---
title: "The news funnel"
description: "Shows how the media filters reality down to what the public sees."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/trust-me-im-lying/the-news-funnel/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# The news funnel

> Shows how the media filters reality down to what the public sees.

Ryan Holiday's framework, from Trust Me, I'm Lying, pp. 126 to 231.

Framework 4 of 5 from [Trust Me, I'm Lying](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/trust-me-im-lying/index.md) by Ryan Holiday. Category: Lead generation.

## The steps

1. **All that happens.** Everything that occurs.
2. **All that is known by the media.** The slice that reaches reporters.
3. **All that is newsworthy.** The slice that departs from routine and will make people talk.
4. **All that is published as news.** The slice an outlet decides to run.
5. **All that spreads.** The slice the public actually sees.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Book Two: The Monster Attacks: What Blogs Mean, pp. 126–231

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/trust-me-im-lying/the-news-funnel.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/trust-me-im-lying/the-news-funnel-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/trust-me-im-lying/the-news-funnel.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/trust-me-im-lying/the-news-funnel-dark.png