Whilst in Japan I have been searching for news sources that do a little more than act as stenographers for major party representatives Here's two I'd like to recommend

Democracy now is a daily hour long radio/TV broadcast. It presents an alternative perspective on politics and world events http://www.democracynow.org

Noem Chomsky is a living national treasure. This site is packed with interviews, articles, book excerpts and letters http://www.chomsky.info/