Positive News launches new video podcast exploring what’s going right in the world
Positive News has expanded its flagship series, 'What Went Right,' into a video podcast available on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, aiming to reach wider audiences with its constructive journalism. The weekly show, co-hosted by seasoned journalists Lucy Watson and Tom Pattinson, delves into significant stories of progress, such as scientific breakthroughs and community initiatives, offering a respite from the often negative news cycle. This initiative addresses the pressing issue of news avoidance by showcasing stories of hope and innovation, thereby fostering a more balanced view of global events.
The podcast's launch builds on the success of its written counterpart, which has been a popular fixture across various Positive News media. By highlighting stories like retired teachers winning a climate case or the potential role of seabirds in combating rising sea levels, the podcast not only informs but also inspires listeners to engage with the world more positively. This approach underscores the importance of focusing on solutions rather than solely on problems, a perspective that could potentially transform how journalism is consumed and perceived.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge of news avoidance due to a focus on negative stories.
- The actions
- Launching a video podcast to highlight positive and solution-based stories.
- Evidence of progress
- The written series' popularity and millions of views on social media indicate a demand for such content.
- What we can learn
- Other media outlets can replicate this model by focusing on solution-oriented journalism to engage audiences positively.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 9
- Relationships
- 7
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 7
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Hope
We want people to come away feeling better informed about the world, and perhaps a little more hopeful about where it’s heading.
Curiosity
Each episode goes beyond the headlines to examine what’s happening, who’s driving it and whether the solutions being developed could work elsewhere.
Perspective
It’s inspiring to get under the skin of some of the people finding solutions and making progress.
Perseverance
The launch builds on the success of What Went Right as a written series.
Try this today
Take a moment each day to seek out one positive news story. Reflect on how it changes your perception of the world and consider sharing it with someone else to spread optimism.