analysis in public life. This event brings together local journalists, media scholars, and your community to explore what's happening, why it matters, and what we can do about it.
Whether you’re a news junkie, a skeptic of all things media, or somewhere in between, this evening is designed for you. Expect thoughtful discussion, practical tools for evaluating information, and the chance to ask our expert panel your toughest questions.
EXPERT PANEL
Meet the speakers
Local journalists and media experts are leading the conversation.
Terri Russell
Chief Reporter
KOLO-TV
Terri Russell, a Reno native and Arizona State University broadcasting graduate, built her career from KTVN to KOLO as a reporter and anchor. An Emmy winner with 13 nominations, she’s earned AP, Murrow, and Radio and News Directors Association honors. She serves on the Board of Governors for the San Francisco Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences where in 2025 she was inducted into the “Silver Circle.” She is also in the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Currently, Terri serves as KOLO’s chief reporter.
Dr. Gi Yun
Dean, Reynolds School of Journalism
University of Nevada, Reno
Gi Yun is Dean of the Reynolds School of Journalism at University of Nevada, Reno. His research examines the social and psychological dimensions of media and communication, including public opinion, communication theory, social media, health communication, agenda-setting, community journalism, and big social media data analysis. He is currently leading projects on health care advertising in local media, farmers markets in Nevada, and the state’s news media landscape. His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, Google, and the Online News Association. Yun earned his Ph.D. and M.A. from University of Wisconsin–Madison and his undergraduate degree from Hanyang University.
Mark Robison
State Politics Reporter
Reno Gazette Journal
Mark Robison is the Reno Gazette Journal’s state politics reporter. He focuses on government, politics and elections with an approach that aims to turn down the drama dial while making sure those on the right, left and center feel their perspectives are heard and reported accurately. He’s won Nevada Press Association awards for Journalist of the Year, Editorial of the Year and, in 2025, Story of the Year for coverage of a Sparks family’s attempt to get help for their autistic son with profound behavioral and medical issues.
Natalie Van Hoozer
Bilingual journalist & Community Manager
LION Publishers
Natalie Van Hoozer works to strengthen community building among independent news entrepreneurs. She is the community manager at LION Publishers, a journalism support nonprofit focused on helping local independent news publishers build more sustainable businesses. She is also the U.S. representative for SembraMedia, an international nonprofit supporting independent digital media.
Previously, Natalie worked as a bilingual Spanish/English community engagement journalist at KUNR Public Radio and as the media partnerships manager for Factchequeado, a Spanish-language fact-checking initiative in the U.S.
EVENING SCHEDULE
What to expect
A full evening of learning, discussion, and community.
5:00 PM
DOORS OPEN
Arrive early to browse exhibitor tables and connect with fellow attendees.
5:50 PM
Welcome & Introductions
Opening remarks and a look at why news literacy matters now more than ever.
6:00 PM
Expert Panel Discussion
Our panel dives into how truth decay shows up locally, why it’s accelerating, and what responsible journalism looks like today.
6:30 PM
Audience Q&A
Your chance to ask the questions that matter to you, moderated by Terri Russell, KOLO-TV.
8:00 PM
Raffle & Closing
Prize raffle, closing thoughts, and next steps for staying news literate
RAFFLE PRIZES
Win big while supporting news literacy
Pre-register and purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win prizes from generous local donors.
More prizes still being confirmed!
Arianna Bennett
VIP Raffle Master
KTVN news anchor and producer of Face the State. Arianna was the first to interview NLCI on air and is joining us to draw the raffle winners.
PRICELESS PRIZES
Ann Silver
Coffee with the CEO of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce
Experience of a lifetime
KUNR
Lunch with the KUNR staff
Experience of a lifetime
Jimmy Boegle, Reno News & Review
Coffee or virtual visit
Experience of a lifetime
Robin Holabird
Lunch/Coffee with KUNR’s film critic, author and world traveler.
Experience of a lifetime
GREAT PRIZES
Arario
Seven $100 gift certificates to be divided among raffle bundles-total value $700
$700
Silver Legacy, Eldorado & Circus Circus
One night stay, $100 dinner credit, 2 show tickets
$500
Tahoe Injectables
50 units Botox
$650
Nevada Athletics
An item of gear from Nevada Football
Tickets to an upcoming Nevada Football game with pregame sideline passes
Nevada Athletics licensed products: Howlin’ BBQ Sauce from Brothers BBQ, a Nevada’s College Town mug, & a Nevada’s College Town pennant
$325
F45
Fitness package
$250
Brooks Family Dental
TWO Opalescence Go 15% Take Home Whitening Kit -10 pack – $84 Value for each kit
$168
One month membership
Cauglin Athletic Club
$150
Melange Hair / Talia Doiogne
Haircut — women, men, kids, curly or straight hair
Up to $100
La Condesa
4 x $25 gift cards
$100
Portofino
2 x $50 gift certificates
$100
Reno Aces
4 infield reserved seats
$96
La Cucina
Gift card
$75
Coaching With Grace
Financial Empowerment Specialist
CoachingwithGrace1.com
Gift certificate
$75
Two Chicks
Two mugs, one pound coffee, T-shirt, $20 gift certificate
$65
Buenos Grill
2 x $30 gift certificates
$60
Homegrown Gastro Pub
2 x $30 gift certificates
$60
India Kebab
Buffet for two
$35
Mari Chuy Mexican
Gift card
$30
Country Creamery Ice Cream
Gift Certificate
$25
Great Full Gardens
$25 gift certificate
$25
SUP
Gift certificate
$25
GET INVOLVED
More ways to participate
This event is built by the community, for the community. Here’s how you can be part of it.
OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our presenting sponsor
Promotional Sponsors
In the news:
Read more about the event in the following news articles.
