Mainstream and Alternative Media 101

     In the modern day, there are by and large two schools of media: The Mainstream and the so-called "Alternative". Given these two options, it is important to understand them both, so that we as citizens can stay informed properly. Involved with this discussion, it is important to understand what is meant when the "consensus" is mentioned, especially when discussing the Mainstream. The consensus, in this context, refers to what is widely accepted at the time by the general public. Whether the topic be politics, social issues, or economic ideas, if the sentiments are popular among the public, they're within the sphere of the "consensus". As such, any ideas that are not popular are not within the consensus. This idea is crucial, because it informs what both Mainstream and Alternative are.

    Mainstream media is characterized by its adherence to the consensus, whether it be on the left or right. Mainstream outlets are popular for a reason, and that popularity comes from popular opinions. Due to this, and as a side effect of how democracy works, the opinions of popular media are usually in line with those present in government. This phenomenon is exasperated by the revolving door relationship present between the mainstream media and government, with there being a notable amount of media employees that are current or former federal employees in some capacity. It is also noteworthy the sheer amount of resources that these outlets have at their disposal, considering that large entertainment corporations have purchased the companies that run these media outlets, for one reason or another. This comes with the rather interesting effect that these outlets don't really have to try as hard, in a certain sense. They still have to pull in viewers, and keep them watching for the commercials, but, that is largely it. There aren't any incentives to look at issues through new and interesting lenses, even just for a single evening segment. In a sense, they are driving the intellectual speed limit. This would not be a problem if their sole job was reporting the news, but in the current day and age, it absolutely isn't, and the outlets don't seem keen on changing that anytime soon. As long as there are opinions that inform how they report and interpret current events, they could do us the service of making those perspectives intellectually interesting. 

    Alternative media is really the contrast to the mainstream in almost every respect. Again, when thinking of the consensus, almost all Alternative media exists outside of the political, economic, and social consensus. Most often it is just one of those categories, but it is always at least one. Alt media also tends to be the product of individual effort, made possible by anyone being able to say something on the internet. It should be noted as well, individuals have more financial incentive to provide better content. Where Mainstream outlets backed up organizations can trundle along with more of the same thing, if independents are dishonest, uninteresting, or not worth hearing, they get nothing out of the work they did to produce that media. Some will still make that piece of media anyway, but most won't. People have bills to pay and groceries to buy.