Middle Ground
What Is It?
Middle Ground is a Youtube series produced and published by Jubilee Media. There are three seasons, each consisting of 6-8 videos with a duration ranging from 8-20 mins. In each video, people are brought together to discuss a polarizing topic. All of the individuals that are part of the conversation appear to be strangers prior to filming. They are evenly split into two groups of about 3-4 people, each representing an opinion on opposite sides of the topic’s spectrum. For example, “Pro-Gun Vs. Anti-Gun” and “Socialist Vs. Capitalist” are titles of episodes in this series. The discussions are not angled to support one view. In fact, no conclusions are drawn on which side is better. The goal is that, by the end of the video, people understand a perspective they didn’t before- even if they still do not agree with it- and develop nuance within their ideas in a way that wouldn’t have happened without conversations like these.
Who Made It?
Jubilee Media is a Youtube channel as well as a small business selling clothing and other branded merchandise supporting their channel.
What Are They Trying To Do?
Jubilee Media’s mission statement claims to “Challenge Conventional Thinking, Bridge People Together, and Inspire Love.” Their content primarily contains footage of conversations between people about sensitive topics. They see communication as a pathway to empathy and aim to broaden the empathy of the people they reach.
What Is It?
Middle Ground is a Youtube series produced and published by Jubilee Media. There are three seasons, each consisting of 6-8 videos with a duration ranging from 8-20 mins. In each video, people are brought together to discuss a polarizing topic. All of the individuals that are part of the conversation appear to be strangers prior to filming. They are evenly split into two groups of about 3-4 people, each representing an opinion on opposite sides of the topic’s spectrum. For example, “Pro-Gun Vs. Anti-Gun” and “Socialist Vs. Capitalist” are titles of episodes in this series. The discussions are not angled to support one view. In fact, no conclusions are drawn on which side is better. The goal is that, by the end of the video, people understand a perspective they didn’t before- even if they still do not agree with it- and develop nuance within their ideas in a way that wouldn’t have happened without conversations like these.
Who Made It?
Jubilee Media is a Youtube channel as well as a small business selling clothing and other branded merchandise supporting their channel.
What Are They Trying To Do?
Jubilee Media’s mission statement claims to “Challenge Conventional Thinking, Bridge People Together, and Inspire Love.” Their content primarily contains footage of conversations between people about sensitive topics. They see communication as a pathway to empathy and aim to broaden the empathy of the people they reach.
The Argument
What Is It?
The Argument is a podcast featuring a discussion between three writers for The New York Times: David Leonhardt, Michelle Goldberg, and Ross Douthat. Each of their views come from a different political angle. Goldberg is left-leaning, Douthat is right-leaning, and Leonhardt is “somewhere in the middle.” Debates get mildly heated as they discuss political issues like the appointment of Justice Kavanah and the corruption of voter fraud. All parties have an equal opportunity to share their ideas. It should be noted, however, that there is a minor left-wing bias because the resident centrist is more left than right. Each podcast episode poses two questions. The discussions are brief, but allow everyone to address the topic deeply, yet succinctly and ask questions of the opposing side. Solutions aren't provided, and nor are answers, but the conversation itself is seen as a step in the right direction by the producers of this podcast.
Who Made It?
The Argument is funded by The New York Times, a well known American newspaper. The Times has a slight left bias, but is nonetheless regarded as a reliable source of information. They have a collection of other podcasts that are similarly feature writers for the newspaper discussing current events or reporting the news audibly.
What Are They Trying To Do?
The New York Times’ proposed intention is to provide high-quality information and give a voice to the ideas of professionals and credible journalists. This company is a resource for the public and has been for over 150 years. Their branch of podcasts does no different that their main website in terms of intention and integrity.
Red Feed, Blue Feed
What Is It?
Red Feed, Blue Feed is a an interactive publication from The Wall Street Journal that addresses the differences between left and right political perspectives on various topics. Examples include immigration and executive order. They do this by setting a strongly conservative Facebook feed beside a strongly liberal Facebook feed. Their choice to compare social media stems from the current cultural norm in which most people receive news through mediums like Facebook. And because we often choose to follow people or organizations who share our beliefs, we limit the diversity of ideas presented to us. The WSJ is trying to break this bubble by showing people on each side of the political spectrum what the other side is seeing, and how their own feeds sound when out of context
Who Made It?
Jon Keegan is a freelance journalist who worked with The Wall Street Journal to create this resource. Keegan is known for identifying social and political patterns. He has no self affixation with one political party, but from his Twitter, it can be inferred that he leans slightly left of center. The Journal is a left leaning source, but similar to The Times, it is regarded for being a reputable resource.
What Are They Trying To Do?
The Wall Street Journal strives to maintain its reputation as a business focused newspaper reporting with accuracy and with out pretense.