Please can we have some good news
by Peter Crumpler, Christian Today:
If you can’t bear to watch or read the news, you’re not alone.
Newly-published research shows that more than seven out of ten news publishers are concerned about increasing levels of ‘news avoidance.’
More and more people are turning away from the news, because it’s just too difficult to take. And that may present an opportunity for Christians to present our life-giving gospel message.
The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism has just published its ‘Journalism, media, and technology trends and predictions 2023’ report, based on a wide-ranging survey of 303 news leaders in 53 countries. It explores the latest developments in journalism and the priorities for the year ahead.
One of its key conclusions is that, “This will be a year of heightened concerns about the sustainability of some news media against a backdrop of rampant inflation, and a deep squeeze on household spending.”
Against this background, less than half of the people surveyed expressed confidence about the year ahead and around a fifth expressed low levels of optimism.
One area of deep concern was increasing levels of ‘news avoidance’ with 72 per cent of publishers worried about the phenomenon. Many readers and viewers were avoiding news, especially, says the report “around important but often depressing topics like Ukraine and climate change.” Only 12 per cent of publishers said they were not worried.
The publishers proposed a range of responses, with many favouring producing more ‘explainer’ items putting the news into context. Others intended to produce more Q&A-style articles. Around two-thirds said they were considering more ‘inspirational stories’ telling how people had overcome or achieved despite setbacks and adversity.
Less than half of the publishers were considering “producing more positive news” as a way of keeping their readers and viewers engaged.
Does this widespread ‘news avoidance’ have any message for the Church and for Christians generally?
Well, maybe two.
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