This is how to do it.

Pew writes another long detailed article about how people get local news and what they think of it. Turns out my tastes are typical, not unique! Many people use a local Facebook group instead of radio or TV or newspapers, and most people think weather** is the only important and valid part of local coverage.

The best thing about Pew is their PURE AND UNQUESTIONABLE OBJECTIVITY. No matter how strictly I tune my Fairness Doctrine Filter, I can’t detect the slightest hint of bias or loading or shibboleth words. Pew’s writers are human, so they must have views and biases. Unlike any other major source, Pew always manages to eliminate ALL bias without stripping out emotion.

THIS IS HOW TO DO IT. THE EXAMPLE IS THERE, IF ANYONE ELSE WANTS TO FOLLOW IT.

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** Irrelevant: I’m especially thinking about weather right now. A few days ago I watched coverage of the Okla tornados on Channel 4 in OKC via the web. I was impressed yet again by the SERIOUSNESS and KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE of Okie broadcast weathercasters. They’re keeping up the noble tradition started in the ’70s by Hero Gary England.

The main man was watching 8 different types of radar, showing each of them to the viewers and explaining what each meant, and giving an instant alarm when one of them showed a definite tornado. “Cleo Springs, take cover now!”

Simultaneously he was balancing video feeds from 4 different chasers, each one driving under one of the supercells marching across the state. The whole operation must be hugely expensive, but it’s a hugely valuable and lifesaving service.

When I moved to Spokane in 1990 I was immediately disgusted by the shitty quality of both the forecasting and the on-air personalities. They haven’t improved since.