Why can’t all of the news media devote more of its airtime to these types of news items? (photo by Orlygur Hnefill/flickr)

By Michael J. Whelan

A belated Happy New Year everyone! And I am putting the emphasis on the word “happy”.

Anyone who watches the nightly network news on any of the major television channels has seen what I call a feel good segment, usually during the last one or two minutes of the newscast. One network calls it their “making a difference” segment.

These news pieces usually focus on one or more people who in one way or another make a difference in someone’s life. I don’t know about you, but whenever I watch one of these pieces, it does make me feel better, if even just for a moment.

My wife and I have asked ourselves many, many times, why can’t all of the news media devote more of its airtime to these types of news items? Why must we constantly be assaulted with negative news stories? What compels the media to show us the worst aspects of mankind on a constant basis?

I know, human nature is perverse, and apparently we cannot take our eyes off of a train wreck as it occurs, so to speak.

But just imagine how much the collective mood of mankind could be uplifted if the media could increase its coverage of the good that is all around us, but goes unwitnessed and unnoticed? Wouldn’t we all feel a whole lot better about ourselves and each other, instead of the feelings of dread and despair that the usual newscasts invoke in us?

So why don’t all of us text, e-mail, twitter, or by whatever means necessary, and relay this idea to the news media, and hope that it listens to us. It certainly can’t hurt to try.

Michael J. Whelan has been a licensed practicing attorney for over 33 years. He also serves as an arbitrator in the 11th Judicial Circuit Mandatory Arbitration program. In addition, he is presently the president of the board of directors of his homeowners association, and is also a member of the board of directors of The Old House Society. He and his wife of thirty-one plus years, Cheryl Whelan, live in Bloomington. He and Cheryl enjoy exercising, reading, and being close to family and friends.

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