News Sources

Americans are notoriously uninformed about the world and have been for some time. Surveys show them comparatively ignorant about world geography, world politics, and more. News coverage of the world has been shrinking over the last twenty years. The debate on the question is mostly a matter of why this is happening: is it the relative isolation of the United States? its educational system? mass media? the lack of interest on the part of the public? For a brief consideration of news media and Americans view of the world, tune in to the 2008 Ted Talk by Alisa Miller, the head of PRI International, entitled “How the News Distorts Our Worldview.”

But there are plenty of sources that will help you keep abreast of events going on in the world! All of these have their limitations. No one will guarantee you an informed view on the world. But if you find a couple of these that you regularly read or tune in to, you will do far better than most. As you see, I leave aside broadcast and cable news…