Alternative Media Showcase: Louisville Eccentric Observer
My recent trip to Louisville, Kentucky gave me a chance to check out the city’s alternative newspaper. The Louisville Eccentric Observer (LEO) was far down on the list of things I took away from the trip but it was a pleasant surprise on the long drive back to Milwaukee. The pages of LEO were filled with well-written articles on local politics that were devoid of the partisan slant of other alternative newspapers.
LEO’s cover story on March 12 dealt with the proliferation of pharmaceuticals in Louisville’s water supply. This story has been a foot note in many newspapers and TV broadcasts over the last few weeks as people realize (gasp) that our drinking water is filled with junk. The newspaper went beyond a simple cover story on polluted water with pieces on the threat of atrazine pollution throughout Kentucky and an interview with film maker Irena Salina (”For Love of Water”). The reason that LEO trumps other alternative newspapers like my hometown Shepherd Express is the in-depth reporting on a single topic.
The writers and editors of LEO don’t appear to shut down the magazine once the cover story is written. Features like Representin’ (about the Louisville Metro Council), City Strobe (about local politics) and interesting guest commentaries make the publication a solid replacement for the Courier-Journal. I will continue to critique alternative newspapers in upcoming weeks as I take road trips during the summer travel season. In the meantime, check out the Louisville Eccentric Observer website here.
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:15 am
I’m a great fan of local alternative newspapers. Don’t do much traveling, so I’m left to checking out the online versions. I find a much more balanced coverage of even most national news than from MSM. We used to have two major independent alternative papers here (in KCMO) several years ago, but I think the late-comer ultimately bought out the first, now we’re left with one, The Pitch. Hope you make it through KC sometime to check it out!
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
Thanks Doug! I may be passing through KC this summer so I will keep an eye out for The Pitch.
March 31st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
[...] of cable news and major networks without contributing to the solution. The occasional series on alternative media that I have peppered throughout this blog will now be the primary source of material. Seven [...]