I read this elsewhere: If trusted news outlets would start offering #Mastodon instances to their staff, that would bring some sort of verification and visibility. Think social.nytimes.com, social.heise.de etc. I'd love to read more from trusted journalists on the #fediverse and this could greatly help. (Again, not my idea but couldn't find the original author.) Boosts for visibility would be great. Reminder: Favorites don't help as on this other platform.
@ralf I did wonder about us (A&A) doing a staff only instance. Simple to admin as only staff allowed on it, but by virtue of being on the official domain it effectively verifies them as staff.