An Open Letter to Mainstream Media

Summary

The content is an open letter addressed to mainstream media, questioning the overwhelmingly negative nature of "breaking news" stories and advocating for a balance with positive news to influence public perception positively.

Abstract

The author of the open letter expresses concern over the predominance of negative stories in mainstream media's "breaking news" coverage, which includes reports of violence, crime, and various forms of social ills. The letter suggests that this focus on negativity may not accurately reflect the world and could contribute to a cycle of pessimism and negativity in society. It proposes that media outlets should also highlight positive events as "breaking news," thereby potentially shifting the collective mindset towards more optimistic and loving perspectives. The author believes that media has the power to change the narrative and urges them to provide a daily dose of positivity to help foster a more positive world.

Opinions

The author perceives that mainstream media disproportionately reports on evil acts, questioning if this is due to the belief that evil sells or is simply a pursuit of drama.
There is a sense of frustration over the lack of "good" breaking news, implying that positive events are not given the same emphasis as negative ones.
The author suggests that the media's focus on negative stories may contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy where society becomes increasingly negative because that is what is being emphasized.
The letter argues that by shifting the focus to include more positive stories, the media could help to inspire more love and positivity in the world.
The author directly appeals to the media's sense of responsibility and power to effect change in the public narrative by balancing the portrayal of the world with both positive and negative news.

Why so negative?

Dear Mainstream Media,

Why so negative?

You’re constantly bombarding us with “breaking news” of murder, shootings, theft, abuse, more murder, rape, hate, racism, and all forms of evil.

Does breaking news = evil? Or is it evil that sells? Are you looking for drama?

I can’t remember reading “good” breaking news.

Mentally troubled woman seriously burned when she sets herself ablaze on Manhattan street

These are just three random examples of breaking news headlines from the last 24 hours. Topics include drugs, rape, murder, racism, hate crimes, assault, mental illness, self-harm, suicide attempt.

Now, I do get that we need to know about these things. But is this the world we live in? Is it all bad, negative, and evil? And if it is, wouldn’t good news be “breaking news” because it’s so rare?

I don’t know if it’s mostly good or bad, but I want to believe there is more good.

There’s one thing I know, the more we focus on the negative, the more we get negative. It’s the law of life.

If we believe the world is hateful, we’ll get more hate. If we believe it’s corrupt, well, then we’ll get more corruption. You get the idea.

As I said, I don’t know how bad it is, but I know you can help us by spreading more good. How about a daily dose of positivity? Some good “breaking news” for people to dwell on? Spread some love — we need more of it!

Then maybe, just maybe, we get more love in the world.

I believe in you. I believe in your power to change the narrative.

Please help.

Aql — aka The Dozen

An Open Letter to Mainstream Media

Why so negative?

2 men accused of drugging, raping Bucks County woman found dead in Miami hotel room

Black man slashed with knife on subway, attack being investigated as a hate crime

Mentally troubled woman seriously burned when she sets herself ablaze on Manhattan street