| Hello from London,
If it bleeds, it leads. That phrase was once a handy guide for news editors the world over. When judging which stories your audience should (or wants to) see, go with the most dramatic or upsetting. The collapse of a bank, the death of a public figure or the events of a war (see Ukraine’s stunning raid inside Russia) all have the potential to affect readers’ lives. The trouble with this? Quieter, less dramatic or slow-moving-but-important stuff is neglected. Add the magnifying effect of social media and audiences increasingly get an impression of the world as a terrible, terrifying place. Perhaps it is no wonder that news aversion—when people actively shun journalism—is a growing phenomenon.
So here is a small correction: good stuff is happening, too. For example, I take Pete Hegseth’s warning that China might try to seize Taiwan as, on balance, welcome news. The idea of a looming China threat isn’t at all new. It is, however, striking that this administration’s defence secretary talked forcefully about standing up for an ally in Asia and, in passing, praised European allies, too. I’m pleased by any evidence that Donald Trump’s team is learning to work with fellow democracies, not against them. (I’ve also been cheered by the sight, last week, of American courts trying to check some of Mr Trump’s foolish and probably illegal tariff policies.)
Or take Poland, which held an election for president today. Not everything is cheery there—one of the two candidates seems dubious, to say the least. But overall Poland is a striking success story. Once under the heel of Soviet imperial rule, it is now a democracy growing rich within the European Union. Since 1995 income per person has more than trebled. (Read our recent cover story on Poland.) Or take South Korea, which also holds an election in a few days. It threw off autocratic rule in the 1980s and has seen its economy and cultural exports flourish. (You can follow prospects there with our poll tracker.) Like the Poles, the South Koreans have enjoyed huge improvements to their lives in recent decades.
Turn to Africa and there are encouraging stories, too. We just published a data-led analysis of a study in Nigeria that shows how AI can sharply improve the quality of education for those who otherwise get the least of it. Students made two years’ progress in just six weeks thanks to the new tech. We also look at the growing cultural exports from the continent, in particular a broad category of music, “Afrobeats”. As the article notes, Yoruba slang and Zulu call-and-response loops now echo from concert halls and festivals in America, Britain, Japan and beyond.
Perhaps the most stimulating bit of good news is from our “Well Informed” weekend column, in which our science writers offer health-related analysis and tips. The latest one points to evidence that drinking several cups of coffee each day is probably perfectly healthy (read the piece for more details, perhaps with an espresso to hand). After that you might turn to another science article, explaining how British researchers are using a powerful particle accelerator to read carbonised Roman scrolls that were buried and burnt by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. They are revealing philosophical texts, and more, that were hidden for nearly two millennia.
I could go on. Carbon emissions are probably peaking in China (our story has the details), which could mean better prospects for fighting climate change around the world. In Latin America there is booming demand for the works of female surrealist painters, which is cheery news for an otherwise limp art market. In short, I’m urging you not to be news averse, but news selective. Choose your reading matter and sources wisely. I’d like to hear from you about news aversion and whether you are turning away from journalism, and why. Write to me at economisttoday@economist.com. |
