It started with CNN’s coverage of Malaysian flight 370 and it ended with pure frustration — I am, of course, referring to my diminished appreciation of the authority on “credible” news.
Watching the network obnoxiously speculate the whereabouts of last month’s AWOL commercial aircraft was the televised equivalent of a painfully slow-motioned train, or plane (too soon?), wreck. Rather than explain the little confirmed information that they had, CNN reporters took viewers on one wildly strung-out, counterproductive ride.
Saddle up, because absurdities included Wolf Blizer immaterially toying with a wide array of model planes a la 4-year-old boy and panels of psychics discussing the disappearance and offering ridiculous suggestions about extraterrestrial involvement in the event. Yes, a collection of “qualified professionals” really did postulate alien freaking abduction as a viable possibility for the aircraft’s disappearance. If I wanted a lecture on conspiracy theories, I would sit at the corner of 13th and University for an afternoon.
Via: TheDailyBeast.com
Perhaps worse was Fox’s coverage of CNN’s coverage on the event. Unsurprisingly, Fox News attempted to play the foregone superiority card, ultimately giving way to absolutely bullshit news inception: a story within a story. Unlike the Leonardo DiCaprio film, my mind was fucking un-blown. Don’t give me answers to questions I don’t ask, and please don’t make me a part of your media power struggle. There’s more than enough insane shit plaguing the world right now and as long as networks place Nielsen ratings over valid representation of current events, my televised consumption will be limited to HBO and Netflix series.
I’ve previously harped on my generation’s reluctance to ingest news, but inaccurate blog posts and laugh-worthy networks aren’t exactly provoking our involvement. Recent studies have shown that today’s average reader spends a hasty 15 seconds rifling through online content before calling it quits. Our attention spans are small and our tolerance for long-form content is even smaller. Cue the creation of scan news sources. Created with Generation Y in mind, these concise yet informative apps, email newsletters and digital tools deliver up-to-date news condensed enough to comprehend en route to your bio lab or while ignoring your friend’s lame hookup story.
There are now hundreds of these communiqué gems at your disposal with just a click of the trackpad, but these are my top picks for browse news sources that are easy on the brain and mindful of your oh-so-valuable time.
TheSkimm
Via: Relevance.com
It’s informative, perfectly sarcastic and tailored for female consumption. Created by two women with a common goal of informing their fellow bitches, TheSkimm is a short, quipping e-newsletter served fresh and ready to your inbox every weekday morning. Think of it as BetchesLoveThis’ more mature, intelligent sister. It provides insightful commentary, links to valid sourcing and entertains through its conversational layout.
NeedToKnow
Similar to TheSkimm, this email newsletter requires subscription without spamming your inbox. The summaries are not only brief, but also diverse in content. Aside from your standard breaking news, NeedToKnow provides you with your daily dose of entertainment via it’s “Other Shtuff” section. Need a viral cat video to ease the emotional drain of your daily Ukraine recap? This segment’s got you covered. Despite its hard-hitting content, the publication retains a humorous tone and ends with an absurd, yet relevant tweet to keep your spirits high despite the world’s turmoil.
LinkedIn Pulse
Via: Mashable.com
Time to make your phone a little bit smarter. If you, like I, are constantly perusing the vastly popular networking database, LinkedIn Pulse might be your saving grace. Just download the app, and use your LinkedIn account to get instant access to the latest and greatest articles relevant to your area of profession. That’s right, customized news are streamed to your phone, providing you with everything from headlines trending amongst CEOs to potential insight into your blossoming career.
The Daily Beast Cheat Sheet
If you look for outside credibility in your news sources to help you sleep at night, rest assured that this e-delivery will meet your needs. This abridged version of the avant-garde news tycoon links directly to credible sources ranging from The Associated Press to The WSJ. Be prepared for an a.m. and p.m. edition to appear in your inbox Monday through Friday, as this subscription service aims to keep you as up-to-date with our terrestrial happenings as possible.
NextDraft
Via: AllMyFaves.com
Straight from the brilliant mind of digital media guru Dave Pell, this subscription comes in both e-newsletter and app form, creating an anytime, any screen news experience for every Tom, Dick or Harry. Pell’s take typically includes a wide array of captivating content with headers ranging from Elliot Rodger’s UCSB shooting rampage to bottom-of-the-barrel miscellany like “Meet the Men Who Drink Breast Milk.” Like I said, something for everybody.
Journalism is currently at an interesting and frustrating crossroads and antiquated sources are quickly losing their authoritative hold in the age of self-publication. Our generation is highly criticized as an ignorant and lethargic mass of human waste, and we are the only ones capable of abandoning this nasty reputation. Get your news faster than it takes to half-consciously view an 80-second Snapchat of your twice-removed friend raging face at a EDM concert. There world is a lot more interesting than that, and with scan news, there’s really no reason to turn a blind eye to our environment and its impact.
Featured photo courtesy of: Bertiaux
