Wollongong Greens Councillor Jess Whittaker says growing numbers of Australians are turning to alternative media sources as they search for a wider range of perspectives and more in-depth political discussion.
Speaking with Mick Cross from AFTRS FM on Dharawal Country whilst participating in beach clean-up at Bellambi Lagoon, Jess said many people were becoming frustrated with what they see as a lack of diversity in mainstream media coverage.
“I think people just want other options, just sick of what they are being spoon-fed by the mainstream media.” She said.
Younger audiences, who have grown up with social media and access to a broad range of information sources, are particularly interested in hearing viewpoints that sit outside traditional news outlets.
“I think especially a younger generation who’s grown up with social media and seeing alternate perspectives, there’s just an appetite for more intelligent conversations than what we’re being fed,” she said.
Jess and Mick discussed independent news platforms have emerged partly because journalists have become frustrated with the limitations of traditional media organisations.
“I think Rebellion media has popped up out of frustration from a lot of journalists who have views on the world and want to report honestly on the world,” she said.
Despite her criticism of mainstream media, Jess praised local journalism in the Illawarra, highlighting the work of ABC Illawarra, The Illawarra Flame and the Illawarra Mercury.
You can find this interview along with other Media Rebellion Stories on the AFTRS FM Podcast.
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