For journalists to be effective, we have to read the news the way a long-term investor does. We need to look for value.
Wise investors take note of those who predict that the the stock market is headed for record highs or a sudden collapse. They give an ear to the self-appointed gurus who say they can make you millionaires. They weigh the advice of those who say that Tesla is a sure bet. They listen and see if they can detect a nugget of meaning in all the noise. Usually, what they hear is just noise.
We have to do the same thing in journalism. Every day, we see news articles predicting the imminent rise of dangerous political actors or the potential social unrest that a certain court decision could unleash. Today’s story might show us two mutually outraged and antagonistic mobs who have wildly different interpretations of a police officer’s body-camera video.
The journalists are just doing their job. They are supposed to warn us of potential danger. They all learned that conflict is news. But, frankly, I can’t bear it. I skim the apocalyptic headlines. And I am not alone.
More moderates than extremists
All of this apocalypse-watching can be exhausting and misleading. Is everyone really that extreme in their views? It’s all interesting, but what does it do to help us improve the quality of journalism and serve our communities better? How does the shouting by two opposing mobs help us solve problems?
Actually, most Americans are not on the extreme ends of the political spectrum. There are at least seven “tribes” of Americans, according to an in-depth study by More in Common, an international nonprofit whose mission is to “strengthen resilience against the forces of division” in democratic societies.
Among the study’s conclusions: About two-thirds of Americans belong to the “exhausted majority” whose voices “are rarely heard above the shouts of the partisan tribes.” Most Americans are tired of political correctness. They don’t trust the news media.
So, I avoid some types of news
My own conclusion after reading the study is that we, as journalists, are providing a distorted picture–an excessively negative picture–of our fellow citizens and society as a whole. We pay too much attention to the political activists, the loudest voices.
(Political scientist Yascha Mounk did his own analysis of the study and noted that a wide spectrum of passive liberals and moderates favor policies to remedy racial injustice and unfair practices. In other words, there is more common ground than we might think.)
So. There are certain kinds of news that I cannot bear to read. It troubles me deeply to see people who I love and respect insulting and demonizing other people I love and respect. My wife knows I don’t want to hear about how the two warring tribes are staking out positions on the latest bit of news.
What we’re seeing is not public service but a battle over who can exercise more political power over others and who can make the most money. Meanwhile, we have millions of people who feel that they aren’t being listened to by any of the powers that be. As a result, journalism isn’t helping solve the problems.
Toward better journalism, better stories
People are more reasonable and willing to compromise than we might conclude by reading the news. So what should journalists focus on? We should direct our efforts into the relentless pursuit of answers to the big questions facing ordinary people in their own lives.
The Solutions Journalism Network has shown that quality journalism can make a big difference in helping communities find solutions to issues like public transportation, job creation, economic development, crime, health care, social justice, public education, the environment, homelessness, and poverty.
When I talk to media entrepreneurs looking for areas to make a difference in local news, I recommend they tackle one or more of these issues. I suggest they find new ways to tell their stories–with data or graphics or multimedia presentations–that help persuade, empower, and mobilize citizens to take peaceful action.
Modern social problems are complex, so we need multidisciplinary solutions. Journalists need to be humble and ask for help. We need to collaborate with experts from outside the profession. We need to stop competing and start sharing resources more. The Institute for Nonprofit News has fantastic resources to help local journalists do just that.
Related: Collaboration emerges as an effective business model, This collaborative hub nurtures investigative journalism in Latin America
A story works a small miracle
I just listened to an enlightening podcast on “This American Life” about a conservative opinion leader who tried to persuade 20 prominent Republicans who voted for Trump and are opposed to covid vaccines that they should get vaccinated.
During a 2 1/2-hour focus group, political arguments didn’t move them. Scientific arguments didn’t move them. They distrust politicians. They distrust what they see as big government intruding on people’s personal freedom.
What finally moved them were stories from a prominent White House Republican who personally was hospitalized with covid, and who saw two family members die from it. He recommended they get vaccinated, to protect themselves, their families, and the community as a whole. Many of the 20 in the group did a 180-degree turnaround.
We journalists are supposed to be story tellers. We need to find better stories and tell them better. Then maybe we can help make some changes in the world.
Also: Why you might hate the news media, and some journalists