My 5 Most Used News Sources

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Which Sources Do We Trust?

In todays society, we as a people are reliant on the flow and accessibility of news in many forms. However, the most prominent and accessible source to date would digital media and online news sources. Instead of waiting days or weeks for media reporting now all one must do is search up the name of articles or a few keywords, and now the web is open to them with a multitude of media and news sources. Sadly, in todays day and age many news articles and press related websites are corrupted with many plagues. The two most prominent being the bias and clickbait. 

    The idea of bias has often been a heavily criticizing factor when it comes to the way the media reports certain topics or events especially after the election of President Donald Trump as he called out the idea of biased and skewed news sources on a very high profile platform. While the idea and contents of biased media outlets and "fake news" always existed, his comments propelled the narrative and idea to even higher levels of belief since the President of the United States himself was making such prominent and powerful claims. 

    Clickbait is no better than media bias. Clickbait by nature is the idea that news sources will prioritize the monetization and income their articles bring to them rather than the information on the article itself. In truth, this strategy is used more by smaller and wishful up and coming news sources or sources that wish to provide more traction for their website by appealing to a certain target audience. This is often see in the titles of the articles as they will allude to a story or report which is either over exaggerated or not remotely true.

The question many seem to ask themselves is which news sources are truly reliable and or trust worthy. Ultimately, there is no clear cut answer as the truth of the matter is that one must surmise their own opinions and beliefs based on the information they receive. While yes there surely are news sources to stay away from, there are also those which serve a true strong and powerful purpose to inform the greater public. Many news sources will however have biased, but it is up to the reader to distinguish between said bias or read articles from biased sources on opposing sides of media. Even when writing an independent article or piece of writing, such as this, one must trust the writers sources of media. In doing this, one can build a trust with the writer. Below one may find my most frequently visited news sources 

1. Deadline

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I would say Deadline is my most used media source as I am always involved and involving myself in the world of film. I also enjoy it because deadline does not simply report on film media and the news of actors or public figures, they report on the business aspects and logistics of the industry. As a communications major I must look at these and take them into consideration as there maybe some business decisions which I may agree with or some which I may not agree with. I also say this is important as films often tell stories which are based on or allude to modern day problems, and sometimes problems of the past. In truth film tells its own stories and conveys messages in its own unique ways. 

    For example: Jojo Rabbit directed by Taiki Waititi, Selma directed by Ava DuVernay, Get Out directed by Jordan Peele, BlacKkKlansman directed by Spike Lee, Green Book directed by Peter Farrelly, etc. Deadline reports on these films from an unbiased stand point especially when it comes to the business aspect as they report on scandals and or comments which are claimed or made from a central view point and acknowledge both sides of an argument. They also do the best to point out pros and cons of certain business deals which occur, a strong example of this would be the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company. When the deal was approved, Disney acquired ownership rights to many studios and their studios allowing them to produce new stories and go in new directions with certain properties that Fox may not have done before. However, the merger would sadly cause many company work arounds and shifts leading to a plethora of layoffs and job losses. Deadline proposed both the pros and the cons of this merger in a professional and appropriate manner. In my opinion, Deadline truly remains neutral when reporting on the world of film, and even if it seem as if Deadline does not agree with an act or story they acknowledge all parties involved with a situation to the fullest extent.

2. The New York Times

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My second most used source I would say is The New York Times. I use this source mostly as it is a strong up to date and reliable source of news I would say. I think that their status as an award winning news organization helps both the notoriety and status of the paper. The New York Times in my opinion also holds and houses a very neutral stance when it comes to political or general public issues and concerns. The times also is benefited by its status as a star studded and world renowned paper. Ultimately the status of the New York Times allows it to remain a reliable source and media outlet. 

    The New York Times in my opinion also covers business sides of media well also. They New York Times manages to do this by dividing their business sections on their digital columns. For example in their technology column they divide each of the different subjects of technologies by separate categories and relevancies. They have categories for future technology, work in progress technology, and modern technologies in each of their reports. The New York Times truly remains a reliable source in my eyes due to these factors

3. Fox News

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Fox News I would say is a traditional media source which is, what I would say, a standard issue media outlet which knows its audience well. I use this source as often times they report through the lens of a somewhat biased view in my opinion and are a good source to use to see through a different angle. Sometimes it is great to see a situation or an argument from two opposing view points so one can formulate their own unique opinion. These opinions can also come free of criticism since said reader would be reviewing both sources without neglecting one which they might not agree with. One must be open minded and when looking into news sources. 

4.  CNN

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CNN is often seen as an antithesis or opposing force of Fox News and vice versa. This is because they both stand on opposite sides of a political spectrum, and often clash when it comes to political views and reporting. I view CNN like Fox as a way to see another point of view when it comes to modern day issues and or the other side of the political Fox News I would say is a traditional media source which is, what I would say, a standard issue media. CNN like Fox also talks about the political values and beliefs in business which is another reason why I find it somewhat reliable. CNN serves as a strong news source for those with a certain political spectrum, however I only use a source such as CNN if I am willing to look at a source with its opposing side as well.

5.  ABC News

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ABC News in my opinion is a great general news media source in my personal opinion. There are many general and world news facts that come from this cite. I use this news sources to better understand general situations that are goin on in the modern day. I say this is important because before I divulge an opinion on a certain topic or subject I make it my mission to familiarize myself with the general information of what is occurring. Said information helps people create a baseline for all and allows the reader to dictate if they wish to dig deeper and go further into their research or simply stop us up to them as abc has now given the reader the general tools to understand a certain situation.