After the monitoring the coverage of two different media sources; The New York Times and Free Speech Radio News, I looked for the differences between mainstream and alternative media. From the limited perspective I obtained, five articles from each source, I feel that consuming both alternative and mainstream media sources together, due to their differences, is beneficial.
The articles covered vary in type- The New York Times currently seems to have a primary focal point on articles involving the economy, impacts on the economy, with an emphasis on the American economy. While the economy is a very serious point, that in my opinion, not enough of the citizen of the United States understand well enough other issues deserve the spot light. Free Speech Radio News had more variety between the stories posted on the main page- obviously intended to be read by more viewers. One of the stories, was about the FDA’s attempt to allow genetically altered or even cloned meat to be sold to the public, without a requirement of markings on the package warning consumers. The other main stories involved other overlooked issues and a story from Egypt.
The New York Times contrasted to Free Speech Radio News has higher opinion based articles, in general from the sample size I selected. The New York Times gives no greater motivation for reading an article completely- there is no need everything presented already came across and majority of the article remaining is reiteration. Free Speech Radio News continued interviews with qualified peoples throughout the articles; giving cause to finish a whole article. Additionally Free Speech Radio News informed the public how to voice their opinion on some matters giving the name of the office the public could contact and the date the public had to voice their opinions by. Both media sources excel in using informed peoples to provide quotes- adding an informed outside opinion. Neither website gave access to easily changeable language options, and if an English speaker experiences difficulty locating these someone who is not a native English speaker likely will have more troubles- which excludes readerships.
Overall both media sources used together would create a stronger informed public than either source alone. Both sources ignore certain issues and in my opinion, The New York Times prioritizes publishing articles that will sell to the masses, and Free Speech Radio News seems to target articles that are getting less publicity. Thus either news site on their own would be inefficient for a better-informed public. However, I do personally enjoy the style of the Free Speech Radio News, simply because I don’t feel like I waste my time after finishing a complete article.
Check them out for yourself:
Jessi
Hi Jessi – I’m Jes, one of the headlines editors at Free Speech Radio News. We get a daily digest of FSRN in the blogosphere and I noticed your and your other classmates media comparison posts. I passed them around to editorial staff. I thought they were all really interesting.
I write because I notice you’re at the UO. I’m actually based in Eugene – producing my part in the Whiteaker Neighborhood. I also graduated from the Jschool a few years back. So just wanted to say hello to my hometown peeps – and good luck!