News Needs Solutions: A Path Out of Doom and Gloom

Opinion: The news industry is drowning in negativity, and the only way to stay afloat is to embrace and solutions-oriented reporting. Are we doomed to wallow in an endless cycle of problems, or can journalism offer a path toward progress?

## The Downward Spiral of Doom and Gloom

For too long, news has been synonymous with bad news. Murders, corruption, political squabbles – it’s a relentless barrage. This constant diet of negativity leaves audiences feeling helpless and disengaged. A recent study by the Pew Research Center ([https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2022/06/08/americans-news-sources-and-voices-diverse-but-not-always-used-or-trusted/](https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2022/06/08/americans-news-sources-and-voices-diverse-but-not-always-used-or-trusted/)) found that only 29% of Americans trust the news “most of the time.” Can you blame them?

The problem isn’t just the stories themselves, but the way they’re framed. We highlight the problems, often in excruciating detail, but rarely do we explore potential solutions. This creates a sense of learned helplessness. People feel overwhelmed and powerless to make a difference. A constant stream of problems, with no sign of hope, leads to apathy.

I’ve seen this firsthand. At my previous firm, a local news outlet in Macon, we ran a series of articles exposing corruption within the Bibb County government. While the reporting was important, it only fueled public cynicism. People felt like nothing could be done to fix the broken system. Then, we shifted gears and started covering grassroots organizations working to promote transparency and accountability. Suddenly, engagement soared. People wanted to be part of the solution.

## Solutions Journalism: A Beacon of Hope

Solutions journalism offers a powerful alternative. It’s not about ignoring problems, but about rigorously reporting on responses to them. It involves investigating what’s working, how it’s working, and what evidence exists to support its effectiveness. It’s about holding solutions accountable, not just celebrating them.

Think of it this way: instead of just reporting on the rising crime rate in Atlanta, a solutions-oriented article would examine a program in another city that has successfully reduced crime through community policing and early intervention. The article would delve into the program’s specific strategies, its funding model, its challenges, and its measurable impact. It would also explore whether similar strategies could be implemented in Atlanta.

The Solutions Journalism Network ([https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/](https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/)) offers excellent resources and training for journalists who want to embrace this approach. They emphasize the importance of evidence, data, and rigorous reporting. This isn’t about feel-good stories; it’s about providing audiences with actionable information and inspiring them to become part of the solution.

## Addressing the Naysayers

Of course, some argue that solutions journalism is “soft news” or that it compromises journalistic objectivity. They claim that focusing on solutions is akin to advocacy. This is simply wrong. Solutions journalism is not about cheerleading. It’s about rigorous reporting on responses to problems, including their limitations and potential unintended consequences.

Objectivity doesn’t mean neutrality. It means being fair, accurate, and transparent. A journalist can be objective while also exploring potential solutions to the problems they report on. In fact, by providing audiences with a more complete picture, solutions journalism enhances objectivity.

Moreover, the claim that solutions journalism is “soft news” is insulting. Addressing complex social problems requires just as much, if not more, rigor and investigative skill than simply highlighting those problems. It demands that journalists go beyond the surface and delve into the underlying causes and potential solutions. And as we’ve seen, policy experts can help in this endeavor.

## A Call to Action: Embrace Solutions

The news industry is at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of doom and gloom, or we can embrace solutions journalism and offer audiences a path toward progress. I believe the choice is clear. We need to prioritize and solutions-oriented reporting.

Here’s what I propose: every news organization should commit to dedicating at least 20% of its coverage to solutions-oriented stories. This could involve creating a dedicated “Solutions” section on their website, training reporters in solutions journalism techniques, and partnering with organizations that are working to address pressing social problems. This approach could even engage students with news that matters to them.

I had a client last year who implemented this strategy and saw a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% increase in social media engagement. People are hungry for solutions. They want to know that there is hope, and they want to be part of the solution. It’s time we give them what they are asking for.

The Fulton County Daily Report, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, local TV news channels – all need to step up. The time for change is now.

The news media has a responsibility to inform and empower the public. By embracing solutions journalism, we can fulfill that responsibility and help create a more just and equitable world.

To truly shift the news landscape, local outlets must actively seek out and report on initiatives within their own communities. For example, instead of just reporting on the challenges faced by the Atlanta Public Schools, investigate and highlight successful programs within individual schools that are improving student outcomes.

It’s not just about reporting on solutions, it’s about integrating a solutions-oriented mindset into every aspect of news gathering. It’s about asking “What’s being done about this?” and “Is it working?” We also need to consider, can subscriptions save news in this new age?

The future of news depends on our ability to move beyond simply highlighting problems and start offering audiences a path toward progress. Embrace and solutions-oriented reporting, and you’ll not only survive but thrive.

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The choice is ours: continue to drown in a sea of negativity, or chart a course toward a brighter future. Let’s choose the latter and prioritize solutions-oriented news.