The mainstream, legacy news organizations in the United States have bent the knee to oligarchy, fascism, and Zionism. They’re owned by tech bros, Trumpists, genocide deniers, and right wing corporations—not necessarily separate categories. There are no more “liberal” mainstream news outlets.
If you are still relying on CNN, The New York Times, or the Washington Post for your news, you are not getting either the whole truth or in some cases, even a partial truth. To put it bluntly, you don’t know what’s happening.
Here are some places you can get actual news. This list is by no means comprehensive. And some other time, I’ll post a list of journalists and commentators reporting on more specific issues. But this is a start.
If you’re already an imbiber of the many offerings of alt journalism, please help everyone out by adding your own favorite outlets and journalists in the comments. Thank you!
with infinite love,
Shambhavi
P.S. According to a recent Pew Foundation report, 38% of Americans regularly get their news from social media.
What mainstream should be
These aren’t the most radical solutions, but you can count on them for a higher percentage of actual facts and a more comprehensive view.
Aaron Parnas
A 24 y.o. journalist phenom who reports many times a day, mainly on U.S. politics. Totally free or support with a subscription.
The Parnas Perspective on Substack - news + long form articles and interviews
Aaron Parnas on Tiktok - Short video reports on what’s happening multiple times a day
Al Jazeera
Pretty much the only moderately progressive mainstream news outlet left. Based in Doha, Qatar. 24-hour a day news cycle. Live news free on their website.
Zeteo
Founded by Mehdi Hasan, former MSNBC host; now uses Substack to deliver news and commentary from an array of high-profile journalists. Some free content, but you’ll need to subscribe to get it all.
Moving left . . .
More progressive outlets with daily commentary on the U.S. news and a big dose of heart.
The Left Hook with Wajahat Ali
Hot takes multiple times a day, mostly on U.S. current events.
The Dam Digest
Danielle Moodie, outspoken former Democratic strategist, reports several times a day on U.S. politics mostly in dialogue with other commentators, including Wajahat Ali. Free or by subscription.
More radical reporting
Democracy Now
Oldie but goldie daily, global news show hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan González. Available wherever podcasts are available and on all social media.
The Electronic Intifada
Since 2001, the place to get accurate news about what’s happening in Palestine. Hosted by Ali Abhunimah, Nora Barrows-Friedman, Asa Winstanley, and Jon Elmer. E.I. issues a daily news update, publishes investigative reporting on the genocide in Gaza, foregrounds Palestinian voices and analyses, and hosts a live-stream every Thursday morning at 9 am Pacific.
Dropsite News
Independent news on global politics and war. Founded by veteran investigative journalists Ryan Grim, Jeremy Scahill, and Nausicaa Renner.
Breakthrough News
A nonprofit media and educational organization dedicated to independent, fact-based reporting and commentary on issues affecting global movements for social justice. Many of their journalists are young and bring perspectives and expertise from different parts of the world.
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Please join Shambhavi and the Jaya Kula community for satsang & kirtan every Sunday at 3:00pm Pacific. Come in person to 1215 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR, or join Jaya Kula’s newsletter to get the Zoom link for satsang. You can also listen to my podcast—Satsang with Shambhavi—wherever podcasts are found.
Novara media for UK but also for many global issues. I find ther long form stuff better than the news. This is under "Downstream" and has many excellent eye opening very analytical interviews with various scholars and journalists on diverse topics.
MeidasTouch @MeidasTouch on YouTube. They have nearly 6 million subscribers on YouTube and they offer in-depth reporting and analysis. It is hard to stay on top of the news and their reports are great to help me focus attention. I also follow them on Facebook and Spotify (yes, I know we are supposed to dump Spotify).