Feb 2, 2025

Where Do You Get Your News?

“Hey, Ian, where do you get your news?”

Lately, this question has been coming up more than ever. Whether I’m speaking at conferences or working with clients, people seem more curious than ever about news sources. And honestly, I get it. The way we consume news shapes how we see the world. So, I figured it’s time to share mine.

But here’s the kicker: what I don’t consume might be just as important as what I do.

 

Cutting the Noise

First, a confession: I quit American cable news about a year ago.

It wasn’t an easy break-up, but the constant cycle of outrage, division, and sensationalism became unbearable. The whole business model seems built on feeding confirmation bias rather than fostering real understanding. Objectivity? Critical analysis? Hard to find.

These days, if I walk into an airport lounge or coffee shop and see one of the major networks blaring, I tune it out completely. My peace of mind is worth more than the noise.

I also stepped back from most social media. The endless stream of AI-generated content, misleading headlines, and ad-driven clickbait wasn’t adding anything meaningful to my life. Sure, I still post the occasional travel photo for friends and colleagues, but I’ve become a “post-and-close” kind of person. Scrolling for news? Not happening.

And for the LinkedIn crowd—no, I don’t really use it as a news source either. Sure, it’s a solid B2B platform, but lately, it feels like a never-ending “show and tell” from the professional world. Maybe that’s a side effect of people migrating from Twitter—oh, sorry, I mean X.

 

So, What Do I Read?

Here’s my go-to list of news sources—the ones I trust to keep me informed without the drama. Spoiler alert: I often look outside the U.S. to understand what’s happening inside it.

1) Deutsche Welle (DW)

This is my top pick. DW is Germany’s international broadcaster, offering news, analysis, and cultural programming in multiple languages. Funded by the German government but operating independently, it provides a balanced, global perspective while promoting democratic values.

One thing I love about DW? Their coverage of South America, a region where ISA has been increasing its presence. Their international focus is sharp, and they don’t shy away from covering issues that U.S. outlets often overlook.

2) BBC

BBC World News has been in my daily rotation for at least five years. While it leans into a British perspective, it has a broader global reach than DW and often sets the gold standard for international journalism.

DW has a strong presence in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, while the BBC dominates in Commonwealth countries, Asia, and Africa. I like getting both angles.

3) CBC

Our friendly neighbor to the north, Canada’s CBC, offers an excellent take on North American news. Their reporting style is refreshingly straightforward—informative without the theatrics. If you’re looking for a smart, no-nonsense approach to news, CBC delivers.

4) The New York Times

The only U.S.-based publication I regularly read. Yes, the NYT has a historically left-leaning reputation, but I appreciate its rigorous journalism, deep analysis, and progressive lens—it aligns with my values.

5) NPR (Occasionally)

While not part of my daily news diet, NPR’s Morning Edition or All Things Considered makes it into my weekly podcast rotation. I respect their commitment to integrity, their balanced reporting, and their deep ties to educational institutions.

 

Beyond the News: Expanding My Perspective

Beyond these sources, I occasionally dip into Substack and Medium to read independent thought leaders. That’s less about news and more about expanding my thinking.

At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to stay informed—it’s to stay thoughtful about the information I consume. And for me, that means cutting out the noise and leaning into sources that prioritize substance over sensation.

What about you? Where do you get your news?

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