Inspired by the reflexive ideas of deliberative democracy and public journalism, this study proposed a deliberative reporting model for controversial public issues, and conducted an experiment to compare the effects of this model and the dominant conflict frame on civic cognitions and deliberation. Results show that those subjects who read deliberative news had greater issue knowledge and trust in the news media, and they also showed more support for the public expression of dissenting views. This indicates that deliberative news can help citizens better understand public issues, live with disagreement as well as increase their trust in the news media. Using this model to report public issues, the news media could help create opportunities for dialogues and establish deliberative culture in the society.