UN calls on global media to adopt a ‘constructive’ approach to news
The United Nations is calling on global media outlets to adopt a more ‘constructive’ stance when reporting the news in order to inspire a segment of the population who have become disenchanted by negative headlines.
UN director general Michael Møller is calling on broadcast, print and online journalists to participate in the international bodies ‘Constructive Voices’ programme to play a role in outlining practical solutions to real world problems.
Møller explained: “The choices we make are determined by the information we are given. These are fundamental to how we shape a better world together.
“In a world of 7 billion people, with a cacophony of voices that are often ill-informed and based on narrow agendas, we need responsible media that educate, engage and empower people and serve as a counterpoint to power. We need them to offer constructive alternatives in the current stream of news and we need to see solutions that inspire us to action. Constructive journalism offers a way to do that.”
The programme is being championed by former BBC News reader Sir Martyn Lewis who stressed that he expected the media to maintain its traditional approach to journalism but merely augment this output with a more positive agenda.