A quick look at mainstream versus alternative media. Also covers how the search terms that you use impact the types of information that you find.

1. Looking at alternative
viewpoints
Library workshop for POLS 3760
10 September 2014
Chris Chan
Information Services Librarian
http://about.me/chancp

2. Learning Outcomes
By the end of today’s session, you will be able to:
Differentiate between mainstream and alternative media
Search for and identify information sources that provide
alternative points of view
Predict the terminology that writers with different viewpoints
would use to describe the same issue

3. Alternative media sources

4. Alternative Media
Mainstream media: Generally controlled by governments and large
corporations
CNN, BBC, Reuters, etc.
Editorial position generally reflects mainstream opinion
Alternative media: Smaller, independent sources of information
Allow for dissenting points of view to be heard
Internet has made access to alternative media much easier than in
the past

5. Mainstream domination?

6. Alternative Media Resources
Alternative media websites useful for security studies:
Independent Media Center, http://www.indymedia.org
Initially established by independent and alternative media organizations and activists in 1999 to provide grassroots
coverage of the WTO protests in Seattle
New Internationalist, http://www.newint.org
A self-described communications cooperative reporting on issues of world poverty and inequality
Inter Press Service, http://www.ips.org
A global news agency that aims to raise the voices of the South and civil society on issues of development,
globalisation, human rights, and the environment
The above sources were identified using Mount Allison University Libraries’ Alternative Media Guide: http://www.mta.ca/library/
alternative_media.html. Check it out yourself for more sources, and for additional information on alternative media.

7. Useful database
Opposing Viewpoints Research Centre
Covers controversial contemporary social issues, providing
the views and opinions of both sides of the debate
You can find the database by typing the name into OneSearch, or by
using our Databases A-Z list

8. Reading Exercise: Independent Media
Read this article from the Mother Jones
website, and think about the following:
1.What kind of tone/style does the author
employ?
2.Can you tell what political views the
author holds?
3.How is this article different from an
article you might read on mainstream
news websites? (e.g. BBC, CNN, etc.)

9. Search terms and alternative
viewpoints

10. Words, words, words...
The words (search terms) you use
are important. In fact, word choice
can introduce bias into your
searches.
For example, using the keywords
CIA and torture will make it
hard to find sources on this topic
that very purposefully avoid using
the word “torture”

11. Euphemism
Euphemism means the use of
mild or indirect expressions when
referring to something unpleasant or
embarrassing
For example, egg industry
spokespeople may talk about the
“instantaneous fragmentation” of
unwanted male chicks
Image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Day_old_chick.jpg

12. Role play
If you were: Would you use the phrase:
The leader of Sinn Fein IRA TERRORIST?
The Iranian Foreign Minister NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION?
A Sudanese government spokesperson DARFUR GENOCIDE?
The CEO of Blackwater MERCENARIES?
The head of the CIA TORTURE?

13. Exercise - Identifying alternate terms
Working in small groups, come up with some alternate terms
and euphemisms for the topic you have been given
Apart from your own knowledge, try searching Google and
Wikipedia for examples
Submit your ideas to the online poll at:
http://PollEv.com/hkbulib

14. Summary: Covering all points of view
Mainstream sources Alternative sources
Mainstream terminology
- Mainstream opinion - Mixed views
- Alternative media
commentary on mainstream
opinion
Alternative terminology
- Mixed views
- Mainstream media
commentary on alternative
opinion
- Alternative opinions

15. Questions?