Independent Progressive News and Commentary Directory

NOTE: The editor is currently alphabetizing outlets, rather than organizing them according to venue.

Independent news organizations may represent any political bias. This page features independent progressive news organizations.

LAST UPDATED: March 21, 2023

Why Independent News Media Is Important

Network news is entertaining and easy to digest. But when you’re ready to advance to the “big picture,” you must add independent news outlets to your daily news consumption. Exposure to diverse viewpoints is the foundation of an informed opinion.

Network news maintains a corporate bias. Whether it claims to be progressive (i.e., MSNBC) or conservative (i.e., FOX News), mainstream news media support wealthy special interests. They report from an elite status quo perspective. You, however, need additional news. You need coverage of current events that impact ordinary people, and explains how the issues are relevant to you.

Let’s be very clear. Corporate media is not “objective;” they are not the “referees” trying to provide “all sides of the story.” Corporate media are profit-making entities owned and controlled by the ruling class and some of the wealthiest people in the country. And, like all private corporations, they have an agenda.

– Bernie Sanders, Where We Go from Here: Two Years in the Resistance

Fairness Doctrine Overruled

In the olden days, TV and radio stations covered both sides of a controversial topic and gave political candidates equal airtime. But mainstream network news is no longer regulated. The FCC Fairness Doctrine was overruled in 1987!

[The] Fairness Doctrine… (1949–87)… required licensed radio and television broadcasters to present fair and balanced coverage of controversial issues of interest to their communities, including by devoting equal airtime to opposing points of view… Also, candidates for public office were entitled to equal airtime.

– Matt Stefon, Britannica.com

Evaluating a News Source

Get into the habit of evaluating the reliability and bias of your information resources. When looking at a news story, regardless of the perspective or bias, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is it factually correct?
  • What is the context? (A quote taken out of context, for instance, may be misleading.)
  • Is the information up-to-date?
  • Does it include all pertinent information? What is left out, if anything? (I.e., is the reporting one-sided or objective?)
  • Why are they telling me this? (Be alert for public relations and/or propaganda.)
  • How do I feel about it? (Propaganda is designed to stir emotions, either positive or negative.)

Still having trouble telling the difference between fact and fiction? Here are some helpful resources that address news literacy and media bias:

  • Media Bias/Fact Check – Media sources are rated for “bias, factual accuracy, and credibility.”
  • News Literacy Project – From the mission statement: “Building a national movement to advance the practice of news literacy… creating better informed, more engaged and more empowered individuals—and ultimately a stronger democracy.”
    • Checkology – Free lessons in news literacy. “Learn how to think about news and information—not what to think.”
    • Rumor Guard – Learn to “recognize misinformation and stop it in its tracks.”
  • Project Censored – “News that didn’t make the news.”

Progressive News & Commentary

The progressive news platforms, in the list below, are organized alphabetically. They range from soft-left to hardcore communist. Most are available through multiple venues. Everyone, regardless of location or media device, should be able to access some form of quality independent progressive news and commentary.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Independent progressive news outlets depend upon the financial support of viewers, readers, and listeners. If you have the means, please consider donating to your favorite platforms.

  1. Academy of Ideas – Tagline: “Free minds for a free society.” The site aims to spread knowledge and freedom by creating content that examines the ideas put forth by humanity’s greatest philosophers, psychologists, and economists.
  2. acTVism Munich – Tagline: “Information that moves.” An outlet for investigative reporters, academics, scientists, analysts, activists, artists, and other concerned and engaged people. German and English.
  3. Africa Is a Country – News analysis surrounding the African continent and its global interconnections.
  4. Against the Current – A “project of regroupment and dialogue within the U.S. Left… with the goal of promoting discussion among activists, organizers, and scholars on the Left.”
  5. Alborada – “An independent voice on Latin American politics, media + culture,” with a progressive take.
  6. AlterNet – From the website: “Grassroots success stories and inspirational narratives alongside hard-hitting critiques of policies, investigative reports and expert analysis.”
  7. Amandla – Keep up with the left-wing view on politics in the “Southern African region, across the African continent and globally.”
  8. American Origin Stories with Matthew Cooke – Cooke is today’s Howard Zinn, with a more positive note: “Our real origins connect us back to reality, each other, and a whole new American cinematic universe to be proud of and learn from.”
  9. The American Prospect – A website and print magazine for “informed discussion on public policy from a progressive perspective.”
  10. The Analysis News – “Corporate news has infantilized the national discourse. We need to tell people the whole truth, as best we can, about the urgency of this historical moment.”
  11. Anticapitalist Resistance – A blog from a “revolutionary Marxist organisation in England & Wales” that is “fighting disaster capitalism with ecosocialism.”
  12. Antiwar.com – Antiwar news, viewpoints, and actions “devoted to the cause of non-interventionism… read by libertarians, pacifists, leftists, greens, independents alike, as well as many on the Right” who oppose imperialism, worldwide.
  13. As Goes Wisconsin – “Moving Wisconsin forward, one joke at a time… content that informs, entertains and inspires civic engagement.” Wisconsin is one of those states that is an incubator of national polities.
  14. Bad Faith – Podcast hosts Briahna Joy Gray (Bernie Sanders Campaign National Press Secretary) and Virgil Texas (Chapo Trap House) team up to be “two people from two very different parts of the left [to] make the case for one less terrible world.”
  15. Bad News – A political news and insight newsletter from Ryan Grim, DC bureau chief for The Intercept.
  16. Basic Income Today – “The UBI news hub.”
  17. Belly of the Beast – Filling the “void left by media coverage of Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations.” Investigative journalism.
  18. Best of the Left – Award-winning podcast covering progressive politics and culture.
  19. BIG by Matt Stoller – A newsletter on “the history and politics of monopoly power.”
  20. Big Easy Magazine – Tagline: “Unapologetically progressive. Uniquely New Orleans.”
  21. The Bittman Project – A newsletter “about food, from the pleasures of cooking and eating (much on plant-based), to “food’s impact on agriculture, the environment, public health, labor, politics, racism, inequality, justice, and more.”
  22. Black Agenda Report – “News, commentary & analysis from the black left.”
  23. Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs – In this podcast, economist and academic Jeffrey Sachs talks to “renowned authors about their groundbreaking work in history, social justice, sustainable development, and more.”
  24. Boston Review – From the site: “A range of voices and views in dialogue… fostering the open and engaged exchange of ideas essential to a flourishing democracy.”
  25. The Breach – From the site: “Independent media… critical journalism to help map a just, viable future… Voices you won’t often find in the establishment media.” Canadian.
  26. The Breakdown With Shaun King – A podcast with “the most important stories of injustice, racism and corruption… who’s fighting back, and how you can support and join them.”
  27. Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar – From the site: “a fearless anti-establishment multi-week Youtube and Podcast which holds the powerful to account.”
  28. Breakthrough News – “The untold stories of resistance from poor and working-class communities.”
  29. Bungacast – “The global politics podcast at the end of the End of History.” From the left perspective.
  30. Byline Times – Tagline: “What the papers don’t say.” Articles are sorted by Fact, Argument, Reportage or Culture. Under-reported progressive news, based in the UK.
  31. Caitlin Johnstone – “Daily writings on the end of illusions.” With an artistic flair.
  32. The Canada Files – “A news outlet that does investigations of Canadian imperialism.”
  33. The Canary – “Get the news that really matters” (UK-based) A workers’ co-op.
  34. Capital & Main – “Investigating money, power and society”
  35. Capitol Hill Citizen – A monthly print-only newspaper founded by Ralph Nader. Very important muckraking.
  36. Chop Wood Carry Water – A newsletter of daily progressive political activism that anyone can easily accomplish in a few minutes. Plus, a Sunday newsletter that highlights the good political news of the past week.
  37. CounterPunch – Known for “muckraking with a radical attitude.“
  38. The Chris Hedges Report – Radical writer and journalist, Chris Hedges, writes, broadcasts and reports from his Substack newsletter.
  39. The City – An “independent, nonprofit newsroom covering New York.”
  40. Climate and Capitalism – A blog that reflects “the viewpoint of ecological Marxism.”
  41. CodePink Radio – The podcast: “Robust conversation with global grassroots peacemakers.”
  42. Common Dreams – An essential independent progressive news website, Common Dreams strikes a down-to-earth tone and misses nothing on the political scene. Its mission: “To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good.”
  43. Consortium News – Founded in 1995 to counteract the growing groupthink and propaganda of the mainstream media (MSM).
  44. The Conversation – From the website: “An independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public.”
  45. Courier Newsroom – Factual news reporting from the left perspective, via local newsrooms.
  46. CovertAction Magazine – Investigative journalism and reporting of global covert operations. It may be critical of the CIA. Tagline: “Exposing covert action since 1978.”
  47. Crooked – “A media network that showcases stories, voices, and opportunities for activism that inform, entertain, and inspire action.” Home of Pod Save America.
  48. Crooks and Liars – Progressive news and media criticism. (You have to love the name!)
  49. Current Affairs Well-rounded coverage of politics and culture for information and entertainment. Substantive analysis, striking illustrations, and satire.
  50. The Daily Beans – A podcast “brought to you by the Webby award-winning hosts of Mueller, She Wrote, Allison Gill, and comedian/fund-raiser/activist Dana Goldberg. Get your social justice and political news with just the right amount of snark.”
  51. Daily KOS – “A group blog and internet forum focused on the Democratic Party and liberal American politics.” Find diverse communities, political comics, and petitions.
  52. Data for Progress – The blog: “Where progressive leaders of today and tomorrow use our data to illuminate the most important stories in the country.”
  53. The David Pakman Show – “Progressive news and political talk program, featuring biting social commentary, controversial interviews with liberal and conservative politicians, activists, and religious extremists.”
  54. Delete Your Account Podcast – “Important stories from the worlds of politics and pop culture… in a way that will never bore you… Radical leftists, but not that kind. The other kind. The fun kind.”
  55. Democracy – A progressive journal that “seek[s] breakthrough thinking on the concepts and approaches that respond to the central transformations of our time.”
  56. Democratic Left – The Democratic Socialists of America’s quarterly publication.
  57. Democracy at Work – Essential for understanding modern socialism and to hear judicious criticisms of capitalism. Host economist Professor Richard D. Wolff advocates worker co-ops.
  58. Democracy Now! – The most essential independent progressive news program. “Headlines” begin the show, covering national and international news (actual news, not commentary), including political, social, and environmental activism. The rest of the show is devoted to interviewing people with a close or enlightened view on the top stories of the day.
  59. The Deprogram – “Join us on a journey exploring and critically assessing the perceived “normalcy” of late-stage capitalism. The only truly international, global, and anti-capitalist podcast you’ll find.”
  60. DeSmog – Clearing the “PR pollution” with “accurate, fact-based information regarding global warming misinformation campaigns.” The UK and US.
  61. Dissent – “America’s oldest democratic socialist magazine.”
  62. Double Down News – “In an ever increasingly divided world, our job isn’t to drive people further apart with fear and fiction but bring them together with empathy and evidence.” Based in the UK.
  63. Documented – New York immigrant and labor news, with updates from Washington D.C. and around the United States.
  64. Eisenhower Media Network – “Alternative analyses untainted by Pentagon or defense industry ties… [that opposes] systemic corruption, nepotism, and the undue influence [of] the military-industrial-congressional complex.”
  65. Emancipation Network – A collection of podcasts that aim to “make radical education accessible outside the academy, to compile and disseminate materials to further marxism as viable inquiry and action.”
  66. Empire Files – “An independent documentary & interview series hosted by Abby Martin – reporting on war & inequality from the heart of Empire.”
  67. Ethical Markets – Promotes “the emergence of a sustainable, green, more ethical and just economy worldwide.”
  68. The Evergreen Action Blog – Evaluates proposed federal legislation for climate action and spotlights what is actually needed. A satisfying level of clear, organized detail is provided.
  69. Evonomics – “Changes in economic thinking can change the world, for the better.”
  70. Fair and CounterSpin (radio show) – A national media watch group for “fairness & accuracy in reporting.”
  71. FIRE Newsdesk – “Get the latest free speech news as it happens.” A foundation for individual rights and expression. (Formerly Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.)
  72. Five Minute News – A world news podcast that is “factual, verified, and responsible… whilst going deeper… featuring politics, inequality, health and climate… in a relatable, accessible and reliable format, delivered with empathy and thoughtfulness.”
  73. Free Speech TV – A network that hosts a variety of independent progressive news and commentary. Available at AppleTV, Dish Network ch. 9415, DirecTV ch. 348, Roku & freespeech.org.”
  74. Friends in D.C. – Friends in Washington D.C. can mean real progressives, or fictional dogs who hang out with political activists. (Editor’s note: yes, it’s my newsletter.)
  75. Geopolitical Economy – “Independent news, investigations, and analysis of the changing world.” Largely geopolitics and U.S. foreign policy. Journalist and analyst Ben Norton is Editor-in-Chief.
  76. Get Your News on With Ron – Live news coverage “with guests ranging from musicians, activists, comics, journalists, authors and everything in between.”
  77. Give Them An Argument With Ben Burgis – The “Logician for the Left” on YouTube.
  78. The Gravel Institute – “Fight PragerU. Spread progressive ideas.” Short info videos aimed at young people (of all ages).
  79. The Grayzone – “Independent news website dedicated to original investigative journalism and analysis on politics and empire.”
  80. Green Left – Domestic and world news and analysis, with an emphasis on ecosocialism action in Australia.
  81. Green Queen – A focus on sustainability, with a “mission is to shift consumer and corporate behaviour through… original, authentic, and groundbreaking content across Asia and beyond.”
  82. Grist – The most comprehensive source of accurate, up-to-date climate news, that is humanly tolerable, on a daily basis. Grist allows a little hope.
  83. The Guardian, U.S. Edition – “Guardian Media Group is a global news organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism… independent ownership structure means we are entirely free from political and commercial influence.”
  84. Hammer & Hope – “Black politics and culture… the spirit of struggle and the generative power of debate… inspired by the courageous Black Communists in Alabama… in the 1930s and 1940s.” Brand new–give them your support.
  85. Heat Death of the Universe – From the site: “An End-Times-inspired podcast about a wide range of subjects falling under the enormous Janus-faced purview of cultural and political commentary.”
  86. Heated – Climate journalist Emily Atkin’s newsletter is “for people who are pissed off about the climate crisis.”
  87. High Country News – News from the American West, covering social, political and ecological issues.
  88. The Humanist Report – Mike Figueredo’s progressive political YouTube channel.
  89. I Doubt It – Jesse Dollemore’s “skeptical, wise-cracking, irreverent, and unconventional conversation about today’s hot topics.” A podcast from a left perspective.
  90. Informed Comment – Independent reporting on “how war, climate change and globalization are shaping our world.”
  91. The Ink – Anand Giridharadas on “investigating politics and culture, money and power, and telling the un-gussied truth.”
  92. International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) – Possibly the “world’s best cross-border journalism.” Famous for breaking the Pandora Papers.
  93. International Viewpoint – An online socialist magazine that reports on the “popular struggles, and the debates that are shaping the left of tomorrow.”
  94. In These Times – “Dedicated to advancing democracy and economic justice”
  95. In the Thick – Award-winning journalists Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela host the only podcast that covers news, that mainstream media misses, from the POC perspective.
  96. Jacobin – A democratic socialist publication that’s near to a professional journal. Left-wing policy and politics. Intelligent, well-written, and dives deep into issues.
  97. The John Fugelsang Podcast – A witty dive into politics, religion, and culture. Left-wing. And wow, John can take on extremist right-wing Christians!
  98. The Juice Media – “Honest Government Ads.” Informative Australian satire.
  99. Justice Matters – Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner “breaks down today’s complex legal issues in ways that are understandable, relatable, and usable.”
  100. The Katie Halper Show – A podcast that “takes a humorous look at the news, politics, pop culture, and the arts through news segments and conversations with writers, journalists, activists, artists and political comedians.”
  101. Know Your Enemy – “A leftist’s guide to the conservative movement, one podcast episode at a time.”
  102. Labor Notes – From the site: “Whether we’re reporting on a struggle across the street or around the world, [we] deliver the best labor news and analysis available.”
  103. Last Real Indians – “Independent media with direction… creating the new indigenous millennium.”
  104. The Laura Flanders Show – “Reporting on the people and movements driving systemic change.”
  105. Law and Political Economy Blog – “Scholarly work that maps where we have gone wrong, and that develops ideas and proposals to democratize our political economy and build a more just, equal, and sustainable future.”
  106. Left Anchor – A podcast about “Philosophy, politics, and the left.”
  107. Left Voice – Online magazine for revolutionary socialists. International network of news, published in eight languages, that is based in the United States. It “examine[s] the movements of the U.S. working class within the larger framework of global revolution.”
  108. Letters From an American – The newsletter of American historian and professor Heather Cox Richardson that chronicles current political events, within the context of United States history.
  109. The Lever – An “investigative news outlet that holds accountable the people and corporations manipulating the levers of power.”
  110. Liberation – News commentary provided by the Party of Socialism and Liberation. The website is in both English and Spanish.
  111. Little Sis – “The opposite of Big Brother. A resource for investigating cronyism and systemic corruption at the heights of business and government.” Blog: Eyes on the Ties.
  112. Lucid – The newsletter of history professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, which provides “big picture thinking about threats to democracy around the world.”
  113. The Majority Report With Sam Seder – Discussion of current news events and political affairs from a progressive view.
  114. Means TV – “TV and Movies for the 99%. Worker-owned, people-funded, post-capitalist entertainment. New content every week.”
  115. Meduza – “We value our independence and strive to be a reliable, trusted outlet for verified, unbiased information about Russia and the former Soviet Union, as well as a source for sharp insights about one of the world’s most enigmatic regions.”
  116. Meidas Touch Network – Founded by three brothers who aim to protect democracy and hold Republicans accountable. Lots of lawyers and legal commentary.
  117. Michael Moore – A newsletter where filmmaker Michael Moore talks about progressive politics.
  118. Michael Roberts – A blog from a Marxist economist.
  119. The Militant – A weekly socialist newspaper since 1928. “It reflects the program, perspectives and activities of the Socialist Workers Party in the United States.”
  120. Millennial Review – A podcast that looks “at politics from the perspective of the most indebted and disenfranchised generation in American history.”
  121. MintPress News – “Coverage on issues relating to the effects of special interest groups, big business and lobbying efforts and how they shape policies at home and abroad…  Through the lens of social justice and human rights…” Look for Lee Camp.
  122. MIT Technology Review – “A world-renowned, independent media company whose insight, analysis, reviews, interviews and live events explain the newest technologies and their commercial, social and political impacts.”
  123. Momenmt of Clarity With Lee Camp – A “comedy news [show] with a punch… weekly satire… [about] real news stories the mainstream media failed to mention and provides new angles on the ones they do.”
  124. Morning Star – From the UK: “The only English-language socialist daily newspaper in the world, published six days a week.” Good film reviews.
  125. The Nation – Founded in 1865 by abolitionists, an independent news organization that provides news, original investigative reports, and progressive commentary. It covers politics, world, economy, culture, society, environment, and advocates action.
  126. New Internationalist – An independent staff-owned co-operative that covers the big, but under-reported, international news stories.
  127. New Left Review – A left-wing journal of ideas covering world politics, global economy, movements, theory, history, culture and more.” From the UK.
  128. New Politics – An “independent socialist forum for dialogue and debate on the left.”
  129. The New Republic – Founded by progressive leaders in 1914 to balance moral passion with scientific analysis. They’re still at it.
  130. New Statesman – The leading progressive political and cultural magazine in the UK.
  131. Novara Media – “Addressing the issues that are set to define the 21st century, from a crisis of capitalism to racism and climate change… Our journalism is always politically committed… actively intends to feed back into political action.” Based in the UK.
  132. OptOut – A downloadable “app where you can read, listen to, and watch exclusively independent content.”
  133. Pacifica Network Affiliates – Find a grassroots community radio station in your area (also satellite and Internet).
    • This Week on Sprouts – Community stories from around the world. From the website: “Topics vary from mini-documentaries, to in-depth interviews, to breaking events and issues of importance. Hyper-local stories of global interest are shared.”
  134. Persuasion – The newsletter of Yascha Mounk, professor of political science, about “ideas, policies and strategies that can beat authoritarian populism.”
  135. Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer – A podcast about good business practices that can save the American economy. (Hanauer explains his “pitchfork” thesis in the 2014 Politico article “The Pitchforks Are Coming… For Us Plutocrats.”)
  136. Pod Save America – A progressive “political podcast for people who aren’t ready to give up or go insane.”
  137. Politics Girl – “An easy-to-understand weekly podcast aimed at educating and inspiring voters to reengage with the political process.”
  138. Popular Information – A newsletter of investigative reporting “for people who give a damn.” Progressive viewpoint.
  139. The Problem With Jon Stewart – A podcast on “everything you need to know about the issues.”
  140. The Progressive – “A voice for peace, social justice, and the common good!”
  141. Protean – Mission: “To promote high-quality criticism, literature, and art for the political left.”
  142. Puntorojo – A digital “anti-capitalist magazine of revolutionary abolitionism, internationalism, and class struggle.”
  143. Racket News – A newsletter of independent news analysis from award-winning investigative reporter Matt Taibbi and several of his peers.
  144. Radical Art Review – From the website: “Where art meets activism… building a democratic artistic counterculture in a world fractured by anxiety, prejudice, and systems thinking.” Based in the UK.
  145. Radio Station Sampler
    • WMNF 88.5 FM – Eclectic music and progressive talk, “community conscious radio” from Tampa, Florida.
    • WORT 89.9 FM – Listener-supported, volunteer-powered community radio from Madison, Wisconsin.
    • WPFW 89.3 FM – Tagline: “Jazz & Justice.” Community radio based in Washington, D.C.
  146. Ralph Nader Radio Hour – Ralph interviews the “nation’s most influential movers and shakers. You’ll also hear stimulating discussions of the week’s news.” This is an important show.
  147. Rampant Magazine – Making the “structures of ruling class power visible and to highlight how they shape everyone’s lived realities.” It’s “revolutionary politics, Chicago style.”
  148. Red Flag – “An anticapitalist voice in Australian politics.” Their theoretical sister publication Marxist Left Review.
  149. Red Pepper – Socialist quarterly magazine and website on Left politics and culture, based in London, England. It tries to be “a home for open-minded anti-capitalists.”
  150. Resurgence & Ecologist – From the website: “positive perspectives on a range of engaging topics covering ecology, social justice, philosophy, spirituality, sustainable development and the arts.” Also visit The Ecologist website.
  151. Review of African Political Economy – Blogging from “a group of scholars and activists in the UK and Africa, the journal is committed to understanding projects of radical transformation.”
  152. Revolution Now! – In this podcast, Peter Joseph’s 2017 book The New Human Rights Movement inspires an exploration of social issues.
  153. Revolutionary Left Radio – A podcast that explores “political philosophy, history, science, religion, culture, art, and struggle through a socialist lens.”
  154. Revolving Door Project – A newsletter with the aim to ensure that “political appointees serve the broad public interest.””
  155. RS21 – Revolutionary Socialism in the 21st Century (rs21). Fighting oppression on an international level. Based in Britain.
  156. Sapiens – Anthropology. A digital magazine that aims to increase curiosity and empathy, and amplify “anthropological insights to build a more just and sustainable world.”
  157. Scheer Post – A progressive news and commentary platform from well-known left-wing journalist Robert Scheer.
  158. Season of the Bitch – A “podcast hosted and produced by a coven of leftist feminists…. [Covering] topics from marxist feminism, to the occupation of Palestine, to advice on dating and sex lives and astrology.”
  159. SiriusXM Progress – (Satellite radio.) From the website: “Hear progressive viewpoints from a wide range of voices – including Zerlina Maxwell and Jess McIntosh, Stephanie Miller, Thom Hartmann, Michelangelo Signorile, Dean Obeidallah, John Fugelsang, and more.”
  160. Sojourners – An “independent, award-winning print and online magazine of faith, culture, and politics. Our mission is to inspire hope and action by articulating the biblical call to racial and social justice, life and peace, and environmental stewardship.”
  161. Spectre – A Marxist journal that explores “how should the fact of difference–whether in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sex, nationality, or something else entirely–impact our analyses of capitalism and strategies for bringing it to its long overdue end?”
  162. Srsly Wrong Pod – A “utopian comedy podcast.”
  163. The Stephanie Miller Show – “Fast-paced, impromptu, comedic-style” weekday discussion of politics, current events, and pop culture – from the progressive perspective. Hosted by comedian Stephanie Miller.
  164. Tech Won’t Save Us – The podcast aims to “challenge the notion that tech alone can drive our world forward by showing that separating tech from politics has consequences for us all, especially the most vulnerable.”
  165. Tempest – “A modest attempt to help contribute to the reconstitution of revolutionary politics and organization in the United States today.” Ground-up democratic socialism.
  166. This Is Hell – Tagline: “Manufacturing Dissent Since 1996.” From the website: “Every Saturday morning, Chuck Mertz works off his news hangover by talking to the journalists, authors and activists working to make this world a slightly less hellish place.”
  167. This Is Revolution – Musicians cover news, politics, and culture from the left. 
  168. Thom Hartmann Program – Left-wing talk radio show. “News, Opinion, Debate.”
  169. Today’s Edition Newsletter – Robert Hubell’s newsletter provides election news and commentary, from a pro-democracy perspective.
  170. Total Liberation – “A [podcast] dedicated to human and animal liberation! Interviews and critical discussions of politics, economics, environmentalism, feminism, animal liberation, and social/economic justice.”
  171. Tribune – “For eighty years [Tribune] has been at the heart of left-wing politics in Britain.” (George Orwell used to be its literary editor.)
  172. Veg News – “Packed with today’s best vegan lifestyle content from food and fashion to travel, celebrity interviews, and beauty. (VegNews is published by Fresh Healthy Media, which is privately owned by one of the magazine’s original founders.) Recipes, too!
  173. Verso –  According to the website, it’s “the largest independent, radical publishing house in the English-speaking world.”
  174. Viewpoint Magazine – “Neither a socialist news source nor an academic journal. It is a militant research collective.”
  175. Womanhood & International Relations – A podcast that explores “the intersection of feminist theory from a personal to an international level.”
  176. Who Gets the Bird – Get “the week in U.S. unions” newsletter from Jonah Furman.
  177. Working People – “A podcast by, for, and about the working class today.”
  178. Yes! – From the website: “Independent and nonpartisan… explanatory journalism… societal problems… root causes… opportunities for systemic, structural change.”
  179. Your Undivided Attention – A podcast about technology and “social media’s race for attention [that] manipulates our choices, breaks down truth, and destabilizes our real-world communities,” and solutions that create a more humane technology.

Website

  • Maui Causes – Coming from Maui, Hawaii, this news outlet supports “not-for-profit groups that focus on a variety of progressive and transformational issues facing Maui’s community: land use, water rights, cultural practices, clean air, clean water, agricultural practices, and many more.” It provides a model for building citizen power and impact.
  • Media Matters – A “progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.” Founded by Abby Martin.
  • Media Roots – A “citizen journalism project that reports the news from outside of party lines while providing a collaborative forum for conscious citizens, artists and activists to unite.”
  • Michigan Advance – In Michigan, there’s “a hard-hitting, nonprofit news site covering politics and policy across the state… [and] top-notch progressive commentary.”
  • Middle East Eye – Middle East and North Africa: Get “on-the-ground news, comment and analysis… local viewpoints… Reporters read between the lines and take stories one step further, rather than simply follow the official narrative. ”
  • Moyers on Democracy – Left-leaning, from policies to poetry.
  • News2Share – On-the-spot video journalism that objectively reports what happens at political protests, rallies, advocacy and activism, and acts of civil disobedience.
  • News Click – India and international news “with a focus on progressive movements… [Chronicles] diverse people’s movements and struggles… [Reports] in depth news and views ignored by corporate media, whose agenda is dictated by the rich and powerful in [India].”
  • Next City – “A nonprofit news organization that believes journalists have the power to amplify solutions and help spread them from one city to the next city.”
  • Open Democracy – From the site: “Through reporting and analysis of social and political issues, we seek to educate citizens to challenge power and encourage democratic debate across the world. ” Based in the UK.
  • OtherWords – Covering “politics, policy, and social issues from a progressive perspective, but we’re strictly non-partisan… Writers include regular columnists Jill Richardson and Jim Hightower, issue experts from the Institute for Policy Studies, [some] partner non-profits, and authentic voices in local communities.“
  • Passage – “Left-wing perspectives on politics, economics, and culture from Canadian writers and thinkers.”
  • Patriotic Millionaires – “United in concern about the destabilizing concentration of wealth and power in America”
  • Payday Report – Tagline: “Covering labor in news deserts.”
  • Peoples Dispatch – Bringing you “voices from people’s movements and organizations across the globe… from a perspective widely different from that of the mainstream media.”
  • The People’s Forum – Mission: We are a movement incubator for working class and marginalized communities to build unity across historic lines of division at home and abroad.”
  • People’s World – A Marxist and American leftist news publication. It “traces its lineage to the Daily Worker newspaper, founded by communists, socialists, union members, and other activists in Chicago in 1924.”
  • Popular Resistance – “Providing a daily stream of resistance news from the United States and around the world”
  • Portside – A news aggregator that features “material of interest to people on the Left.”
  • Progressive International Wire – Covering activism around the world, a “wire service to the world’s progressive forces… translates stories, essays, and statements… to provide a diversity of perspectives on international issues.”
  • Project Censored – Republishes “Validated Independent News”
  • ProPublica – Investigative journalism. “An independent, nonprofit newsroom… with moral force.” One of the best.
  • rabble.ca – From the website: “The information and entertainment destination of choice for Canada’s progressive left.”
  • The Real News Network – “The future depends on knowing.” TRNN augments news coverage with in-depth discussion. It covers news from the international level to the local level (Baltimore, Maryland). Rather than spreading the news thin, this range illuminates the commonality and connectedness of the human struggle all the world over.
  • Real Progressives – A focus on citizen activism, education, policy, and media. Visitors learn a LOT about Modern Monetary Theory (MMT).
  • Reclaim the Net – Articles about “free speech and individual liberty online [that] push back against big tech and media gatekeepers.”
  • The Red Nation – “Liberation of Native peoples from capitalism and colonialism.” Sporadic publication; you get more news by following their Twitter account.
  • Religious Socialism – An online publication “that is “dedicated to people of faith and socialism
  • Responsible Statecraft – News and analysis that supports U.S. foreign diplomacy and military restraint.
  • Resumen Latinoamericano in English – From the website: “news and analysis regarding Latin America and the US and the relationship between the US and the region.”
  • Reveal – An award-winning independent investigative newsroom. Domestic and global issues.
  • Reverend Billy & The Stop Shopping Choir – Mission: “We are a radical performance community. We use music, language and creative direct action. We work for the Earth”
  • Ricochet – Public-interest journalism, from Canada.
  • The Ring of Fire – “The latest legal and progressive news.”
  • Roar – How they describe themselves: An independent journal of the radical imagination providing grassroots perspectives from the front-lines of the global struggle for real democracy”
  • Robert Reich – Follow Robert Reich at his website. He’s a brilliant teacher of ecopolitics and co-founder of Inequality Media.
  • The Sanctuary for Independent Media – The concept: A “telecommunications production facility dedicated to community media arts.” Location: Upstate New York. Watch: Sanctuary TV.
  • ShadowProof – “Independent journalism on grassroots movements for justice.”
  • Science for the People – A blog from “a science-activist organization” that is “committed to the democratic practice of science for the benefit of humanity and the planet.”
  • Sludge – Investigative journalism, centered on lobbying and money in politics, to “reveal the hidden networks and conflicts of interest that drive systemic corruption.”
  • Tennessee Holler – Tagline: “Always yell the truth.” Further, its aim is to “keep holding… public officials accountable and “Yelling the Truth.” Located in Tennesse.
  • TomDispatch – From a former listserve, to a “syndicated source for websites ranging from Alternet and Common Dreams to The Nation magazine and Salon,” this outlet claims to be a “regular antidote to the mainstream media.”
  • This Can’t Be Happening – Stories you aren’t getting from the corporate media, or to give you the stories you are getting from them, but from a different, and more honest, perspective.” Recipient of the Project Censored Award.
  • Truthout – Reporting and commentary on a diverse range of social justice issues.
  • Waging Nonviolence – From the website: “Original reporting and expert analysis of social movements around the world.”
  • The Wire – Their Twitter account puts it this way: “India’s foremost independent news-site, carrying critical opinion, investigations and reportage.” Award-winning.

YouTube

  • Act.tv – “Animated explainers, livestreams from protests around the country, and original political commentary.”
  • Beau of the Fifth Column – Just the “discussions of a southern journalist who is tired of a lack of common sense.” Beau a nicely balanced, downhome, nonpartisan survivalist/historian, who sneaks in thought-provoking concepts.
  • The Benjamin Dixon Show – “News and commentary from a progressive perspective. Cautiously idealistic yet reasonably pragmatic.”
  • Russell Brand – Actor and comedian Russell Brand explores how culture and politics impact our mental health.
  • Brian Tyler Cohen – Progressive reporting on “the news as it happens, backed up by facts… no-BS news that gets right to the point from a source you can trust.”
  • Christo Aivalis – An educated and clear-speaking Canadian reports mainly on U.S. political news, with a focus on “left politics, history, and culture.”
  • Farron Balanced – Progressive media professional Farron Cousins gives his take on American politics.
  • Get Your News On With Ron – Lefty discussions and news commentary.
  • Hard Lens Media – Mostly four guys, with a wide breadth of knowledge, talk about progressive politics. You’ll learn something. They’re in Chicago.
  • JENerational Change – “Transforming politics into service.” Hosts Jen Perlman (former FL-23 congressional candidate) and Peter Hager (former Perlman campaign manager) interview a range of progressive thinkers, activists, and political candidates. At every opportunity, they point out the problem of Big Money in politics.
  • The Liberal Redneck – Comedian Trae Crowder pontificates on politics. He is co-author of Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin Dixie Outta the Dark.
  • Medias Touch – Left-leaning political and legal news analysis. Tagline: “Because truth is golden.”
  • The Nomiki Show – Progressive political analysis and an insider’s look at the DNC
  • On Contact – “Dissident voices currently missing from the mainstream media.” One of America’s greatest living thinkers, Chris Hedges interviews other brilliant thinkers.
  • The Progressive Soapbox with Jamarl Thomas – “An honest analysis of the news with a progressive view point without allegiance to anything other than the truth.”
  • The Political Vigilante – “Political discussion for Americans who are fed up with corporate news and misinformation.”
  • The Rational National – “An outsider-view (Canadian) of American politics”
  • Rebel HQ – Breaks down prominent stories in American progressive politics, from a legal perspective.
  • Second Thought – An “analysis of current events from a Socialist perspective.” Solid.
  • Status Coup – “Progressive… investigative reporting that gives the microphone back to the people!” With Jordan Chariton.
  • Savage Joy Marie Mann – Progressive political commentary with interviews, debates, and events.
  • Secular Talk – “The populist to your left”
  • Tim Black – “Speaks the harsh truth. Sometimes he’s funny. Sometimes he’s raw, but he’s always honest.”
  • The Vanguard – Young guys. “Lively conversations… on the ‘vanguard’ of modern leftist thought and politics.”
  • The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow – “The time is now”

Original Sources & Expert Opinions

Objective political research requires consultation of the original sources, whenever possible. Original sources provide facts. While facts may be interpreted in a variety of ways, the facts never change. Agreed upon facts allow honest, intelligent debate. Here are some original political sources that are readily available on the internet:

  • C-SPAN – The unfiltered spoken words of government leaders.
  • Federal Election Commission (FEC) – Check federal election results, review contribution limits, research legal resources, and more.
  • Congress.gov – Particularly good for government data and legislative bills.
  • Nonpartisan Watchdog Agencies
    • Follow the Money – “A national… finance database of state and federal contribution data.”
    • GovTrack.us – The “leading non-governmental source of legislative information and statistics.” User-friendly. Follow developing issues.
    • Open Secrets – “The nation’s premier research and government transparency group tracking money in politics and its effect on elections and policy.”

It may be tough to find original sources, or data, and to interpret the information. So, a word on experts…

As you study a topic, pay special attention to secondary sources who are experts in the field. Experts are highly experienced at evaluating the veracity of a source, sifting through tons of information, debating their equally adept colleagues who hold different views, spotting weak arguments or suspect statements, and making intelligent sense of it all. Experts help ordinary people understand what’s going on in complex fields of endeavor.

While you peruse the Internet for facts, up-to-date-information, and expert views, it won’t hurt to refresh your Google search skills. Click on the News Literacy Project infographic, below, to review search techniques.

eight-tips-to-google-like-a-pro_2021_finalversionDownload

Follow Progressive Political Candidates

Establishment news networks often ignore noncorporate progressive political candidates. You’ll learn much more about them by following independent progressive news. You may also bookmark 2022 Noncorporate National Candidates Nationwide Directory at Friends in DC.

Follow the Opposition

Follow the opposition enough to understand where they’re coming from. Here’s a media outlet that helps you do just that, without wasting time:

  • Improve the News – News reporting from either the Left or Right, at a single news site. Set your preferences to get coverage from any or all angles:
    • Political stance – left vs. right
    • Establishment stance – critical vs. supportive
    • Writing style – provocative vs. nuanced
    • Depth – breezy vs. detailed
    • Shelf-Life – short vs. long
    • Recency – evergreen vs. latest
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