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What is Alternative Media?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Alternative media is generally considered to be any type of media that is not under the control of a business operation or syndicate, or a government agency. This form of media may involve traditional outlets such as newspapers and magazines, or radio, television, and movies. Alternative media may also involve the newer media outlets of web sites, e-books and e-magazines, streamed audio and video, or other media outlets that are found online.

The main function of alternative media is to offer a different perspective that what is presented in the media that is under the control of a government or a big business. At one time, alternative media was also known as counter-cultural or underground media, terms which helped to identify the media outlets that provided opportunities for dissenting points of view and ideas to be shared outside the established media. This was often thought necessary when other media alternatives were unwilling or unable to offer these dissenting views equal time with views that were more widely held.

Alternative media now include newer media outlets of websites, e-books and e-magazines.
Alternative media now include newer media outlets of websites, e-books and e-magazines.

While alternative media has been around for centuries, the concept did not begin to emerge as a specific form of media communications until the middle of the 20th century. As social unrest became more prominent in a number of nations, people with alternative points of view on issues such as race, religion, lifestyle, orientation, politics, and social organization began to use small presses to create their own publications. Brochures, newspapers, and eventually magazines provided a foundation for what was soon identified as fringe media, denoting the fact that these views were not generally held by the majority of the populace. By the 1960’s, alternative media has branched out from printed publications to the inclusion of low budget movies, as well as independent radio and television broadcasts that were syndicated on low-frequency media outlets.

Traditional outlets such as newspapers can be considered alternative media.
Traditional outlets such as newspapers can be considered alternative media.

Many alternative media publications begin life on shoestring budgets that make it necessary to utilize the most cost-effective means of printing and distributing the materials. Over time, a number of these underground or alternative publications build considerable reader bases, and are able to increase the scope and the quality of their work. Others remain publications that serve a niche base of readers and continue to operate with relatively little resources.

Movies are a form of alternative media.
Movies are a form of alternative media.

One of the innovations in recent years has been the use of the Internet as a form of alternative media. While underground radio, television, and movies have been around for decades, the creation of alternative web sites that focus on minority points of view in politics, music, fashion, lifestyle, and other areas have proliferated. Today, it is possible to find media online that addresses just about any idea, concept, or opinion by conducting keyword searches using a reliable Internet browser. These online media outlets continue to offer the opportunity to explore different understandings and ideas that are either overlooked media, or receive relatively little attention from the more conventional media outlets.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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Discussion Comments

burcinc

I think that the best place for alternative media in this era is social media. It's much easier for people to express their views on social media. Of course, technically, people can be tracked down on the internet too. So there is never complete anonymity. But since there are so many people sharing their opinions on the net, it's very difficult for any agency to regulate or control this type of alternative media. Not to mention that views and news can become viral very quickly this way.

serenesurface

@ZipLine-- Unfortunately, freedom of the press is threatened from time to time even in democratic, developed nations. I remember reading recently about a journalist being arrested for his views in a European country. Of course, it's wrong and it says a lot about the mindset of the administration. But I agree that alternative media is essential and important for this reason.

ZipLine

In some countries, there is no free media and all major media is owned by the government. Alternative media in such countries don't necessarily represent unpopular opinions. But they do represent opinions in opposition to the government.

Normally, if there is freedom of speech and free media in a country, some major media sources should be able to print news and opinions that oppose the current administration. But if the country is not democratic and media is completely controlled by the administration, then alternative media or "underground" media have to take on this role.

All oppressive governments have the tendency to control media. Those who print or subscribe to alternative media may also be targeted and arrested in such countries.

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    • Alternative media now include newer media outlets of websites, e-books and e-magazines.
      By: georgejmclittle
      Alternative media now include newer media outlets of websites, e-books and e-magazines.
    • Traditional outlets such as newspapers can be considered alternative media.
      By: minoandriani
      Traditional outlets such as newspapers can be considered alternative media.
    • Movies are a form of alternative media.
      By: gstockstudio
      Movies are a form of alternative media.
    • Alternative media includes magazines.
      By: maska82
      Alternative media includes magazines.
    • Access to social media tools has allowed groups who might have been censored in the past to make their stories more widely known.
      By: auremar
      Access to social media tools has allowed groups who might have been censored in the past to make their stories more widely known.