Is Local Television News Too Negative?

I once looked forward to turning on my local morning news station; it helped me get ready for the day. I learned what I should wear based on the weather report and enjoyed the friendly smiles of the newscasters. I enjoyed hearing stories about my local community, and trusted the individuals bringing me the news. While there was the occasional not so positive story, generally the news was positive and informative. Today, we have 24/7, 365 day news-cycles featuring entertainment and chaos without pause. Our local news must compete for our attention. Consequently, fewer and fewer local news stations share the myriad of stories featuring positive activities and events in the local community, instead many share news of local, regional, nationally and international pain and destruction believing this is what keeps us tuned in. My local news and cable news are becoming one.

I believe it is as easy to research and share interesting and informative news stories that people will want to hear as it is to share negative content. At the risk of sounding as if my head has been stuck in the sand for the last 46 years, I can turn on my television and hear negative news anywhere in the world. It is my hope that local news stations will rise above the muck and mire; resisting the temptation to follow the pack.  I am asking local news to take a chance and be informative and educational as it once was. When I turn on my local news I would love to hear stories of  people in my community making a difference in the neighborhood, how local businesses are giving back to the community, how children are excelling in light of the many obstacles in our world today. I'd like to hear stories about how our local sports and athletics teams are engaged in the community, making a difference in the lives of youth everyday.

I would love to hear stories about men just like my husband who are mentoring boys year-after-year, taking them to ball games and amusement parks (for free). I would love to hear stories like by best friend and her husband who own three charter schools in the community where children are learning and respect each other. I would love to hear stories about places (like where I work) that encourage employees to be actively engaged in the community in a number of community service projects. There is a great deal of positive news to be covered, let's help local news stations across the United States by sharing positive news and asking that they cover these stories for balance. If you know of a positive story, or a person in your community making a difference, however large or small, share it!

Is local television news too negative, yes, but together we all can help change this. Please help share positive and informative news is all our responsibility!