Daily News Helps Relieve Depression in Viewers
There is one daily news service guaranteed to relieve depression brought on by a media overdose on war, terrorism and JonBenet Ramsey. The Good News Network Web site -- celebrating its ninth year this week -- features daily success stories from around the world -- good news from government, science, society and culture.
Northern Virginia (PRWEB) August 30, 2006
There is one daily news service guaranteed to relieve depression brought on by a media overdose on war, terrorism and JonBenet Ramsey. The Good News Network website -- celebrating its ninth year this week -- features daily success stories from around the world -- good news from government, science, society and culture. Instead of balance, you'll hear just one side -- the uplifting side.
Founder Geri Weis-Corbley says of the company's nine year anniversary this week, "Since the Web site began in 1997, I have received letters from many viewers who claim they actually accrue health benefits while reading our positive news." According to visitors' letters displayed on the site, the Good News Network relieved depression and anxiety symptoms brought on by the overdose of depressing news that saturates the Media.
The value of the site also has impressed leaders in the fields of politics and psychology.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell wrote to the Good News Network, "I enjoyed reading the positive stories... (and) am heartened by the goodness and generosity that I see. Keep up your good work."
Tal Ben-Shahar is a lecturer at Harvard University whose positive psychology course was the most popular class on campus this spring with 850 students enrolled. He believes the Good News Network can benefit everyone. "It's an extremely important initiative," he said. "I recommend that each person makes it a habit to visit the Web site at least once a day -- to counter the barrage of negativity in the media. Being exposed to positive information benefits us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can contribute in a meaningful way to a happier and healthier life."
The barrage of negativity to which Ben-Shahar referred is steadily intensifying: Despite the fact that the U. S. homicide rate dropped by 42% in the 1990's, television news coverage of murders skyrocketed up 721% (Center for Media and Public Affairs). During that time, TV network news audiences and newspaper circulation continued to fall, which may be related to the mad increase in crime coverage.
More and more people are looking for their news on the internet. With her newly redesigned site, and its regular daily content updates, Weis-Corbley, who is the editor and publisher, hopes to make daily readers of the 10,000 people who search every month for "good news" on internet search engines. "We offer the antidote for the hopelessness many people feel after a steady diet of news. We know people need to be informed, but they also need to hear about the successes," Weis-Corbley said.
Weis-Corbley is a pioneer in the positive news arena founding the Good News Network nine years ago on August 31 as the first Web site to offer original and compelling positive news programming. She says that with the advent of new technologies today -- such as RSS and software for content management and blogging -- it is much easier for a small company to publish and link to news content from around the world on a daily basis. "Now it is possible for the Good News Network to amass a large and loyal audience that could rival traditional news networks online," she said. "The bonus for our readers is that our content benefits their health and well being. For those suffering from the depression that permeates so much of society, instead of popping a pill, we suggest A Daily Dose of News to Enthuse."
Weis-Corbley calls on people around the world to sign up for the upcoming e-mail newsletter that will distribute the "Top Ten Good News Stories of the Week". Also on the website you can download a free copy of the September 11 Commemorative Edition newsletter entitled, "Some Good News!" Our 9/11 memorial newsletter is a testament to the power of positive thinking in the midst of tragedy and a reminder of how good it feels to be reading encouraging news.
For additional information on the Good News Network, contact Geri Weis-Corbley or visit www. goodnewsnetwork. org/ (http://www. goodnewsnetwork. org/ )
The Good News Network is a media company based in Northern Virginia that has published an online website of positive news and inspiration since 1997 at www. goodnewsnetwork. org.
Contact : Geri Weis-Corbley
703-392-4118
Http://www. goodnewsnetwork. org/ (http://www. goodnewsnetwork. org/)
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