I've been a "reader" all my life, and have been in the habit of reading a morning newspaper and political magazines; and more recently online equivalents of these. Since the 2016 campaign, but particularly since the election, I find it unpleasant to read general newspapers and even many conservative magazines, except very selectively. I've subscribed to Commentary and National Review for years; I've gone on National Review cruises and know most of the NR writers personally from these. Yet I find myself avoiding reading even these except for selected articles and selected writers such as Andy McCarthy or Victor Davis Hansen.

Perhaps I've lost my curiosity, but I don't think so. I have lost my desire to have writers virtually beat me over the head regarding President Trump's words, actions, and policies. I've read enough of the leftist politicians and pundits that there is never a surprise, or an unexpected insight--only reflexive, thoughtless polemics.

Even on the right, I don't watch Hannity, Carlson, or other shows that are just opinion, because there will be no surprises there.

I've taken to reading a lot more fiction. Right now I'm halfway through The Mote in God's Eye by Niven and Pournelle, and enjoying it a lot. A much more intellectual and worthwhile pursuit, I think, than reading today's newspaper columns. Even better would be learning a new language, or reading the Great Books, but I'm not disciplined enough for that, I guess.

Thanks for listening.

I agree with you.

You probably remember the National Observer put out by Dow Jones. I really miss that paper.

I could not agree more with OP comments. I used to read a daily paper for years. The opinions used to be on the OPINION page, not in a news article.

I read the WSJ for years when it was a daily paper in print. I cancelled my subscription because I became tired of the delayed delivery by the USPS.

I am willing to pay for an online subscription to learn about new things. The WSJ used to have in depth articles on topics outside of pure financial news. I miss that. I have not accessed their site to know whether that still exists.

Absolutely, OP. There is very little being written on left or right now (or by non-partisan sources) that is well thought out, or advances a discussion or understanding, other than by the writers you have mentioned and a few others. For example, I read a superb essay by Andrew Sullivan last week.

I hope that as Trump moves through his time in office, we see a return to analysis and commentary rather than an increase in polemics.

Good luck. I was thinking of the "other language" thing too, but don't have the discipline either.

Fiction is so much more interesting nowadays, anyway. Watching the "news" is like watching cartoons that are less entertaining. That is one of my favorite novels. Next, go for Ringworld and Dune.

I totally agree, but have not stated it so clearly as you, thanks for posting.

I still get the local paper. Referred to here as the "Mining Urinal".
It allows me to keep tabs on the insanity.
Know thine enemy!

It takes you back to the bad ol' days of Kremlin-watching, doesn't it? Sometimes you look for what slips through the political bias, sometimes you look for what the politically biased don't want to admit, and sometimes you look for what the politically biased would like you to ignore altogether - like the judges that have gotten confirmed, the regulations that have been gotten rid of, etc.

The up side for me is that the news industry isn't anywhere near as monolithic as it used to be.

I gave up on the printed news media over 20 years ago. Why should I pay for something that is now 24+ hours late to the table, when electronic news media can give it to me instantly. Their content is nothing more than regurgitated leftist claptrap that is on CNNMSNBCCBSNBCABCBBCFNCWSJ.

I do buy the Sunday paper, but only for the weekly TV section and the grocery coupons, and even those can be downloaded at my option.

I stopped listening to Rush in 2008 because it's always more of the same= So.

In the mornings I turn on One America News Network and will skim their site (OANN.com) throughout the day. To be fair, they are a conservative news source but they are usually pretty good about just giving the news.

Otherwise, I agree. I used to read papers and watch cable news religiously but I've become bored with being lectured to by both sides about how I am a terrible person if I don't believe 'X'.

Born in 1964. When I was growing up Time magazine and the US News and World Report were the go-to sources of news. It took the magazines a while but eventually I was convinced that a transformation from news reporting to propaganda occurred. A sad and sorry realization.

quote:

I stopped listening to Rush in 2008 because it's always more of the same= So.

Yes, I stopped listening a long time ago, but recently signed up for the website. Rush has been very interesting in the Age of Trump, a good interpreter of how the elite and the MSM are dealing with the Trump phenomenon.

Try watching "Kennady" on Fox business news. She does a great job. Very balanced with a touch of humor. She's a Libratrian so she tries to play it down the middle.

I used to read the National Review religiously. Might check it once every other month these days. It's like it's all been said.

Getting pretty bored with the typical news sources too.

You might be interested in reading a book I just started: Smear by Sharyl Attkisson
How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News control what you see, what you think, and how you vote.

My problem is a bit different. I grew up reading one of the local papers. I actually enjoyed it and its probably where I really learned to read. But then a decade or so ago, the one I read collapsed and the other opted for a tabloid format. Now I live in an area that isn't served with a decent paper.

I won't pay for a subscription to a leftist paper that I abhor. It means I'm down to nibbling at tidbits from various dailies that allow outsiders to read.

I have no trust at all for any of the national media. But I guess its all OK. I spent a bundle getting new eyes (or lenses). I still can't read printed material except outside in the sun. Its why I read gun fora.

I used to be a news junkie...then things turned straight up toxic.

I stopped reading all news during the last election. I thought things would get better, but it hasn't. For some reason, I just feel dirty reading most news sources...right and left.

I don't need all the negativity in my life.

You're buying the wrong newspaper. The Sun Sentinel here in South Florida rarely talks about Trump. It's mostly what's going on in South Florida etc.