The Positive Media Movement
The idea of positive journalism is a relatively new concept but a growing theme in the world of news and media. At a climate change conference like COP21 that took place in Paris in December 2015, this theme is right at home alongside the activist culture.
Too often the media is perceived as eye-catching entertainment that appeals to the shock value of breaking news and hard-hitting stories. We assume their programming is designed to gain viewers and turn heads, rather than provide in information and education for its audience. The journalists, writers, and creative individuals that gathered for the Transformational Media Summit, one of the many side events to the COP21 conference, have a different view of how the media plays a role in society.
Story-telling has the capacity to make an impact by inspiring people and influencing action. While appealing to the the curiosity and attention-spans of humans is a cornerstone of media, there is a hidden potential to turn its impact into a force for good, more specifically by inspiring positive action in individuals and businesses.
Many of the speakers at the Summit shared their ideas about how creative story-telling can make a difference. This was the “transformation” discussed by the panelists, who dream of compelling their audience to take action rather than just watch the news and talk about it. Karen Adams, founder of GoodnessTV, explained that the process entails three important steps: Call attention to a problem, inform the audience of the solution, and succeed in creating action. Compared to conventional journalism, the difference is the resulting action that the audience takes.
The conversation about how media can make a difference brings to mind my own experience with the news. I read the newspaper each day to learn about what is going on in the world around me and don’t expect to earn much more. The relationship I have with the media is one-directional, I expect to be informed and entertained without any real influence how I will live my life or interact with my community. Only the Arts section compels me to get out of my chair and do something, perhaps see a film or go to an art gallery.
But the speakers I heard from today are approaching news in a different way, providing more than a story and seeking an audience that is compelled to make a positive impact on society. Their conviction is that it is possible that the knowledge we gain from the media can give us the tools we need to solve a problem or a challenge that our community faces.
Positive news encourages social engagement and as the transformation gains momentum there are a growing number of examples of positive actions in response to media.
One small example is a cafe in Montreal that created a way for customers to buy drinks and meals for community members that can’t afford it. By sharing this story through the GoodnessTV platform, the concept grew from three business to almost thirty in multiple cities in just a few months.
While this isn’t the kind of story that makes national headlines or creates a viral movement across the country, the significance is just as great. It is proof that media can educate viewers on how they can make a difference in their community.
The example of the cafe in Montreal is enough to make me believe that the media has a bigger role than just entertainment, it can educate and compel its audience to make positive change. It might start small, but the implications are huge. Imagine a national news company that highlights the social benefits of small steps that readers can take to create a more sustainable community. Instead, the national media outlets compete for the most shocking stories.
The media is not just about entertainment, its about understanding the world that we are a part of. It is about time that positivity gets some time in the spotlight.