Read on Twitter
most people I know don't often watch TV news (network or cable) or read newspapers or magazines in print. if you currently get most of your news from social media, realize that's not ideal, but aren't inclined to buy a bunch of subscriptions, I have some suggestions! https://twitter.com/Poynter/status/1288859898290159619
1. subscribe to newsletters from a variety of publications. they'll give you the top headlines, short summaries of stories, links to other coverage, and a lot of stuff you wouldn't necessarily encounter just glancing at a front page or following the outlet on social media.
I subscribe to a ton of newsletters, and when I add a new one I like to test-drive it for a week or so to see if it's useful, written in an engaging/efficient way, and doesn't just provide the same info I'm already getting from a different newsletter. you can always unsubscribe.
granted, when you follow links to stories on outlets' sites, you'll still eventually hit paywall limits. (I still think you should subscribe if you can afford to.) but if you ever need a PDF of an individual article (NYT, WSJ, WaPo, Trib), let me know and I'll send it, no problem
2. take 20 minutes you'd otherwise spend on twitter, and actually read—or at least skim—the newsletters! I guarantee you'll feel more informed. if you want specific recommendations (for general news/politics, business news, and media news), I have a lot of thoughts so hit me up.
3. take a hard look at the list of accounts you follow. how diverse is it? who funds these outlets? are you following individual reporters? (FOLLOW INDIVIDUAL REPORTERS.) what about local & nonprofit news like @BlockClubCHI and @THECITYNY? who do the people you follow follow?
4. whenever you see a story that prompts an emotional response, pause. look at the source. do you recognize it? if not, google. is it new? look at the timestamps on the post and the story itself. is it an op-ed or a reported article? what are the writer's credentials? GOOGLE IT.
this isn't meant to be scoldy at all. these platforms exist to capitalize on our eyeballs. I just want to emphasize that once this kind of caution becomes a habit, it's very easy to maintain. don't auto-retweet; check it out first. it's always, always, always worth it.
ALSO, MEDIA LITERACY SHOULD BE TAUGHT FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THROUGH COLLEGE
5. podcasts are good, too, if you're into that! I'm not the best person to make recs bc a) I listen to them as a break from the news and/or deep dive into ongoing themes, rather than for daily updates, and b) the lack of commute has disrupted my listening routine so I'm behind
it's important to be aware of who hosts a given show, esp when they're commenting on news and politics. what are their backgrounds/affiliations? do they have experience that makes them knowledgeable on a given topic? it's worth verifying claims where you can.
