TV News, Newspapers, Media as a whole is rubbish.

[Bill Walker]

Sapiens - This is incredible and a relatively easy read. It charts the path of humanity from the neanderthals to the modern age. A sequel called Homo Deus is equally brilliant; it focuses on the future of humanity.

The Looming Tower - This is one of the only non-fiction books I've reread. It's exceptional. Tells of the origins of Al-Qaeda and all the factors that culminated in 9/11. It's deep but very much worthy of your time.

The Warmth of Other Suns - Currently reading this. It's all about the black migration; the movement of millions of blacks from the southern regions of the US to the more prosperous states; instigated mainly by discrimination and the evils of segregation. Again, it's deep but the writing is superb and weaves together several inspiring narratives.

Thanks mate. I really think I'm gonna stop watching any news. I used to like reading so I might go back to that instead of the bollocks on live TV.
I appreciate your advice.

 

[Kinkybyname]

Thanks mate. I really think I'm gonna stop watching any news. I used to like reading so I might go back to that instead of the bollocks on live TV.
I appreciate your advice.

Can we take it then, Bill, that your current views on anything from the war in Gaza, to Greta Thunberg, to the Biden/Trump electoral campaigns, to PPE, flooding, the state of the NHS, migrant boat crossings etc ad nauseam, are all based on the fact that you have actually been on the frontline of all those situations? If you have not, and your distrust of the media is so absolute, then can we assume your views on all the above subjects (and others) are absolute bollocks? You will never get a media outlet free of influence from various vested interests - from governments to owners, to influencers to sponsors. Coca-Cola has more control over the news than most, but most people on here know that - they listen/watch al-jazeera and they watch GB News, and then they form some sort of opinion as best they can. Reading is great, sone fantastic books, both fiction and non-fiction, but many of them are not free from angles/agendas.

 

[Lavinda Past]

With Hitler as his neighbour.

Waiting for a London bus.

 

[Blue and true]

Thanks mate. I really think I'm gonna stop watching any news. I used to like reading so I might go back to that instead of the bollocks on live TV.
I appreciate your advice.

I don't think you need to give it up completely. The BBC is still somewhat dependable, despite its flaws. I have notifications turned on so I can remain informed without gorging minute-by-minute.

I've never understood how anyone could watch a news channel hours on end; the same vicious cycle of shit over and over. Can't be good for mental well-being.

 

[ali benarbia's studs]

It was a sad day when the Sunday Sport stopped. I was gutted when Elvis wasn’t really on the moon.

I was gutted when Elvis died

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

Information sourcing has always been based on critical thinking.

Falling standards of education, coupled with the clickbait structure of modern media means the majority are sucked in by headlines and slogans.

 

[Eebo]

When did news become a 'news story' rather than actual news?

It's no longer fact based with any actual background to educate or inform, just a succession of people saying how they 'feel' or what they 'think' about a certain subject.

They decide how big a news story it is, allocate the time and have someone waffle on and on basically filling air time.

When Madeline McCann went missing they flew reporters out to stand around near the scene and had them basically saying 'noone knows what happened' for 20 minutes out of the 25 minute news program.

And as soon as something else comes along they drop it and never follow up on it. That's why politicians get away with lying about the thing of the day because they know that noone will ever follow up or have any interest in the subject a few days later.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

When did news become a 'news story' rather than actual news?

It's no longer fact based with any actual background to educate or inform, just a succession of people saying how they 'feel' or what they 'think' about a certain subject.

They decide how big a news story it is, allocate the time and have someone waffle on and on basically filling air time.

When Madeline McCann went missing they flew reporters out to stand around near the scene and had them basically saying 'noone knows what happened' for 20 minutes out of the 25 minute news program.

And as soon as something else comes along they drop it and never follow up on it. That's why politicians get away with lying about the thing of the day because they no noone will ever follow up or have any interest int he subject a few days later.

When every human with a phone became a potential news source and the advent of 24/7 rolling news.

 

[Kippax77]

It was a sad day when the Sunday Sport stopped. I was gutted when Elvis wasn’t really on the moon.

He was never there.
He was round at Tina Small's playing bouncy castles

 

[dronefromsector7G]

Sapiens - This is incredible and a relatively easy read. It charts the path of humanity from the neanderthals to the modern age. A sequel called Homo Deus is equally brilliant; it focuses on the future of humanity.

The Looming Tower - This is one of the only non-fiction books I've reread. It's exceptional. Tells of the origins of Al-Qaeda and all the factors that culminated in 9/11. It's deep but very much worthy of your time.

The Warmth of Other Suns - Currently reading this. It's all about the black migration; the movement of millions of blacks from the southern regions of the US to the more prosperous states; instigated mainly by discrimination and the evils of segregation. Again, it's deep but the writing is superb and weaves together several inspiring narratives.

I started reading Sapiens two years ago. On holiday in August I tried again got half way through reading by the pool, and haven’t picked it up again since returning. Too much Tv and internet. It’s a good read so think I’ll carry on. Might also get back to the gym