Improving News Coverage
The news media has a tremendous significance in our society – influencing government, the marketplace, elections, decisions to go to war, and so much more. In this age of information, we need the news media to be committed to the common good and dedicated to supporting citizens who are literate when it comes to civic affairs. Just like our political system, the integrity of the news media depends on active and engaged individuals pushing for progress and innovation.
Reform Media, Transform DemocracyFree Press is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to make media reform a bona fide political issue in America because media reform is crucial not just for creating better news and entertainment, but to advancing every issue. Read more.
Read the Free Press essay: "Making Coverage Count"
Endnotes & References
Change the Channels - Stop Newsroom Consolidation Now
Encourage the news media outlets that you follow to include more quality news stories and less triviality and violence. See action guide (also below) for "Letter to the Editor" tips!
Tune in to public media like PBS or NPR and independent media. Public and independent media has less pressure to draw ratings and maximize profits, so their coverage is usually more complete.
Media Policy 101: What You Need to Know to Change the Media Knowledge is power!
Media Reform Action Guide, Essential primer for changing the media, filled with helpful tools and step-by-step instructions for how you can make your voice heard.
Q. What if the U.S. spent as much on public media as other industrialized nations?
A. We could put tens of thousands of journalists back to work. America spends about $1.37 per capita a year on public media. Canada spends about $22 on the CBC and England spends about $80 to run BBC news, which is among the most acclaimed news networks worldwide.