'To Bless All Mankind' March 14, 2016 Issue

The underreported good news

The Monitor’s Editorial Board

The first step in correcting a problem is learning that a problem exists. That’s why a basic role of journalism is to expose and explain the challenges that face humanity.

But sometimes the unending litany of problems can blind us to the bigger picture, one that often shows long-term trend lines heading in a much more positive direction. Journalists need to tell these stories, too—including why the good news is happening and how it might be reinforced or replicated elsewhere.

Terrorism, violence, refugees, income inequality, racial inharmony, etc.—make your own list—present huge and troubling challenges. But it’s refreshing to see how some journalists and scholars have decided to open 2016 by reminding readers of the progress going on, news often given little mention compared with headlines that announce the latest tragedy.

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