News Aggregators

Goals

1. Describe news aggregators.
2. Skillfully get news from these sources.

What

A news aggregator is a platform that collects and organizes news stories from multiple external sources, rather than producing original reporting itself.

Examples

1. AllSides
   
2. Ground News
   
3. Google News
4. Flipboard
   
5. Feedly
   
6. SmartNews
   
7. PressReader
   
8. Pocket
   
9. Inoreader
   
10. Apple News
    
11. Microsoft Start (News)
    
12. Yahoo News
13. News360
    
14. Fark
    
15. Reddit - r/news

Notes:

1. This list is sorted from higher to lower quality based on bias, accuracy, and customization.

2. Some tools like Feedly, Pocket, and Flipboard depend on how you set them up—they can be excellent if you follow only high-quality sources.

3. The lower entries (like Yahoo, Microsoft, and Reddit) tend to mix higher-bias or sensational content unless carefully curated.

Why?

Skilled use of news aggregators is worthwhile because:

• You save time by accessing multiple sources in one place.
• You get a broader perspective and avoid echo chambers.
• You can identify bias by comparing how different outlets report the same story.
• You stay informed efficiently, focusing on key stories without distraction.
• You can customize your feed to prioritize accurate, low-bias sources.
• You reduce exposure to misinformation and clickbait.
• You gain quick access to diverse topics that match your interests.

How?

1. Choose High Quality Aggregators

• Use platforms like:
  • AllSides
  • Ground News
  • Google News
  • Feedly with trusted RSS feeds

2. Curate Your Sources

• Follow high-quality, low-bias outlets:
  • Reuters
  • Associated Press (AP)
  • BBC News
  • NPR
  • The Conversation

3. Use “Full Coverage” Features

• Compare how different outlets cover the same story.
• Look for what’s emphasized, omitted, or framed differently.

4. Limit Time Spent

• Set a daily time limit (e.g., 15-30 minutes).
• Avoid doomscrolling and sensational headlines.

5. Prioritize Facts Over Opinions

• Focus on factual reporting.
• Be cautious with editorials, opinion pieces, and punditry.

6. Save Deep-Dive Articles

• Use tools like Pocket to save worthwhile reads for later.
• Avoid getting sidetracked during your main news check.

7. Regularly Review for Bias

• Use bias-checking tools:
  • Media Bias/Fact Check
  • FactCheck.org
  • PolitiFact

Example Workflow

1. Open your aggregator (Google News, Ground News, etc.)
2. Scan top headlines from curated sources.
3. Use AllSides or Ground News to compare perspectives on major stories.
4. Save any deep-dive articles to Pocket.
5. Close the aggregator once your time limit is reached.
6. Once a week, check FactCheck.org for common misinformation.

Tips

• Stay aware of your own biases.
• Regularly update your followed sources to maintain quality.
• Avoid aggregators that promote sensationalism or low-credibility outlets.