In response to my post yesterday, a good friend and fellow sports official Dan M. asked me the above question. I responded quickly without giving it much thought. Since that time, the question has been on my mind. I realize that where we get the news is important. In this day and age, personal and political bias is no longer separated from news reporting. Reporting of just the facts without political or personal bias has made its way into too much of our news stories in all forms of media. As a result the reader/viewer needs to be aware and needs to be able to separate fact from bias.
Over the years I realize my source of news has expanded and changed. I have found this to be necessary to stay balanced and not be influenced. I have found that I quickly skip over or dismiss reports that clearly contain bias.
In answer to the above question, here is where I get my news and why.
Detroit News: This is tradition. I have been reading it since my early days of youth. The only difference is that I now read the online version. I recognize that its’ bias is right of center on the political spectrum and pro business, but not to any extreme.
Detroit Free Press: Tradition also, since my early days of youth. I recognize that its bias is left of center on the political spectrum and pro worker, but not to any extreme.
MLIve: This allows me to get more of the local news not covered by the Detnews and Freep.
New York Times Daily Briefing: This is a new source. It allows for quick access to articles they feel are important. It allows for me to get a little more of the national events not covered as well as the above options.
Nolan Finley Outloud: This is a blog by the publisher of the Detroit News. Always very opinionated and mostly pro business and anti government. I have a love/hate relationship, but it keeps me grounded and is an offset of the NYT Daily Briefing.
The Bridge Magazine: I fell in love with this online magazine about 5 years ago. It is a non-profit that prides itself in factual/unbiased reporting of issues important to all citizens of Michigan. It was started by Phil Powers, experienced newsperson and former Universisty of Michigan regent. It is old time reporting. Opinion is separate from reporting.
I have never on a consistent basis got my news from local or national television or radio. They are not thorough enough for me. However, I do like Dick Haefner, WJR News Director. He is old school who keeps his opinions to himself. Also, he does not allow his stable of reporters to let their bias enter into their reporting of the news. I cannot say the same for the WJR radio personalities.