Fragmentation: The online rise of the alternative media.

(CC0 Public Domain)

  

The Rebel Media

 

Breitbart

 

Ricochet Media

 

It is common knowledge that the Internet revolutionized news delivery for the masses. Theoretically, in democratic societies where smartphones and high-speed connections are ubiquitous, there is greater access to quality journalism than ever before. This unprecedented availability of verified information and well-reasoned analysis, however, can be quickly lost in the Net's chaotic symphony of noise.

Many people browse online news with divided attention; some are seduced by outrageous clickbait or drawn to more entertaining spectacles before they can get a solid grasp on current events. Consequently, a sizeable percentage of the population completely bypasses the wealth of credible news content available to them in favour of easily digestible lists, simplified "infotainment" and social media shares from their like-minded friends.

Those who still follow the news closely are now exposed to a radically different media landscape that bears very little resemblance to the one that existed in the days before digital. While traditional news organizations still have great influence, the Internet has helped polarize the public and fragment news audiences as people increasingly turn to upstarts that challenge how the news is produced and distributed.

Online, alternative media organizations with obvious ideological agendas are thriving. They have risen to prominence because the mainstream media has, rightly or wrongly, managed to alienate many news consumers who feel like the "full story" is never being told.

Unlike most major news outlets that strive to use objective methods, the alternative media usually takes strong positions that confirm the biases of a political or social base. While adopting certain journalistic methods and appearances, the alternative media often blurs the lines between news and opinion. Some outlets reject established standards completely by crossing the line into activism, propaganda or outright misinformation.

In Canada, two alternative media organizations come to mind that represent opposite ends of the spectrum. Their differences are strikingly obvious, but their simultaneous existence and stark opposition to the status quo reveal a great deal about our current news situation.

 The Rebel Media is a staunchly conservative organization that rails against Canada's "liberal" establishment. The brainchild of Albertan Ezra Levant, The Rebel casually mixes classic Tory fare like gripes about government overspending with sensationalistic headlines like "Canada’s Left demands sanctuary cities as fake refugees flood borders" that provoke readers with black and white assessments of identity politics.

Many critics, including Maclean's, have called The Rebel "Breitbart North" in reference to the far-right American media network. Both outlets are known for their one-sided coverage and controversial stands on race, religion and gender. Their most vehement opponents loudly condemn them for spreading hate and promoting social division.

Conversely, Ricochet Media is a "progressive" news organization that professes to practice independent public interest journalism and places special emphasis upon indigenous and Quebecois coverage. While they appear to be well-intentioned compared to some more provocative newcomers, Ricochet proudly displays its left wing perspectives and employs a very indignant tone throughout its articles in an attempt to downplay contrary opinions.

On the whole, Ricochet's content could be most accurately categorized as advocacy journalism. The Rebel, meanwhile, is best described as a pugnacious Canadian manifestation of American intolerance and extremism. Despite some superficial resemblances, The Rebel's brand of belligerent and emotionally charged commentary is barely recognizable as journalism.

While I think Ricochet would be dismayed by any comparison with The Rebel, both organizations are unquestionably members of the alternative media that would've been unsustainable before the Internet. The Rebel, in particular, has thrived online after similar conservative platforms like Sun News and the Western Standard failed spectacularly in both broadcasting and print.

Now, the alternative media can take advantage of the Internet's reduced startup costs, minimal content regulations and limitless geography that encourages a global reach. The other common denominator between them is the potential goldmine that would've been impossible before e-commerce went mainstream: crowdfunding. Unlike the mainstream media's dependence upon conventional advertising, both Ricochet and The Rebel predominantly rely upon direct contributions from supporters that go far beyond mere subscriptions to specific content.

Ultimately, I think online news consumers are creatures of habit and comfort; they are willing to financially support news organizations that don't disturb them or challenge their assumptions too frequently. This embrace of confirmation bias partially explains how the alternative media has grown in the past few years despite displaying no pretensions about being fair to all sides or even being open to meaningful debates.

I strongly support the freedom of speech, including  people's freedom to express views I personally find indefensible as long as their statements stay within recognized legal boundaries. To repurpose Abraham Lincoln's phrase, I think society has to rely upon "the better angels of our nature" to reject untrue or unethical messages. With that said, when people fall prey to falsehoods, it is the responsibility of journalists and engaged citizens everywhere to defend the truth and deliver the facts to people who are mistaken.

In theory, I applaud the online emergence of the alternative media. In practice, I am disappointed with the divisive and sometimes toxic results.

I hope that the alternative media eventually evolves into a healthier assortment of independent and non-profit news organizations that value journalistic integrity and the public good over shallow partisan interests - even if they maintain a particular slant.

Although it's hard to imagine now while scrolling through The Rebel's website, I have hope that the media's fragmentation will some day lead to better online journalism and a higher standard of Canadian news coverage that complements dominant networks like the CBC.