There's Always A Choice.

Alternative media is important and necessary for a democratic country. It allows the voices of many to be heard and the public to utilize their power of speech rights more frequently. With the increasing presence of technology in society today, finding an independent voice that'll be more receptive by the public is a lot easier. In the past, a majority of the information comes from mainstream media; it's still true today however, the big corporations have less of an effect. Many outlets fall under the word 'alternative.' If blogs, memes, documentaries, independent films, photographs, art, etc. represent a dissident opinion, it's alternative. Two decades ago, the word blog didn't even exist which further reaffirms the how quickly things can change. 

There's actually a choice.

An alternative informative online website, AlterNet was founded in 1998. Executive Director, Don Hazen was there from its early beginnings and over the years has seen it expand exponentially. Presently, the website attracts 2.7 million unique monthly visitors. It explores many pressing issues to keep the public informed. Some of the topics they cover are: World News, Activism, Education, Environment, Rights, Economy and even Women's Rights.

For example, there was an article written by Claire Bushey several years ago on the presidential election. She wrote of the vital role women play in politics and included statistics to support her thesis. Back in 2008, women donated 75 million dollars to the Obama Campaign as opposed to 34 million to the McCain campaign. It was caused by the fact that McCain voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, an attack against women everywhere. This article not only highlighted an important issue but also served as words of encouragement that there will be a possibility women will be equally represented in politics.

With the rise of technology, there is now a forum where people can receive endless information. One of the reasons why alternative outlets are so successful is because they make it as part of their mission to "stimulate, inform and instigate" even if it means there might be controversy along the way. It's probably why there are many alternative websites popping up left and right now. Also, alternative media has a level of trust with the public that the government or big media corporations will never have. Writers at AlterNet especially, because they "confront the failures of corporate media" in whatever means.