Many people I meet with continue to pay attention to popular news channels around from the days of their youth (radio, TV, newspapers).
Over the past century local news sources consolidated to regional, then to national businesses. Local independent news reporters became employees of the national conglomerates.
With the introduction of the internet and increased availability of technology, people began connecting in different ways. The large conglomerate news businesses began censoring stories supporting any alternate worldview, containing anything they did not agree with.
Each year, more individuals are questioning the truthfulness of news presented on these traditional channels.
Below is a Q&A on this topic for your consideration.
What are some examples of how new news sources have developed?
- Former WCCO anchor Liz Collin, a local investigative reporter in Minneapolis, the city where George Floyd was reportedly killed by a policeman, began to investigate and report information she uncovered, contrary to the national narrative. She lost her job, could not find other employment, and eventually created a documentary about what she learned from her investigation. She landed a job with an independent news website Alpha News.
- Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News because he increasingly reported information not approved by upper management. Since then, he created a substantial following by interviewing people mainstream news continues to refuse to give airtime.
What news channel(s) do you currently follow on a regular basis? How did you get connected to them?
- I began reading more about thirty years ago. Initially trade magazines. Kris and I began contributing to more non-profit organizations. Many of these organizations published a monthly or quarterly magazine to keep their donors aware of important topics.
- This brought awareness of alternative news sources to us. Reading several copies of a new news source, built trust in the information they presented and an interest to include them in my continual education for life.
- Voice of the Martyrs – brought awareness of the persecution of the Body of Christ, especially in countries closed to the gospel, and their efforts to aid those being persecuted. It encouraged me to live fully for Christ despite persecution.
- World Magazine – presents a Christian worldview in all areas of life. Stories of the struggles, and successes, of Christians living boldly for God honoring values, freedom, and righteousness.
- Epoch Times – a weekly newspaper delivered in the mail. It has sections for current news, health and wellness, home life, understanding politics, and much more. They blend historic with current information.
- John Birch Society – my dad was a member in the 1960s. Kris and I attended an AFA event where the speaker was a John Birch Society member. We signed up to become a member.
- Gateway Press, One American News, are two of a growing number of new news sources.
How do you get a “balanced” perspective of news?
- Connect to several channels with different emphasis. Most news sources have a primary emphasis (faith, health, family, business, political, history, etc.). If I were to choose a single source, it would be the Epoch Times.
- If you are connected to a “truth channel” you do not need to pay attention to false news sources. I listen attentively when others share with me what they heard (and believe to be true) from mainstream news channels, because I want to know (as close as possible), what they are hearing, and what they are thinking, since because I no longer listen to any channel I no longer trust.
- When I come across new news sources, I read a few articles to discern how informed and biased they are and determine if they are reporting opinion as fact.
