Media: IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people believe that news organisations should give more attention to positive stories, while others argue that their main role is to warn the public about problems and dangers. I think reporting problems should remain the central duty of the media, but that hopeful and solution-focused stories deserve more space than they currently receive.

Those who call for more positive news have a point. Many people now see headlines all day on their phones, and a constant stream of disasters, crimes and conflicts can leave them anxious and convinced that nothing can be improved. This kind of news coverage may also give a distorted view of the world, since gradual improvements, such as better access to clean water in a region or a successful local recycling project, are rarely considered dramatic enough to report. Positive stories can show that problems are solvable and may even encourage readers to volunteer or support a cause.

Nevertheless, the main purpose of journalism is to inform people about matters that are in the public interest, and these are frequently negative. Citizens need to know about approaching storms, outbreaks of illness or rising crime in their area so that they can protect themselves. Equally important is the media's role in holding governments and companies to account. A reporter who discovers, for instance, that a popular children's toy contains dangerous chemicals can cause the product to be withdrawn and prevent serious harm. If news outlets avoided such stories in order to keep audiences cheerful, they would fail in their most important responsibility.

In conclusion, I believe that the news should continue to focus on problems, because the public cannot respond to dangers it does not know about. However, reporting more stories about how problems are being solved would give a more accurate and less discouraging picture of the world.