Boy can I relate! (Beth Gainer, this news diet is a great idea!) I've been limiting my news time to an hour in the late afternoon -- but after reading your piece, I think I want to try local news instead of national. You point out: "Local news is where we should be spending more of our viewing time anyway. Maybe that’s been part of the problem over the last 10 or so years. Too much cable TV. Too many pundits with too much influence." Well said. I miss having a daily local paper as well, and I think you're correct that 24/7 news it just too much -- another 'too' to add to the mix.
I did not watch a single minute of the inauguration, either. I'm looking forward to putting my energies and focus elsewhere. Really fine and evocative essay, Nancy. Thank you.
I agree that Beth's news diet idea is pretty great, and it really has made a difference for me. I'm finding the local news to be refreshing and thorough enough. Local news stations and especially newspapers are struggling to retain viewers and readers. So helping with that feels good, too. I cancelled my NYT and Post subscriptions a few months ago because I didn't feel they were doing enough. Right now, unfortunately, I don't read a paper. I need to change that and read some locals online. I do read some wonderful writers here on Substack such as Timothy Snyder and Jessica Piper who is a rural news/politics wiz. I love her. There are so many wonderful Substackers to follow and read, but it's time consuming. Of course, I LOVE yours!
I'm thinking there were lots of us who opted out on Inauguration Day hoopla. Just that small thing felt so important. I plan to call/email Sen Ron Johnson this week to tell him to stand up against the pardons for Jan 6 rioters. Of course, he won't care what I have to say, but it still needs to be communicated. I am trying to find ways to make my voice heard.
Thank you for reading and commenting, too. I appreciate you. By the way, I loved your latest piece.
This is a spot-on, heartfelt essay! I am so glad you avoided the inauguration and its coverage, as did I. Call me silly, but I won't ever support a criminal rapist traitor demented liar as our president. This person has been above the law and gets away with everything.
I have been somewhat depressed about this imbecile once again being president, and I couldn't agree with you more about the corruption of the big networks and national news. Local news is the way to go, I agree.
Like you, I don't do New Year's resolutions or have a bucket list. I'm perfectly happy to face my canvas and paint. That's the key to my sanity thus far. That and being away from the national news, something I don't miss at all. I get quick sum-ups of the circus, and that's enough for me.
We will enjoy quality life over the next four years, even with a failing government. I plan to delve even more into art (not a New Year's resolution, just a plan). The only TV I watch lately is Bob Ross' The Joy of Painting.
Thank you for your kind words about my essay. Avoiding the inauguration coverage was really easy. I couldn't watch it for so many reasons. You are not silly at all for feeling as you do. I feel much the same.
I have a feeling many people have felt depressed this week. Still, we can't fall into despair. Our voices still matter. I am more proud than ever to be a Democrat. Sure, we've got big problems, but the other party has completely lost its way. The country will find its way back to sensibility. At least I hope so.
Yes, we will enjoy life over the next four years. There will be joy and fun things to celebrate too. Staying grounded in things that matter and finding outlets is more important than ever.
And you are very welcome regarding the mention. I love your news diet idea. Actually calling it that helps for some reason. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you. And your art, too!
I’m trying to be on a news diet— I never watch news, read one paper but my “downfall “ is Substack— I want to be somewhat informed but not needlessly upset and I read Heather Cox Richardson, you and I’m sampling a few others. Fraught times.
Hi Jan, I limit my news to Heather Cox Richardson's Substack, which does such a nice job of getting the highlights to her readership. Some articles I skim through, though.
I love her, too. I also appreciate Joyce Vance's writings when I need a good synopsis. Also, Alene gifted me a month of The Contrarian. (Thank you, Alene.) Will check that out when I can.
I loved watching news and keeping up with politics before you know what. These days, local news works better for my mental health. Information I need to know, but in smaller bites.
I am loving discovering great writers on Substack. I know what you mean about not wanting to be needlessly upset. I read Heather Cox Richardson, too. Not every article. Like I mentioned to Beth, I love Jessica Piper. I have some recommendations on my list you can take a peek at if you're interested.
I am so grateful you read my Substack, Jan. I appreciate you. And yes, fraught times indeed. That is a good way to put it. Thank you for reading and sharing.
I avoided network television the entire day of the unfortunate event. I wanted to watch something deliberately inane so binge-watched America's Worst Cooks. I refuse to have news apps and notifications on my phone. I'm rarely watching news and avoiding newspapers except for recipes and puzzles. I'm certainly sleeping better. Thanks, Nancy!
I love that you binge-watched America's Worst Cooks! Good for you. And limiting your newspaper reading to recipes and puzzles is certainly understandable.
We will get through these fraught times (thank you, Jan, for that phrase) together. Community is more important than ever, and I'm so glad you are part of this one. Thank you for reading and commenting, too. I appreciate you.
I've been staying away from online political news stories, and I don't have television, so it's been pretty easy to limit my exposure. I certainly don't get as upset as I used to.
Good for you for staying away from online political news stories. It's great you don't have TV, but admittedly, I love streaming, so that'd be tough for me. Of course, I'd probably get more reading and writing done if I didn't watch any shows! I'm glad you don't get as upset as you used to.
Thank you for reading my article and taking time to comment, too. I appreciate you.
Nancy, As a former liberal political blogger, I never watch TV news. I read the news. I avoid reading political news more now than ever. I also turned all my app notifications off on my on my phone back in 2017 when I was in school for my M.A. and I never turned them back on. It helps a lot.
Oh gosh, that must've been interesting (among other things) being a liberal political blogger. Is your site still live? Do you have favorite news sources that you continue to read?
I have most notifications on my phone turned off. Those are too annoying. So, I hear you on that.
Thank you for reading and adding to this discussion. I appreciate you.
I’ve been on a news diet for some time and I’m much happier for it. CNN News is still delivered to my email. I read the headlines so I’m aware of what’s going on and it tells me everything I need to know usually. Occasionally, there’s something I’m really concerned about and then I will indulge in the article, but that’s it.
Good for you for being proactive and starting your news diet earlier rather than later. I am finding local news to be a good alternative for me. I was watching too much CNN and MSMBC. Thank you for taking time to read and comment, too. I appreciate you.
Oh, my goodness, Nancy! You have hit the nail on the head! I'm not completely off my diet of political new, but I have curtailed it quite a bit - and I also still watch Nicole Wallace. I started watching more local news last year and realized, like you, that they provide a synopsis of the same national stuff shown 24 hours a day elsewhere. The creep of cable news into all aspects of our daily lives over the last several years has helped instigate so much of the antagonism between people. The opinions are not facts, yet they're treated as such by many. Learning to tune out has been a slow process for me, but I will find better ways to spend my time.
That's the thing with diets, you don't stop eating, you cut back. So same deal with a news diet. I don't intend to stop watching entirely, but I've definitely cut way back. I like to watch Nicole Wallace when I'm on my treadmill. Of course, she's on for two hours, and I'm on my treadmill for 30-40 minutes! Ha. I haven't even watched a complete show of hers of late. I love hearing that you have also turned to local news. I guess you and I are implementing similar practices.
Figuring out what works for each of us is a process. If it's a slow one, that is totally fine. I am so glad to read your words today. Thank you. I appreciate you. Take care of yourself.
Boy can I relate! (Beth Gainer, this news diet is a great idea!) I've been limiting my news time to an hour in the late afternoon -- but after reading your piece, I think I want to try local news instead of national. You point out: "Local news is where we should be spending more of our viewing time anyway. Maybe that’s been part of the problem over the last 10 or so years. Too much cable TV. Too many pundits with too much influence." Well said. I miss having a daily local paper as well, and I think you're correct that 24/7 news it just too much -- another 'too' to add to the mix.
I did not watch a single minute of the inauguration, either. I'm looking forward to putting my energies and focus elsewhere. Really fine and evocative essay, Nancy. Thank you.
Hi Stephanie,
I agree that Beth's news diet idea is pretty great, and it really has made a difference for me. I'm finding the local news to be refreshing and thorough enough. Local news stations and especially newspapers are struggling to retain viewers and readers. So helping with that feels good, too. I cancelled my NYT and Post subscriptions a few months ago because I didn't feel they were doing enough. Right now, unfortunately, I don't read a paper. I need to change that and read some locals online. I do read some wonderful writers here on Substack such as Timothy Snyder and Jessica Piper who is a rural news/politics wiz. I love her. There are so many wonderful Substackers to follow and read, but it's time consuming. Of course, I LOVE yours!
I'm thinking there were lots of us who opted out on Inauguration Day hoopla. Just that small thing felt so important. I plan to call/email Sen Ron Johnson this week to tell him to stand up against the pardons for Jan 6 rioters. Of course, he won't care what I have to say, but it still needs to be communicated. I am trying to find ways to make my voice heard.
Thank you for reading and commenting, too. I appreciate you. By the way, I loved your latest piece.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for the mention. :)
This is a spot-on, heartfelt essay! I am so glad you avoided the inauguration and its coverage, as did I. Call me silly, but I won't ever support a criminal rapist traitor demented liar as our president. This person has been above the law and gets away with everything.
I have been somewhat depressed about this imbecile once again being president, and I couldn't agree with you more about the corruption of the big networks and national news. Local news is the way to go, I agree.
Like you, I don't do New Year's resolutions or have a bucket list. I'm perfectly happy to face my canvas and paint. That's the key to my sanity thus far. That and being away from the national news, something I don't miss at all. I get quick sum-ups of the circus, and that's enough for me.
We will enjoy quality life over the next four years, even with a failing government. I plan to delve even more into art (not a New Year's resolution, just a plan). The only TV I watch lately is Bob Ross' The Joy of Painting.
Hi Beth,
Thank you for your kind words about my essay. Avoiding the inauguration coverage was really easy. I couldn't watch it for so many reasons. You are not silly at all for feeling as you do. I feel much the same.
I have a feeling many people have felt depressed this week. Still, we can't fall into despair. Our voices still matter. I am more proud than ever to be a Democrat. Sure, we've got big problems, but the other party has completely lost its way. The country will find its way back to sensibility. At least I hope so.
Yes, we will enjoy life over the next four years. There will be joy and fun things to celebrate too. Staying grounded in things that matter and finding outlets is more important than ever.
And you are very welcome regarding the mention. I love your news diet idea. Actually calling it that helps for some reason. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you. And your art, too!
I’m trying to be on a news diet— I never watch news, read one paper but my “downfall “ is Substack— I want to be somewhat informed but not needlessly upset and I read Heather Cox Richardson, you and I’m sampling a few others. Fraught times.
Hi Jan, I limit my news to Heather Cox Richardson's Substack, which does such a nice job of getting the highlights to her readership. Some articles I skim through, though.
Hi Beth,
I love her, too. I also appreciate Joyce Vance's writings when I need a good synopsis. Also, Alene gifted me a month of The Contrarian. (Thank you, Alene.) Will check that out when I can.
She writes long articles! I’ve been more consistent with reading them lately.
Me too. If they are too long, I just glean the main points. Lazy am I. LOL
Hi Jan,
I loved watching news and keeping up with politics before you know what. These days, local news works better for my mental health. Information I need to know, but in smaller bites.
I am loving discovering great writers on Substack. I know what you mean about not wanting to be needlessly upset. I read Heather Cox Richardson, too. Not every article. Like I mentioned to Beth, I love Jessica Piper. I have some recommendations on my list you can take a peek at if you're interested.
I am so grateful you read my Substack, Jan. I appreciate you. And yes, fraught times indeed. That is a good way to put it. Thank you for reading and sharing.
I avoided network television the entire day of the unfortunate event. I wanted to watch something deliberately inane so binge-watched America's Worst Cooks. I refuse to have news apps and notifications on my phone. I'm rarely watching news and avoiding newspapers except for recipes and puzzles. I'm certainly sleeping better. Thanks, Nancy!
Hi Dr. Susan,
I love that you binge-watched America's Worst Cooks! Good for you. And limiting your newspaper reading to recipes and puzzles is certainly understandable.
We will get through these fraught times (thank you, Jan, for that phrase) together. Community is more important than ever, and I'm so glad you are part of this one. Thank you for reading and commenting, too. I appreciate you.
Thank you. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
I've been staying away from online political news stories, and I don't have television, so it's been pretty easy to limit my exposure. I certainly don't get as upset as I used to.
Hi Nancy, I think it's great that you don't have television! I have TV, but other than Bob Ross' Joy of Painting (you know me!) the TV is off.
Hi Nancy,
Good for you for staying away from online political news stories. It's great you don't have TV, but admittedly, I love streaming, so that'd be tough for me. Of course, I'd probably get more reading and writing done if I didn't watch any shows! I'm glad you don't get as upset as you used to.
Thank you for reading my article and taking time to comment, too. I appreciate you.
Nancy, As a former liberal political blogger, I never watch TV news. I read the news. I avoid reading political news more now than ever. I also turned all my app notifications off on my on my phone back in 2017 when I was in school for my M.A. and I never turned them back on. It helps a lot.
Hi Pamela,
Oh gosh, that must've been interesting (among other things) being a liberal political blogger. Is your site still live? Do you have favorite news sources that you continue to read?
I have most notifications on my phone turned off. Those are too annoying. So, I hear you on that.
Thank you for reading and adding to this discussion. I appreciate you.
I’ve been on a news diet for some time and I’m much happier for it. CNN News is still delivered to my email. I read the headlines so I’m aware of what’s going on and it tells me everything I need to know usually. Occasionally, there’s something I’m really concerned about and then I will indulge in the article, but that’s it.
Hi Eileen,
Good for you for being proactive and starting your news diet earlier rather than later. I am finding local news to be a good alternative for me. I was watching too much CNN and MSMBC. Thank you for taking time to read and comment, too. I appreciate you.
Oh, my goodness, Nancy! You have hit the nail on the head! I'm not completely off my diet of political new, but I have curtailed it quite a bit - and I also still watch Nicole Wallace. I started watching more local news last year and realized, like you, that they provide a synopsis of the same national stuff shown 24 hours a day elsewhere. The creep of cable news into all aspects of our daily lives over the last several years has helped instigate so much of the antagonism between people. The opinions are not facts, yet they're treated as such by many. Learning to tune out has been a slow process for me, but I will find better ways to spend my time.
Hi KittyK,
That's the thing with diets, you don't stop eating, you cut back. So same deal with a news diet. I don't intend to stop watching entirely, but I've definitely cut way back. I like to watch Nicole Wallace when I'm on my treadmill. Of course, she's on for two hours, and I'm on my treadmill for 30-40 minutes! Ha. I haven't even watched a complete show of hers of late. I love hearing that you have also turned to local news. I guess you and I are implementing similar practices.
Figuring out what works for each of us is a process. If it's a slow one, that is totally fine. I am so glad to read your words today. Thank you. I appreciate you. Take care of yourself.