We often commend technology’s ability to serve us information instantly – at least if we’re in range of an Internet connection or mobile signal. What we often overlook, especially in the U.S., is the ability we have to gather news and perspectives not just from our friends, but from across the globe. How many actually go beyond the standard news sources in the United States to see what media in the rest of the world (or the overlooked media in the U.S.) are saying?
Here are 10 sources of news and fresh perspectives from across the globe. While many of these sources have Twitter and/or FaceBook accounts, time spent perusing the following websites is guaranteed to bring you new information and new perspectives on stories you may have read elsewhere.
The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)
Often the first to report a story, and considered a standard across the globe.
news.bbc.co.uk
The Christian Science Monitor
Long-standing, esteemed, award-winning reporting from around the globe. The Monitor says it offers “Reporting that offers clarity, context and compassion.”
csmonitor.com
Also see the Making a Difference area of The Monitor’s site, which highlights ordinary people doing good in their life and world:
csmonitor.com/makingadifference
Deutsche Welle
The English version of German news service providing a diverse range of services and coverage.
dw-world.de
The Guardian
Published in England since 1821, with a commitment to political and editorial independence.
guardian.co.uk
IPS (Inter Press News Service)
News agency reporting on “The Story Underneath”, serving journalism and communication for global change, and bringing a voice to civil society from the southern hemisphere.
ipsnews.net
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Reports news in 28 languages and 20 countries where freedom of the press is banned or not well-established.
rferl.org
The Straits Times
Global and local news from Singapore.
straitstimes.com
The Sydney Morning Herald
Popular paper from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia offers a glimpse of life down under and a format that’s not too dissimilar to Americans, even if the perspective might be.
smh.com.au
Women’s eNews
News service covering women and issues affecting women’s rights from around the world. In English, with a dedicated Arabic site.
womensenews.org
World News Network
Founded in 1995 and online since 1998; provides a wide compilation of news to and from more than 400 major newspapers and news services from around the globe. Free.
wnnetwork.com
