The only source of objective info available on widely based media. So much praise has been expressed that I hope that I may be excused for focusing on concerns:

The program should be called the "Amy Goodman Show" because she completely dominates the program. I wonder if it wouldn't be beneficial for the program to have a larger group of presenters? True, that Ms. Goodman is indefatigable but who takes up the slack, apart from Juan Gonzalez, in the event of the unpredicatable nature of life?

Much of the reporting and interviews are based on a particular ideological frame of reference; I share many of those values because I believe that many of them are based on a common sensible and objective view of events. I do think that some viewer/readers may tend to be turned off by a tendancy for Goodman to color some topics with ideological flavor. I regret this because we desparately need reportage and discussion that strives for objectivity regardless of how the facts of a story may work out.

Finally, I have the feeling that the great majority of the audience tends to share DN's political perspective and consequently it may be fair to say that Goodman is "preaching to the choir". I wonder how many outside this pale are being informed about events in a way that doesn't reflect the Orwellspeak that is found in almost all mass media? I wish there was an outlet, apart from many excellent internet sites, that had the potential for reaching a mass audience, regardless of ideological flavor, who had an interest in intelligent unbiased reporting. Olbermann and Matthews do a fair job if one can put up with the Gonzo, sometimes cruel mockery that much of the former's show contains.

One more point: The PBS Newshour does not qualify. They tend to report the news on the basis of a clear "establishment" bias and use "experts" selected form a small handful of direct and indirect corporate sponsored "think tanks" and Ivy League institutions. This view was reinforced for me when they reported during the run-up and early phases of the Iraq War - only becoming critical when it became clear that this event was being very badly managed. Can you imagine an assistant professor from Iowa State being invited to provide his insights on the war or anything else on The Newshour?

Having said all this I guess I'll keep watching the Goodman Show and the NYT (with my ideological filters in place) until something better comes along.

Vinton

PS: Does anyone have a clue how many consistent viewers she has? Can't seem to find an answer using the searchbox.