Is the Media Unbalanced? One Network Asserts Public Health is Served by its Positive News Tilt, Readers Attest to Medicinal Effects
Visit the Good News Network website and you’ll find global success stories from the worlds of government, science, and society. Instead of balance, you’ll hear just one side – the positive side. The newly launched website boasts that viewers actually accrue health benefits while reading its menu of positive news. According to letters written by visitors to the site, the Good News Network relieved depression and anxiety symptoms brought on by the overdose of depressing news that saturates the Media.
The value of the site also has impressed leaders in the fields of psychology and politics.
Tal Ben-Shahar is a lecturer at Harvard University whose positive psychology course is the most popular class on campus with 850 students enrolled. He believes the Good News Network can benefit everyone. “It’s an extremely important initiative. I recommend that each person makes it a habit to visit the website at least once a day — to counter the barrage of negativity in the media. Being exposed to positive information benefits us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can contribute in a meaningful way to a happier and healthier life.”
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell wrote to the Good News Network, “I enjoyed reading the positive stories… (and) am heartened by the goodness and generosity that I see. Keep up your good work.”
The barrage of negativity to which Ben-Shahar referred is steadily intensifying: Despite the fact that the U.S. homicide rate dropped in the 1990’s by 42%, television news coverage of murders skyrocketed up 721% (Center for Media and Public Affairs). During that time, TV network news audiences and newspaper circulation continued to fall, which may be related to the mad increase in crime coverage.
More and more people are looking for news on the internet. With her newly redesigned site, and regular content updates, Good News Network publisher, Geri Weis-Corbley, hopes to make daily readers of the 10,000 people who search every month for ‘good news’ on internet search engines.
Weis-Corbley is a pioneer in the positive news arena founding the Good News Network nine years ago as the first website to offer original and compelling positive news programming. She says that with the advent of new technologies today like RSS and software for content management and blogging, it is much easier for a small company to publish and link to news content from around the world on a daily basis. “Now it is possible for the Good News Network to amass a large and loyal audience that could rival traditional news networks online. The bonus for our readers is that our content benefits their health and well being. For those suffering from the depression that permeates so much of society, instead of popping a pill, we suggest A Daily Dose of News to Enthuse.”
Weis-Corbley calls on people around the world to download a free copy of the September 11 Commemorative Edition newsletter entitled, “Some Good News!” It is a testament to the power of positive thinking in the midst of tragedy and a reminder of how good it feels to be reading encouraging news.
For additional information on the Good News Network, contact Geri Weis-Corbley or visit the Good News Network online.
The Good News Network is a media company based in Northern Virginia that has published an online website of positive news and inspiration since 1997 at www.goodnewsnetwork.org.
Contact us: 1 (866) Good News (466-3639)
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
###