More Resources: media and research institutions

Media outlets and centers of research to help inform your thinking and activism

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Subscribers receive early access to this post. I’ll make it available to everyone on Tuesday. -M

For this week’s resource post, I’ve compiled two categories: media outlets that I think cover the intersection of politics, MAGA extremism, and tech well, and organizations that offer useful research, investigations, and resources. This category does not include the work of individuals, which I’ll cover in my following resources post. It also excludes advocacy organizations without published research or related content.

It’s worth noting that this list is comprehensive but not complete. I’m sure I missed some things. Feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments. 

Media Outlets

The 19th News News coverage on gender politics and policy. Especially important since so much of our current politics and culture wars revolve around gender. 

Prism A newsroom and platform by and for people of color. Coverage that “reflects the lived experiences of people most impacted by injustice.”

ProPublica ProPublica is why you know so much of Clarence Thomas’s dirty laundry. Their investigations are second to none. 

Tech Policy Press Justin Hendrix and his team have created a nimble news outlet covering the intersection of tech and policy. The site includes many static resources and legislation policy trackers. 

Wired One of the few outlets to make this list that isn’t a non-profit or independently owned, but Wired has been killing it with coverage of politics, tech, and the MAGA Right for some time now. 

Just Security Just Security describes itself as “an online forum for the rigorous analysis of security, democracy, foreign policy, and rights.” The depth of expertise and knowledge is always helpful. 

Mother Jones Mother Jones has always been and will continue to be solid on political and cultural issues with a progressive bent.

Courier Newsroom Courier publishes a variety of local and national outlets across multiple platforms - including this newsletter. 

Crooks and Liars One of the first political blogs I ever read. Still growing strong with veteran writers.

Wonkette I love Wonkette for the humor and laughter that come along with crucial and biting insight. 

The Onion We all need laughter in these dark times, but the Onion is now run by Ben Collins, a longtime disinformation reporter. Ben is a man on a mission, including buying up Alex Jones’ Infowars.com brand. I’m excited to see what he and the team does next. 

Uncharted Blue Founded by Hunter Lazzaro. A growing hub of longtime progressive writers, many of them formerly from DailyKos.

Common Dreams One of the earliest progressive news outlets on the web that’s still in operation.

Raw Story Another longtime progressive outlet that covers both national politics and frequently breaks stories. 

Research and Reports/Organizations

Bellingcat A collaborative of researchers, investigators and citizen journalists. Bellingcat does some of the most fascinating work on a variety of topics, including what I cover here. A ton of important research, investigation, and people have come through Bellingcat. 

Center for Countering Digital Hate An organization dedicated to “stopping the spread of hate and lies online.” CCDH has pr oduced incredible research and public advocacy campaigns. 

Media Matters Media accountability organization with a focus on right-wing media in particular. They publish an incredible volume of rapid-response content and research. (Full disclosure: I was a visiting fellow at MMFA in 2018.)

Hate Watch - Southern Poverty Law Center The publishing hub for SPLC’s intelligence and investigative reporters. Monitors and exposes the activities of the American Radical Right. 

Political Research Associates A think tank studying the American Right with a focus on building infrastructure and helping organizations. I’m always surprised by how many people in the progressive movement don’t know that PRA exists. 

Protect Democracy A pro-democracy think tank. Loads of helpful resources and explainers here. Nonpartisan to a fault for people (and funders) who still make that distinction.

Western States Center Linking specifically to the resources and toolkits section. Western States Center provides a lot of help to community leaders, educators, and government officials.

HOPE not hate A UK-based organization (and one-time publisher of this newsletter) HOPE not hate covers the far-right as a global movement.

Institute for Strategic Dialogue ISD describes itself as a “is a group of independent, non-profit organisations dedicated to safeguarding human rights and reversing the rising tide of polarisation, extremism and disinformation worldwide.” Consistently valuable research and investigations.

Center for an Informed Public Led by Kate Starbird, whose work I frequently cite. Housed at the University of Washington. Loads of good research and investigations.

Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab Housed at American University, in addition to research, PERIL has multiple collaborations with civil society groups to create evidence-based strategies and solutions.