Right now, while you may have a little time on your hands, and if you have access to a screen, why not take this easy but important challenge?
Pretend you have been cut off from all media and unable to hear any news at all for the last five years.
A pandemic is threatening lives and livelihoods across the nation so you are looking for the most dependable, serious news possible.
For a week, you will divide your news viewing time equally between FOX News, and any combination of PBS Newshour and NPR national news.
As part of the exercise, tell yourself that the future of our government, plus the health of our citizens, may depend upon your careful judgment as you determine the best source of objective and informative news.
Here are some things to listen for: Are you hearing raised voices from the on-air personalities?
Or mostly calm, steady voices?
Are distinctions made between news and opinion?
Are the opinions backed up with facts?
Are the presentations somewhat complex and thought-provoking, or do they seem to immediately elicit strong emotions?
Are interviews fairly brief or are they in-depth and detailed to the point of being almost boring?
Do the presenters delve into many conspiracy theories?
Which source has many commercials; which does not?
Note that one source will likely be more entertaining than another, but stick to more objective and informative in making your choice.
On behalf of your community, thank you for taking this challenge.
Lisa Dekker
Port Angeles