News Or Entertainment

Newspapers are dead. Look at many large cities and you will see a dead or dying readership. There is simply no money being made. Advertising dollars have dwindled to a trickle as most ads now appear online. Those of us who were used to getting our news in print have a hard time making the transition. Thankfully, or not, there is still television. When we tune in for news and opinion are we being educated or just entertained?

News programs on the major networks offer early morning, afternoon and multiple evening editions. During any of these periods we are treated to local news, sports, cooking and financial advice. A little national and world news is thrown in at night. What good is the news that we receive? The stories almost always are negative. The networks liken our mentality to that of those who gawk at accidents. It is insulting to our collective intelligence.

Plenty of shows abound that let us in on the latest entertainment gossip. Personally I cannot get enough of Brangelina! News about new movies, plays or musicals would add value to our lives. The information that is proffered is puerile and salacious rather than intellectually stimulating. We are treated as if we are no more intelligent than children. Not every story must involve the tragic lives of those we lift upon our shoulders.

We have many choices when desiring informed opinions. Famous-named pundits offer their "unique" take on the days' news on many cable channels. I appreciate hearing opinions that differ from my own. Perspective on any issue can only be attained by listening to others. The unfortunate reality is that what the talking heads opine is their skewed view of reality. They spew forth inflammatory diatribes that only serve to maintain ratings and polarize viewers.

There are decent places to turn for hard news. We need the type of reporting that is both objective and useful. In that vain I offer a few of my favorite sources of information. They can be found on television, in print and on the 'net. They are the BBC, the Guardian, and The Economist. Watch, read and learn. I think that you will see quite a difference between the simplistic offerings on television and what great news sources give us daily.