FAQ
IS THE FIFTH FREE?
For now, yes. We're building something new and evolving. As The Fifth grows, I'll explore sustainable ways to continue delivering trusted news without compromise.
WHY JUST ONCE A WEEK?
Daily news is hard to keep up with. The Fifth delivers what you need to know, without the overload, in one convenient weekly digest.
DOES THE WORLD REALLY NEED ANOTHER NEWSLETTER?
Like your favorite music playlist, your news should be diverse. Some sources fade, others evolve or no longer meet your needs. The Fifth offers a unique perspective—tailored, trusted, and transparent.
WHAT DOES "THE FIFTH" REFER TO?
The Fifth represents a powerful new force—individuals, independent media, and grassroots movements operating outside traditional power structures. They do not answer to conglomerates, advertisers, and power players but to the people they are meant to serve. This is the "Fifth Estate."
WHAT ARE THE OTHER FOUR "ESTATES?"
The first three estates refer to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The "Fourth Estate" typically refers to traditional media outlets, which serve as a check and balance on the first three estates.
WHY DO WE NEED A "FIFTH ESTATE?"
The Fourth Estate isn’t doing its job as a check on power, and people feel the impact.
Legacy media is failing in many areas:
- Inadequate coverage of complex issues
- Sensationalism over substance
- "Both-sidesism" and false equivalency
- Lack of diversity in newsrooms
The Fifth brings journalism back to its roots—truth, transparency, and fearless reporting.
ARE YOU UNBIASED?
I’m transparent about my biases. Science matters. Human rights abuses are indefensible. Leaders who undermine democracy are dangerous. Oppressed peoples deserve freedom. Mint chocolate chip is the best ice cream. People who organize their books by color can't be trusted with interior design.
Being upfront about biases means I can focus on giving you the most honest, unfiltered version of the truth.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "NONSENSE?"
In this context, "nonsense" refers to the clutter, distractions, spin and sensationalism that often dominate traditional news coverage. It encompasses misinformation, trivial stories, and biased and unproportional reporting that can obscure the truth. At The Fifth, we strive to cut through this nonsense to provide you with straightforward, fact-based news that matters, enabling you to stay informed without the overwhelm.
WHAT IS "BOTH-SIDESISM?"
News coverage should be proportional. "Both-sidesism" means giving equal weight to unequal issues. It distorts truth and fairness. At The Fifth, we embrace being "truthful, not neutral," as Christiane Amanpour puts it, because facts aren't up for debate.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Use the news to stay informed, not stressed. You can’t fix everything, but you can make a difference in areas that matter to you. And even when you're not actively involved, staying aware keeps you ready for when the time comes.