Common Dreams vs. Real News Network

Attribute	Common Dreams	Real News Network
Focus	Progressive news and analysis	Independent news and analysis
Ownership	Non-profit organization	Non-profit organization
Founded	1997	2007
Headquarters	Portland, Oregon	Baltimore, Maryland
Website	www.commondreams.org	therealnews.com

Overview

Common Dreams and Real News Network are two popular independent news outlets that provide alternative perspectives on current events and issues. While both platforms aim to offer in-depth analysis and investigative reporting, they have distinct attributes that set them apart from each other.

Content

Common Dreams primarily focuses on progressive news and opinion pieces that cover a wide range of topics such as social justice, environmental issues, and politics. The platform often features articles from a variety of contributors, including activists, journalists, and academics. On the other hand, Real News Network tends to delve deeper into economic and geopolitical issues, offering in-depth interviews and documentaries that provide a critical analysis of power structures and corporate influence.

Format

Common Dreams presents its content in a more traditional news website format, with articles organized by category and date. The platform also includes a comments section where readers can engage in discussions and share their thoughts on the articles. In contrast, Real News Network often presents its content in video format, with interviews and documentaries that offer a visual component to the news stories. The platform also includes written articles, but the focus is more on video content.

Editorial Perspective

Common Dreams has a clear progressive editorial perspective, with a focus on social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights. The platform often advocates for progressive policies and highlights grassroots movements working towards positive change. Real News Network, on the other hand, takes a more critical approach to mainstream media narratives and government policies, often challenging the status quo and providing a platform for dissenting voices.

Community Engagement

Both Common Dreams and Real News Network have active communities of readers who engage with the content and share their perspectives. Common Dreams encourages reader participation through its comments section and social media channels, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals. Real News Network, on the other hand, often features live discussions and Q&A sessions with experts and journalists, allowing viewers to interact directly with the content creators.

Impact

Common Dreams has a large following among progressive activists and organizations, with its articles often shared widely on social media and cited in mainstream news outlets. The platform has been instrumental in shaping public discourse on issues such as climate change, income inequality, and healthcare. Real News Network, on the other hand, has gained a reputation for its in-depth investigative reporting and critical analysis of power structures, attracting a more niche audience of viewers who are interested in a deeper understanding of global issues.

Conclusion

While both Common Dreams and Real News Network offer valuable insights and alternative perspectives on current events, they have distinct attributes that cater to different audiences. Common Dreams focuses on progressive news and opinion pieces, while Real News Network delves deeper into economic and geopolitical issues. Both platforms play an important role in providing independent journalism and challenging mainstream narratives, contributing to a more informed and engaged public discourse.