When people wanted the news in the past, they had to get it via word of mouth from passing travelers. Today this system has evolved greatly with advances in technology and new inventions, but word of mouth is still a key way to learn what’s going on in the world around you. You just might interact with the news in very different ways. Looking for a new source? Here are five creative ways to get the news now:
Older generations may know little about Twitter and label it a “millennial problem.” While you can follow celebrities and talk with your friends, Twitter can also be a valuable news source. Turn to this social media platform when you’re looking for information on an event that is breaking news. Start by creating an account and following your favorite news sources, like TV anchors and channels, radio stations and even police scanners. Twitter is a great place to turn when you want moment-to-moment updates on severe weather, natural disasters and events that are happening right now.
TV
Many baby boomers turn to the television to get their news. It’s a reliable format to learn about the city, state and world. The only problem here is that it’s easy to find one station and stick to it. Just like people have opinions, many news stations stick to certain sides of different issues. To get a more well-rounded sampling of the news, consider watching several news channels throughout the day. Perhaps watch one station in the morning as you enjoy breakfast and then check in on another channel before bed.
Social media is an interesting place to learn the news because you can see what people are talking about instantly. The “trending” scroll bar on the right side of your Facebook dashboard shows some of the top news items in your local area and the world. Facebook also uses algorithms that assure users whatever posts they see at the top of their feeds are what is important at that moment. This can range from a funny status to an important think piece that is making the rounds on the internet. Facebook is a place to go if you want the people’s opinions on news matters.
The newspaper
Not many people still get a daily paper delivered to their door. This doesn’t mean newspapers are dead! In fact, many have just experienced a major change in the way they deliver content. Instead of getting the morning paper when letting the dog out, many people view their favorite publication from a smartphone, tablet or computer screen. This allows for an interactive experience. Instead of just reading regular news stories, you can also watch breaking videos, catch the meteorologist in front of a green screen and even test your current events knowledge with quizzes. Thankfully, newspapers’ online presence is similar to their paper sectioning so it’s still easy to find what you’re looking for as you browse.
YouTube
Some people get frustrated trying to comb through all the TV channels to locate their favorite news shows. Quit flipping through cable and instead turn to YouTube. This online video streaming site is a great way to find exactly what you’re looking for. You can search for your favorite morning show, news anchor or even meteorologists to find out the most recent news and weather. During major events, from sports games to world news and important gatherings, YouTube even opens up streaming which allows people to watch what’s happening live. You’ll be in the know in moments after checking YouTube for the news.
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CHC