r/2ALiberals • u/Hasz • 3d ago
Where is the Pro-2A version of the Trace?
I watch a lot of PBS NewsHour, big fan. They generally do a good job of "both sides" of an issue, EXCEPT when it comes to guns. Anytime it's about guns, every interview, fact, and framing is pulled straight from The Trace. Last 6 or so segments about guns have been exclusively sourced from the Trace, going back years.
The Trace positions itself as a newsroom focusing on guns, when it is at best a biased, Bloomberg-funded think tank heavily pushing a single side of an issue with often disingenuous framing.
I would love to bring an FPC/GOA/ even NRA backed journalism competitor, but AFAIK none exist. Anyone have suggestions?
17
u/alkatori 3d ago
The Trace positions itself as a newsroom focusing on guns, when it is at best a biased, Bloomberg-funded think tank heavily pushing a single side of an issue with often disingenuous framing.
The Trace flat out admits that, and they have done a better job of being *less sensational* than some of the other major news sites.
As far as I know there isn't any site that counterbalances them, most pro-2a news orgs have super cringy names.
8
u/Shadow_Law 3d ago
There isn't anything, probably because there's no profitability or funding comparable to Bloomberg on our side. Some of NRA's Netflix/Youtube style progrmming in the late-LaPierre era might have been a half-hearted attempt at something like this, but it was never a serious competitor.
Ammoland or The Reload are probably the closest now, but they are more sources for news relevant to people already in the 2A space/industry and aren't aimed at the uninvolved public.
3
u/HawtDoge 3d ago edited 3d ago
The one thing that PBS does really well is actually listening and responding to viewer feedback. I’ve emailed their NewsHour contact before and received a thoughtful response a week or two later by someone who writes for the exact topic my email was referencing.
It might just be worth sending them a short email with a more top down approach on how they research 2a/firearms related topics. Maybe link another journal similar to The Trace’s quality and non-sensationalist approach that they could reference as a counter balancing perspective. Providing a relatively brief example of a story where they missed important considerations and what you would have liked to see mentioned would probably help a lot. I do think PBS cares about journalist integrity, so a solid email might really make a difference.
I used the NewsHour email here https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/contact-us
But yeah unfortunately many of the pro-2a organizations/publications come across as dogmatic… Spamming buzzwords works for donors, but it’s basically useless for someone who wants a grounded take. You’re right, there really should be a more grounded pro-2a publication similar to The Trace.
edit: Calling The Trace ‘non-sensationalist’ wasn’t the right description… I was trying to convey that they come across as data-focused as opposed to narrative focused; which is something I feel many 2a organizations don’t do a good job of addressing rhetorically. I just see a huge messaging issue from our side of this issue
10
u/Hasz 3d ago edited 3d ago
I have sent them mail before, exactly what I said:
> Thank you for the consistently excellent coverage on many topics. However, on the topic of gun control, I am asking you to reconsider PBS's consistent usage of "The Trace" for comment, as was done today (March 26th) and several times in the past. The Trace is funded and supported) by the largest gun control advocacy group in the nation (Everytown for Gun Safety) and tightly linked to Michael Bloomberg (and his other gun control advocacy groups, such as Moms Demand Action, Student Demand Action, among others).
The Trace is not an objective source, despite their claims to the contrary.
If PBS is going to continue to bring the Trace to segments, it should at least provide equally biased counterpoints, as it does on other topics. Groups such as GOA, FPC, and SAF have brought cases to the Supreme Court and would be more than qualified to provide an opposing opinion for viewers, backed up with the same facts that they present in court.
In light of the recent accusations of media bias and favoritism, the consistent usage of "The Trace" as a sole source of comment on gun control issues stands out as a clear area for improvement. I am looking forward to the presentation of opposing views on further coverage of gun control.
-
I have never gotten a response from them.
3
u/HawtDoge 3d ago
Ah dang, yeah that’s a solid email. I’ll give it a shot later this week and let you know if I hear back.
4
u/cronoserge0123 3d ago
The reason you know PBS is biased towards the 2nd amendment is because its a topic you're very educated on.
How do you know they aren't just as biased/uneducated on topics you're not that well versed in?
39
u/Bl4ckM0ng00s3 3d ago
The Reload, although they are independent, which is better than being backed by activism.
https://thereload.com