The Fight Against 'Big-News'

Still from The Young Turks, TYT Democratic Debate Night Coverage (c. 2016)

Do you have any pet causes or issues that you are truly passionate about? Do you ever wish that your local news, or the big media networks [CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc.] covered issues that you feel they are ignoring? I know I do. It's hard not to get hooked into the political narrative and bias that drives the corporate media. All the pretty people, the expensive sets, and big name guests are compelling; waiting for all those commercial breaks touting new pharmaceuticals, investment funds, big banks, big oil, and medical insurance annoy me no end. Is there anything out there that you can really turn to for factual stories and non-mainstream talking points? You bet there is, and it isn't all 'fake' news.

Fake news is the cause celeb of the moment, it's what happens when the mainstream media screws over it's viewers so routinely that they look elsewhere for both information and entertainment. In the information age, it is all too easy to get phished in by propaganda sites that seem to reflect a viewer's own agenda and opinions. Unfortunately these sources routinely and maliciously plants stories with no basis in fact or only a marginal association with reality. They are meant to appear as credible sources of news, but often offer up recycled urban legends and conspiracy theories.

The danger of these faux news sources cannot be understated. Recently, we saw a vigilante shooting outside a small neighborhood pizza restaurant. The act was inspired by a false rumor about a politically linked child molestation ring in the pizzeria's basement. After receiving a number of threats and much abusive behavior, the circulation of the 'Pizzagate' story went viral. Culminating in an armed man firing off a live round of ammunition in a misguided attempt to find justice, it was discovered there was no such basement at all. The fired bullet, which embedded in a nearby structure, narrowly missed patrons and pedestrians. This is a small scale example of the seriousness with which internet propaganda should be consumed, a larger operation was at play during the recent US Election.

TYT Politics reporter Jordan Chariton corners DNC Interim-Chair Donna Brazile. (c. 2016)

So where can you turn for reliable alternatives to 'Big-News'? The answer is independent journalism and small local operations that are free from corporate influence. If you see large private company advertisements, be wary. For example, if your favorite news source is funded by 'Big Pharma', you have to think critically about the medical stories they offer. How likely is it that a news anchor, and the organization he or she represents, would report a story about the cost of prescription medications if it would mean losing that commercial sponsor. If a news channel is owned by the same people that own McDonald's restaurant, how inclined might they be to report on the dangers of fast-food? Not very likely.

When media sources are funded at the grassroots with small donations from everyday consumers, free of corporate bondage, they are more likely to present important stories that matter to those viewers. What you then find is that the reporting is more responsive to the audience, fact finding becomes paramount, and commentary or discussion can vary from one presenter to the next. It is the viewership feedback, it's rise or fall, that puts journalists feet to the flames of truth. Without all the shiny new 'pop-news' tricks, it's much easier to see any biases and decide for yourself whether you will continue to patronize a provider of information content.

Join The Fight for Independent Journalism at TYTNETWORK.COM/GO

If you follow me on Twitter or facebook, you will likely notice that I am a member of 'The Young Turks' (TYT) Network. I afford a small monthly donation to ensure that the programming and content remains accessible for everyone, member or not. With millions of dedicated viewers, TYT has amazing reach and scope. If I was flush with cash, I would upgrade my membership level in a heartbeat. Yes, there is largely a liberal and progressive bias at TYT, that is no secret. What is not expected is the variety of views within that political and social spectrum. While the two lead anchors, TYT founder Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, may both agree politically about a story, their unique personal critiques and viewpoints are openly debated. This debate-style manner of news coverage is very unique. While hosts may know the basic facts about each story, they share their own critical viewpoints in an entirely unscripted and unprompted manner.

This kind of live streamed analysis is refreshing for several major reasons. First, it is not rehearsed, so one never knows how any of the panelists might react to a story. Secondarily, it is massively entertaining to watch the interactions of hosts, sometimes as many as four individuals. I would also add that there is a distinct openness and honesty inherent in the TYT presentation style. In a very disconnected era, with people distracted and often disengaged, those who seek a place to belong may find a sort of functional family with TYT Network.

The broader TYT Network is an amazing pool of internet streamed news and insightful, often humorous, commentary. You can check out their work, gratis on their main site, or watch live and curated content on YouTube. Membership not only supports the show, it brings access to archived coverage, as well as members only content that is entirely worth it. I highly recommend the daily TYT show, which airs live weeknights from 6-8pm EST. I would also recommend you check out the work of Jordan Chariton on TYT Politics. Jordan's impressive work covering the US Election 2016 and the Standing Rock #NoDAPL movement has been essential this past year.

If you want to support TYT's commercial and corporate influence-free work, consider becoming a Member.  TYT is currently looking to expand from one exhausted field journalist, to include up to 4 new investigative journalism teams to bring real news and views to it's audience. TYT's current Fundraising Drive allows you to donate any amount, no matter how small, to see their good and frankly very entertaining work continue. Consider adding them to your giving list this holiday season, it really is a gift that you can share with millions of other progressive and critical thinking individuals around the world. Whether you support them by watching and sharing, becoming a member, or giving a one-time gift; you will be helping to expose the corporate media for the political pandering and self-interested entities that they are.