CMNS 235 -- Introduction to Journalism in Canada

Alternative and critical online news sources

February 2008

1. Progressive and middle-of-the-road American and foreign sites

Alternative Press Index (Library database)

            Index database to alternative and radical media.

Alternet  <http://www.alternet.org/>

            This is a project of the Independent Media Institute, a non-profit organization working to strengthen independent and alternative journalism. It provides in-depth coverage of important issues and has a MediaCulture section.

American Journalism Review  <http://ajr.org/>

            The online version of the magazine. More middle of the road. Check its valuable lists of resources. Published by the University of Maryland Journalism School.

Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom <http://keywords.dsvr.co.uk/freepress/index.html>

            An activist organization based in the UK that lobbies for press freedom and democracy.

Columbia Journalism Review  <http://www.cjr.org/>

            The online version of the magazine published by the graduate journalism program at Columbia University. “America’s premier media monitor.”

Common Dreams  <http://www.commondreams.org/>

            A non-profit citizens' organization that provides breaking news and views for the progressive community. Offers a progressive newswire.

FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting)  <http://www.fair.org/>

            This is a national US-based media watch group that offers well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship. Also publishes Extra magazine and produces a weekly radio program, Counterspin (in Vancouver over SFU radio, CJSF 93.9 FM, Tuesday at 11:00 am.)

In These Times  <http://www.inthesetimes.com/>

            A national biweekly magazine providing coverage of labour, environment, feminism, grassroots politics, minority communities and the media.

Independent Media Center  <http://www.indymedia.org/en/index.shtml>

            A collective of independent media organizations and hundreds of journalists offering grassroots, non-corporate media coverage.

Institute for Public Accuracy  <http://www.accuracy.org/>

            A US-wide consortium of policy researchers that seeks to broaden the range of public discourse by gaining access for voices commonly drowned out by corporate-backed think tanks and other influential institutions.

PR Watch <http://www.prwatch.org/>

            Offers investigative reporting on the public relations industry. Published Trust Us, We’re Experts and Toxic Sludge is Good for You.

Project Censored  <http://www.projectcensored.org/>

            A 30-year project of Sonoma State University in California to uncover the most under-reported (censored) stories of the year.

Znet  <http://www.zmag.org/weluser.htm>

            A website updated daily to provide information and community to progressive people.

2. Conservative American and Canadian sites

Accuracy in Media  <http://www.aim.org/>

            This is one of the oldest conservative media monitoring groups. It provides information on the latest activities, links to hundreds of conservative organizations, and an extensive archive of materials.

American Spectator  <http://www.spectator.org/>

A conservative U.S. monthly magazine covering news and politics. The magazine is best known for its attacks in the 1990s on Bill Clinton, to discredit the president, funded by billionaire Richard Mellon Scaife.

Center for Media and Public Affairs  <http://www.cmpa.com/>

            A non-partisan research and educational organization which conducts scientific studies of the news and entertainment media. Has a close link with the Fraser Institute and its new division, Canadian Statistical Assessment Service.

Drudge Report  <http://www.drudgereport.com/>

           A popular U.S.-based news website run by Matt Drudge. The site consists primarily of links to stories from the US and international mainstream media about politics, entertainment, and various current events, and to many popular columnists. Critics regard him as either careless, reckless, or malicious, with stories that are sometimes inaccurate or heavily biased.

Media Research Center  <http://www.mediaresearch.org/>

            This is a conservative watchdog group that conducts studies of the news and entertainment media to document, expose and neutralize liberal media bias. Provides a daily conservative news service.

National Review  <http://www.nationalreview.com/>

A conservative political magazine founded by author William F. Buckley, Jr., in 1955. It is considered by some to be one of the  most politically influential publications in the U.S.. The web version, National Review Online ("NRO"), includes a digital version of the magazine, with articles updated daily by National Review writers, and conservative blogs.

Weekly Standard  <http://www.weeklystandard.com/>

An American political magazine published 48 times a year and owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. It is viewed as a leading outlet for the influential neoconservative movement.

3. Progressive and middle-of-the-road Canadian sites: There are no organizations in Canada devoted solely to media analysis. But you can get relevant information from some sites.

Adbusters  <http://adbusters.org/>

            A global network of artists, writers, students and others who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age. Also publishes Adbusters magazine and runs an advocacy advertising operation.

Bourque Newswatch  <http://www.bourque.org/>

            News and gossip about Canadian events. Has extensive lists of links to media sources and resources.

Canadian Association of Journalists  <http://www.caj.ca/>

            Provides information on "the national voice of Canadian journalists" and selected articles from the organization's Media Magazine, plus an online newsletter.

Julian Sher's JournalismNet   <http://www.journalismnet.com/>

            Julian Sher is a former investigative reporter at CBC-TV's fifth estate who now trains journalists to use the Internet. He established this valuable web site on all aspects of journalism about eight years ago.

rabble.ca  <http://www.rabble.ca/>

            Provides progressive and critical news and analysis from a Canadian perspective. Has a few items on media analysis.

Ryerson Review of Journalism Online  <http://www.rrj.ca/>

            A print magazine published twice a year by graduating journalism students. Some of articles are provided online.

Straight Goods  <http://www.straightgoods.com/>

            A watchdog group working for Canadian consumers and citizens. It says its purpose is to help readers save money, protect their rights and untangle spin. The main page provides alternative news and views. Also has a collection of articles on media and spin.

The Tyee  <http://thetyee.ca/>

            An independent, alternative news and information web site that focuses on B.C. issues and narratives but also discusses national and international issues and trends.

UBC Journalism -- Thunderbird Online Journalism Review  <http://thethunderbird.ca/>

            An online magazine published by students of the journalism school, offering "critical analysis, careful observation and thoughtful study" of news media issues.