Whether you’re an independent journalist or a concerned citizen, you’re likely frustrated with the bias that comes with mainstream media. Even so-called “alternative media” has its agenda.
This is troubling for anyone who wishes to seek the truth. This is also troubling for anyone concerned with the future of press freedom and freedom of speech.
But, you don’t have to despair! All is not lost, as there are still a few unbiased news sources that serve journalists and citizens alike.
Here’s what you need to know:
Avoid New Sources With a Political or Social Stance
This might sound obvious, but you want to consider avoiding all news sources that come with a political or social stance.
This doesn’t mean that there’s no truth in such news sources. However, if you want an unbiased news source, you need to avoid media that takes a hard stance on a topic.
Let’s say you want to learn more about the current pandemic and the best scenarios for curbing the virus.
For example, some publications might take a hard stance in favor of lockdowns, mask mandates, or vaccinations. Others will take a hard stance against such measures.
You want to find one that discusses both situations. They should compare data among jurisdictions with stringent restrictions and those with fewer or no restrictions. They don’t take a stance on either approach and stick to sharing data and results.
Avoid Celebrity Journalists and Commentators
If you’re trying to create your own news story you’re likely having a hard time finding unbiased news sources.
You can check out the website https://blog.justreachout.io/help-a-reporter-out-alternative/ to find alternatives to the usual sources for helping reporters.
But as a general rule, one should avoid celebrity journalists. These journalists can be compromised and are insistent on pushing the narrative that makes them popular.
Let’s use the example of political and social issues that are considered right-wing or left-wing.
A left-wing or right-wing commentator will always present the prevailing narrative held by the mainstream Left or Right. You can’t trust them to present an objective story on a social issue that has a prevailing opinion.
For example, conservative commentator Tomi Lahren knew she’d face flack for presenting a more liberal stance on Alabama’s abortion laws. Her views contrasted with the mainstream conservative opinions.
Similarly, Tim Pool has held views that have contrasted from the mainstream liberal opinions, which have put him in a class of his own.
But, most celebrity journalists and commentators will play to the choir. They’ll express what their audience wants without expressing nuance. These are the ones you should avoid listening to completely!
It’s also advisable to avoid journalists or commentators who seek to disparage those they disagree with. If they can’t have civil discussions with their intellectual adversaries, they have little credibility to begin with!
Conflict of Interest
This continues with the theme discussed in the previous section. You have to avoid news sources that have a conflict of interest.
For example, let’s say you’re curious about whether to invest in Bitcoin or gold bullion. While there are financial advisors who suggest both, there’s also a battle between “Bitcoiners” and “Gold Bugs” on which is the more valuable asset.
Peter Schiff is an advocate for buying gold, but feels that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are worthless. He’s also the owner of a service that sells gold bullion and other precious metals.
Michael Saylor has stated that Bitcoin is superior to gold and that the latter is an unnecessary asset. He also bought $175 million worth of Bitcoin for his company MicroStrategy.
Both entrepreneurs have a bias toward one asset class over another. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consume content from either.
But you also want to look for a third person who considers both Bitcoin and gold, without taking a hard stance on which is better.
In such a case, Jaspreet Singh from The Minority Mindset could be an ideal news source.
He’s interviewed both entrepreneurs and has discussed the pros and cons of both asset classes. He informs the viewer rather without taking a hard stance on either asset class.
Look for Nuance
As mentioned in the section on celebrity journalists and commentators, you’ll seldom find either diverging from the accepted norm within their niche.
If you want to find an unbiased news source, you want to look for nuance. For example, you might find one news source praising Israel while critiquing Palestine. Another will advocate for Palestine while condemning Israel.
But how often do you come across a news source that has a nuanced view on the tension between Israel and Palestine? If you find one, this is the news source you want to focus on.
You also want to look for commentators who present nuanced discussions and arguments. For example, the rapper and podcaster Zuby is a great example of a nuanced commentator.
With his global perspective, he can discuss the benefits of the freedoms and culture that the Western World has in contrast with other parts of the world. But he’s also quick to point out the flaws in Western society and what it can learn from other cultures.
That’s why, on the political spectrum, he can upset the Left by praising the USA or UK!
But he can also upset the Right by praising the family values of Saudi Arabia where he lived, and why the West needs to learn from this!
How often do you come across such nuanced commentators? You rarely do, but these are the types of people to listen to. You’ll be more informed when you listen to and engage with such persons.
Get Your Unbiased News Sources
Now you can get your unbiased news sources and be better informed as a citizen or aspiring reporter.
You want to try to avoid news sources that take a hard stance on political and social issues. Many mainstream and alternative media companies are guilty of this!
It’s also best to avoid most celebrity journalists and commentators, and anyone who has a conflict of interest. You want to find a news source or commentator that offers nuanced discussions.
There are even more tips on finding unbiased news sources on our blog!
