Because mainstream corporate media is often influenced by the need to maintain or increase profits, we strongly recommend rounding out your media news diet with the carefully selected alternatives listed below. Many of them are non-profits that are free from the pressures from advertisers and corporate owners that influence the mainstream news media. Our research and personal experience indicate that despite the fact that many of the news sources listed below are open about their political viewpoints and social values, they still maintain a commitment to verifiable facts and truth.
As much as possible we used the news outlet’s own statements on their policies, history and values. We have not verified any of their claims, but they do appear to be compatible with how they report news and offer opinions.
The Pundit’s comment: The Guardian is the best overall source for international and news from the USA that I have found. They have broken many important stories that did not initially get attention from mainstream commercial journalism.
“The Manchester Guardian was founded by cotton merchant John Edward Taylor in the wake of the Peterloo massacre of 1819...Taylor’s nephew CP Scott went on to become editor in 1872 and bought the paper in 1907. His 57 year editorship cemented the paper’s liberal values and gave it an international reputation...CP Scott’s son John Russell Scott was determined to protect this legacy when, after the deaths of his father and brother, he became the paper’s owner...The Scott Trust was originally created in 1936 to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity and to safeguard the journalistic freedom and liberal values of the Guardian free from commercial or political interference. The Scott Trust is the sole shareholder in Guardian Media Group and its profits are reinvested in journalism and do not benefit a proprietor or shareholders…
The Manchester Guardian was founded in the liberal interest to support reform in the early 19th century. The ethos of public service has been part of the DNA of the newspaper and Group ever since.
CP Scott, the famous Manchester Guardian editor, outlined the paper’s principles in his celebrated centenary leader on May 5, 1921...Among the many well known lines are the assertions that ‘Comment is free, but facts are sacred’, that newspapers have ‘a moral as well as a material existence’ and that ‘the voice of opponents no less than that of friends has a right to be heard’. The values he described are: honesty; cleanness (today interpreted as integrity); courage; fairness; and a sense of duty to the reader and the community.” The Scott Trust
"Guardian US is renowned for the Paradise Papers investigation and other award-winning work including, the NSA revelations, Panama Papers and The Counted investigations.” About the Guardian US
Reuters
The Pundit’s comment: Although this news source is mainstream, commercially successful and appears to be politically neutral, it shows excellent judgment in its content decisions and provides solid reporting.
“Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world’s largest international multimedia news provider reaching more than one billion people every day...”
“Thomson Reuters is dedicated to upholding the Trust Principles and to preserving its independence, integrity, and freedom from bias in the gathering and dissemination of information and news. The Trust Principles were created in 1941, in the midst of World War II, in agreement with the Newspaper Publishers Association and the Reuters shareholders at the time. The Principles imposed obligations on Reuters and its employees to act at all times with integrity, independence, and freedom from bias and fortified them in carrying out the difficult and delicate tasks with which they were faced.
Reuters Directors and shareholders were determined to protect and preserve the Trust Principles established in 1941 when Reuters became a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. A unique structure was put in place to achieve this. A new company was formed and given the name 'Reuters Founders Share Company Limited', its purpose being to hold a 'Founders Share' in Reuters.
The charter documents of Thomson Reuters Corporation require Thomson Reuters Directors, in the performance of their duties, to have due regard to the Trust Principles, by the proper exercise of their powers and in accordance with their other duties as Directors.
The Trust Principles are: 1. That Thomson Reuters shall at no time pass into the hands of any one interest, group, or faction; 2. That the integrity, independence, and freedom from bias of Thomson Reuters shall at all times be fully preserved; 3. That Thomson Reuters shall supply unbiased and reliable news services to newspapers, news agencies, broadcasters, and other media subscribers and to businesses, governments, institutions, individuals, and others with whom Thomson Reuters has or may have contracts; 4. That Thomson Reuters shall pay due regard to the many interests which it serves in addition to those of the media; and 5. That no effort shall be spared to expand, develop, and adapt the news and other services and products so as to maintain its leading position in the international news and information business
...The Directors of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company are experienced and eminent people from the world of politics, diplomacy, media, public service, and business. The Directors are selected by a nomination committee and proposed to the board of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company for appointment. The nomination committee also has unique features. Two of its members are judges from the European Court of Human Rights and assist in scrutinizing candidates' suitability. The Thomson Reuters board has two representatives on the committee and Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company's board has five representatives, including its chairman. Other members are representatives of the press associations from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand... Thomson Reuters Trust Principles
Daily Kos
The Pundit’s comment: The Daily Kos obviously presents the opinions and perspectives of the democratic wing of the Democratic party. It updates its websites with new stories and editorials throughout the day and more frequently than most other outlets. It's are a great source for learning about and interpreting the latest developments in the many current political scandals.
“Daily Kos has the largest audience in liberal media, ranked a top-100 site in the United States by Quantcast among ALL sites, with 18.5 million unique visitors and over 80 million page views in November 2016...
Founded on May 26, 2002, Daily Kos is at once a news organization, community, and activist hub. Among luminaries posting diaries on the site are Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and dozens of other senators, congressmen, and governors. Even more exciting than that, however, are the hundreds of thousands of regular Americans that have used Daily Kos to shape a political world once the exclusive domain of the rich, connected, and powerful.”
“Markos Moulitsas Zúniga is founder and publisher of Daily Kos, the largest progressive community site in the United States. He is the co-author of the critically acclaimed book Crashing the Gate : Netroots, Grassroots, and the Rise of People-Powered Politics, and author of Taking on the System : Rules for Radical Change in a Digital Era, and American Taliban: How War, Sex, Sin, and Power Bind Jihadists and the Radical Right...
...The son of a Salvadoran mother and Greek father, Moulitsas spent his formative years in El Salvador (1976-1980), where he saw first-hand the ravages of civil war. His family fled threats on their lives by the communist guerillas and settled in the Chicago area... in 2002, he started Daily Kos. “ Daily Kos: Masthead
Democracy Now!
“Democracy Now! produces a daily, global, independent news hour hosted by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. Our reporting includes breaking daily news headlines and in-depth interviews with people on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues. On Democracy Now!, you’ll hear a diversity of voices speaking for themselves, providing a unique and sometimes provocative perspective on global events.
Democracy Now! is broadcast daily across the United States and Canada as well as in countries around the world...Democracy Now! launched in 1996, airing on nine radio stations. More than two decades later, we have grown to be one of the leading U.S.-based independent daily news broadcasts in the world.
As an independent news program, Democracy Now! is audience-supported, which means that our editorial independence is never compromised by corporate or government interests. Since our founding in 1996, Democracy Now! has held steadfast to our policy of not accepting government funding, corporate sponsorship, underwriting or advertising revenue.” About Democracy Now!
“Democracy Now!’s history spans more than two decades of fearless independent reporting. Our groundbreaking coverage of critical global news events has garnered dozens of awards and brought attention to some of the world’s most pressing, often underreported issues.
...Since inception, Democracy Now! has been covering the movements changing America...” About Democracy Now!
The Pundit’s comment: Democratic Underground is 50% discussion forum and 50% news outlet. The featured public comments often highlight under-reported news stories. One of the best features is a daily photo and text graphic that insightfully and humorously calls out the latest antics of conservative politicians.
“Democratic Underground is an online community where politically liberal people can do their part to effect political and social change by: • Interacting with friendly, like-minded people; • Sharing news and information, free from the corporate media filter; • Participating in lively, thought-provoking discussions; • Helping elect more Democrats to political office at all levels of American government; and • Having fun!
After more than a decade online, Democratic Underground still hosts the most active liberal discussion board on the Internet. We are an independent website funded by member subscriptions and advertising, and we have no affiliation with the Democratic Party. Democratic Underground is a truly grassroots community where regular members drive the discussion and set the standards. There is no other website quite like it anywhere on the Internet…” About Democratic Underground
Truthout
“Our Organization and Mission
Truthout is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing independent news and commentary on a daily basis. Truthout works to spark action by revealing systemic injustice and providing a platform for transformative ideas, through in-depth investigative reporting and critical analysis. With a powerful, independent voice, we will spur the revolution in consciousness and inspire the direct action that is necessary to save the planet and humanity...
...In order to remain free of bias and adhere to high editorial standards, Truthout accepts no advertising or corporate backing. Instead, we depend on our readers, and a handful of foundations who support our mission, to make our work possible: Donations from individual readers have accounted for an average 81 percent of our annual budget over the last five years. Readers and foundations who donate to Truthout do so in their knowledge that our editorial principles and judgment are in no way influenced by those donations -- they support us not in spite of the fact that we scrupulously maintain our editorial independence (even when it comes to our largest contributors), but because of that integrity.” About Us
Truthdig
"Truthdig, founded in 2005 by Publisher Zuade Kaufman and Editor in Chief Robert Scheer, is dedicated to reporting on current issues that are insufficiently covered by mainstream media. The website’s mission is to dig beneath the headlines, provide expert reporting and commentary and offer an outlet for original work by exceptional journalists.
Truthdig is known for honest and credible reporting and careful fact checking by our professional staff. We insist that our reporting meet the highest standards and focus on the issues that matter most.
Over the years, our peers have recognized our efforts. Our honors include six Webby Awards, 21 awards from the Los Angeles Press Club and affiliated organizations, and three awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.
We do not tell any of our contributors what to write, and the website does not always agree with the views of its writers and bloggers. We are proud to have created a home for provocative and talented writers and to give them the freedom to pursue a story wherever it takes them.
Truthdig’s team is composed of writers and editors who have worked for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Daily News and other major publications. Guiding the staff is Robert Scheer, an award-winning journalist with more than 50 years’ experience.” About Truthout
Politico
The Pundit’s comment: Compared to other outlets included on this list, Politico is more likely to present the opinions and perspectives of the centrists in the Democratic party.
“POLITICO is a global news and information company at the intersection of politics and policy. With publications based in Washington, D.C., New York and Brussels - and continued expansion into various state capitals in the United States - POLITICO has one of the most robust and rapidly expanding rosters of journalists covering politics and policy in the world. Since its launch in 2007, POLITICO has delivered journalism about politics and policy making that is more authoritative in its sophistication and nonpartisan perspective than any competitor; that is more useful to people with a professional interest in public affairs; and that is more fun to read for a community of people who love the drama and sheer sport of politics. The central mission of POLITICO, from birth to our current period of growth, has been to help sustain and vastly expand nonpartisan political and policy journalism. We all believe informing readers and holding leaders accountable is and will forever be essential to smart governance, regardless of shifts in technology and consumption habits.
...POLITICO Magazine, published daily on the web and bimonthly in print, is home for ambitious, distinctive journalism about the people, ideas, and institutions that matter most in Washington—and beyond. Featuring hard-hitting original reporting as well as smart analysis, provocative argument, and first-person perspectives from the best outside contributors, our online magazine content is consistently among the highest trafficked stories on POLITICO, and has particularly heavy penetration in the C-suite audience. Readers have come to rely on the magazine as a place to find the best writers and thinkers in the country—engaged with the day's most important stories, and those that should be.” Politico Facts
Alternet
"AlterNet is an award-winning news magazine and online community that creates original journalism and amplifies the best of hundreds of other independent media sources. AlterNet’s aim is to inspire action and advocacy on the environment, human rights and civil liberties, social justice, media, health care issues, and more. Since its inception in 1998, AlterNet.org has grown dramatically to keep pace with the public demand for independent news. We provide free online content to millions of readers, serving as a reliable filter, keeping our vast audience well-informed and engaged, helping them to navigate a culture of information overload and providing an alternative to the commercial media onslaught. Our aim is to stimulate, inform, and instigate...
..AlterNet publishes grassroots success stories and inspirational narratives alongside hard-hitting critiques of policies, investigative reports and expert analysis. We emphasize workable solutions to persistent social problems. Our editorial mix underscores a commitment to fairness, equality and global stewardship, and to making connections across generational, ethnic and issue lines. In order to provide deeper coverage on today’s key issues, AlterNet features 12 Special Coverage Areas, each with its own hub site, editor, and weekly newsletter.
..AlterNet provides its readers with pathways to action. We help connect our readers to opportunities to make change, be it through specific action campaigns, signing petitions, or by learning about the grassroots efforts of groups engaged in the work.
Financial stability is important to AlterNet. More than 40 percent of our annual operating budget is self-generated through our advertising program and online donor program, both of which are leveraged by our large traffic. We are dedicated to business growth, and our budget has grown consistently over the past decade, as we have increased our earned income level.
...AlterNet has developed a unique model of journalism to confront the failures of corporate media, as well as the vitriol and disinformation of right wing media, especially “hate talk” media. Not only do we keep our readers highly informed on a wide array of topics, from hundreds of experts and sources, but we also provide laser focus on the most compelling issues of the day. We offer our readers comprehensive information, a positive vision for the future, and concrete action steps towards change. AlterNet believes that media must have a higher purpose beyond the essential goal of keeping people informed. We insist on playing an active role in helping our community funnel its energy into change." About Alternet
The Intercept
“After NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden came forward with revelations of mass surveillance in 2013, journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Jeremy Scahill decided to found a new media organization dedicated to the kind of reporting those disclosures required: fearless, adversarial journalism. They called it The Intercept.
Today, The Intercept is an award-winning news organization that covers national security, politics, civil liberties, the environment, international affairs, technology, criminal justice, the media, and more. The Intercept gives its journalists the editorial freedom and legal support they need to pursue investigations that expose corruption and injustice wherever they find it and hold the powerful accountable.
EBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar provided the funding to launch The Intercept and continues to support it through First Look Media Works, a nonprofit organization.
The kind of journalism we do is costly, and we need readers’ support to help keep The Intercept strong and independent. That’s why we have established a sustaining membership program that makes it easy to invest in courageous, quality reporting you can trust…
...The Intercept is a publication of First Look Media. Launched in 2013 by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar, First Look Media is a multi-platform media company devoted to supporting independent voices, from fearless investigative journalism and documentary filmmaking to arts, culture, media and entertainment. First Look Media produces and distributes content in a wide range of forms including feature films, short-form video, podcasts, interactive media and long-form journalism, for its own digital properties and with partners. “ About the Intercept
Current Affairs
The Pundit’s comment: The online version of Current Affairs does not offer daily news updates. Instead it provides excellent analysis and opinions on current issues, often from a unique, but very thoughtful perspective.
“Current Affairs is a bimonthly print magazine of culture, politics, and the absurd. We have two missions: to produce the world's first readable political publication and to make life joyful again. We have offices in London and Washington, D.C...Current Affairs is released bimonthly. Our magazine can be found at newsstands across the United States and has subscribers around the world. About Current Affairs
“The magazine was started in 2015 via a Kickstarter campaign by Nathan J. Robinson, a PhD student at Harvard University, and the magazine's editor-in-chief." Wikipedia
Common Dreams
“Common Dreams is a non-profit independent newscenter created in 1997 as a new media model. By relying on our readers and tens of thousands of small donations to keep us moving forward -- with no advertising, corporate underwriting or government funding -- Common Dreams maintains an editorial independence our readers can count on.
We are optimists. We believe real change is possible. But only if enough well-informed, well intentioned -- and just plain fed up and fired-up -- people demand it. We believe that together we can attain our common dreams...We share our readers’ progressive values of social justice, human rights, equality and peace. Common Dreams is committed to not only being your trusted news source, but to encouraging critical thinking and civic action on a diverse range of social, economic, and civil rights issues affecting individuals and their communities.” About Common Dreams
Roll Call
The Pundit’s comment: Roll Call is not “alternative media” but it provides excellent coverage of the latest legislative developments in Washington, DC. Its opinion pieces are by guest commentators and often present centrist and conservative opinions.
“About CQ Roll Call CQ [Congressional Quarterly] Roll Call provides essential intelligence and grassroots advocacy resources to take action. As the premier source of timely news, objective facts and analysis, and coverage of elections and the politics of legislation, we keep our fingers on the pulse of the legislative process and give our clients the tools they need to maximize their influence. We are the ultimate insider, and our unmatched network of relationships and expertise has powered the productivity of those who rely on us since 1945...
...In a world of media spin and special interest bias, CQ Roll Call has stayed true to its roots. From Capitol Hill hearing rooms to campaign war rooms, from the White House to the House and Senate floors, CQ Roll Call covers Congress, inside and out.
...With the largest press corps on Capitol Hill, CQ Roll Call has earned a reputation for delivering comprehensive, accurate and objective congressional reporting. We help you track and understand the people, the politics and the process—and how these forces affect your interests. Moreover, CQ Roll Call provides an innovative array of channels to reach Capitol Hill, empowering private citizens and power players alike with the ability to position their message in front of members of Congress and their staff...
...A wholly-owned subsidiary of The Economist Group, CQ Roll Call was formed by bringing together three companies – Congressional Quarterly, Roll Call and Capitol Advantage – with histories nearly as rich as the people, institutions and legislation it covers. The visionaries behind these companies were Nelson Poynter, Sid Yudain and Robert Hansan. By establishing CQ, Roll Call and Capitol Advantage, each left an indelible mark on America’s capital city. Though they shared great ambition and a keen entrepreneurial sense, each encompassed distinct views on how to change Washington for the better.” About CQ Roll Call
...Today Roll Call, widely considered the newspaper of Capitol Hill, provides news and information that is considered indispensable for members of Congress and their staff. Roll Call delivers breaking congressional news and behind-the-scenes intelligence on the people, politics and personalities of Capitol Hill. In addition to breaking news, readers get keen insight from such respected Washington analysts as Morton Kondracke, Stuart Rothenberg and Norman Ornstein, plus political coverage of congressional elections in every state in the Union.” CQ Roll Call History
The Hill
The Pundit’s comment: The Hill is very similar to Roll Call . Like Roll Call, it provides excellent coverage of the latest legislative developments in Washington, DC. Its opinion pieces are by guest commentators and often present centrist and conservative opinions.
“The Hill is known among those who influence policy as a "must read" in print and online. It signals the important issues of the moment. In an environment filled with political agendas, The Hill stands alone in delivering solid, non-partisan and objective reporting on the business of Washington, covering the inner-workings of Congress, as well as the nexus between politics and business. The Hill serves to connect the players, define the issues and influence the way Washington's decision makers view the debate.” Advertise
“The newspaper for and about the US Congress, is published Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday when Congress is in session and Wednesday only when Congress is out of session.”
“The Hill is an American political newspaper and website published in Washington, D.C. since 1994. It is published by Capitol Hill Publishing, which is owned by News Communications, Inc. Focusing on politics, policy, business and international relations, The Hill coverage includes the U.S. Congress, the presidency, and election campaigns. The paper was founded in 1994 and was published by New York businessman Jerry Finkelstein. The paper is currently owned by his son Jimmy Finkelstein, who serves as its chairman..." Wikipedia
Advocacy Groups
The Pundit’s comment: Many political advocacy groups provide news on their website and often bring to the public issues and events that are not well covered in mainstream commercial journalism. These are among the most informative news pages from advocacy groups.
Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) produces the excellent Counter Spin radio show.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation is the “leading nonprofit defending digital privacy, free speech, and innovation.” with excellent coverage of technical and communications policy issues.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU National) News
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU National) Blog (which often contains news stories)
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Berkeley/North East Bay Chapter on Facebook
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