Last week, my Alexa asked if I wanted to start a new morning routine after my alarm: a daily rundown of the morning news. I grew up listening to NPR and KUTX in the backseat of my mom’s car every day on the way to school, and when I heard NPR’s morning news intro, it was like a little nostalgia bell went off in my head. The familiar broadcasters and show format put me in the mindset to start the day and got me off my phone in the morning. Throughout the day, I kept thinking about the topics I’d learned and referenced them in conversations with friends and family. The stories stuck with me, and I began to appreciate and look forward to my little routine.
As a student, it’s easy to get stuck in our West Campus bubble. Our only access to the lives and ideas of others outside our inner circles or brief interactions often comes from social media, which is widely known to be unreliable. News sources like NPR and KUTX aim to explore and inform, relying on real-life sources and credible, fact-checked information. Their daily episodes ensure everything is up to date and accurate. The dominance of news as a source of information has steadily declined among younger generations, as partisan channels and social media have gained popularity. But the importance of staying informed cannot be overstated. In a time of extreme division and polarization, being well-informed is crucial. I don’t claim that listening to a 25-minute news segment every day has made me an expert, but I’ve come to appreciate the perspective it gives me on world issues and stories I hadn’t known about before.
I realize that in modern times, the negativity and polarization of the media have led many, including myself, to turn away from the news entirely. However, I now see this as a somewhat naive and limiting viewpoint. There are countless news channels that report on less controversial and negative topics. I understand the concern of filling your head with negative, frightening stories, but finding reliable sources that fit your interests can offer a fresh perspective. It will likely leave you feeling more motivated and grateful for your position in life.
Next time you’re looking for something to listen to while you slowly get ready or wake up in the morning, I highly suggest putting on the NPR podcast or another that you enjoy. Starting your morning by learning something new has changed how I approach the day, and it’s a habit I plan to stick with for years to come.