I’m tired of the relentless torrent of bad news coming from the media. I feel like I am stuck in a recession version of Ground Hog Day. The names and places change with each story, but underneath the veneer, it’s the same story-line:
- “We’re in a severe recession.”
- “It’s the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.”
- “It’s going to get worse before it gets better.”
- “There’s very little you can do about it.”
I don’t know about you, but this is not having a healthy impact on my psyche. Last night, after waking up again at 3:30 in the morning, I thought, Enough is enough. I don’t need the additional worry and fear that this is creating. It’s time to turn off the news.
I’m not sticking my head in the sand. I understand that we have a significant economic problem. But, in my opinion, the news media are exacerbating this problem with their reporting. They are systematically undermining consumer confidence. This is a case where reporting the news is actually causing the news.
The truth is that I can’t fix the global economy. As a result, the bad economic news is a waste of my time and energy. I need to be focused on what I can do to improve the performance of my own company and our industry. This means focusing on the future and forgetting the immediate past.
Therefore, effective immediately, I am taking the following four actions:
- I am stopping my morning habit of reading online editions of the daily news, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Tennessean and, especially, Drudge. (Note: I didn’t link to these publications on purpose.)
- I am removing any news-related feeds from Google Reader. I will continue to keep up with publishing and technology industry news, as well as my favorite bloggers. This more directly affects me.
- I am going to stop watching the Today Show, which I usually watch while I am getting ready for work. I am also going to leave the TV off in the evening. I usually have Fox News on in the background, but I’m going to play music instead.
- I am going to stop checking the stock market during the day. The market is volatile, so what? Do I really need to ride it up and down? I don’t think so. It’s going to do whatever it’s going to do.
I figure that if some big story happens I need to know, someone will tell me. In the meantime, I have more important things to do.
Building Champions has been coaching me since 2002. They have taught me to be more proactive and intentional in both my business and personal life. Visit their Web site to learn more and see their special offer for my blog readers.
Related posts:
In: 
Tags: 
OH, YES!!! Someone finally ‘got it’. It’s about time we realized the news media are about one thing only: making money. They don’t care whether it’s true or not, they like to sensationalize, just to get ratings. I am so pleased to read this, and hope it will encourage others to do the same. I have not watched commercial t.v. for about 25 years now, and I believe I am a smarter, more loving person because of it. And you are right, if something happens you really need to know about, you will hear it from someone. This is a God thing, Mike. You will not regret it. Applause for you! Jeanette Levellie
I’m there, including Fox. A little Don Imus in the morning and I’m good to go, a little sports, a little news, a little humor and oh yes the latest traffic update. To many good things happening… to many opportunities to build and grow a business. I do need to get control of my visits to the Drudge Report. Let the joy of the Lord be our strength!!!
I’ve always hated to watch the news. On a slow news day- they rehash old bad news instead of finding something positive to talk about. On a busy news day- well, most of it I don’t want to or need to know.
Every time the media claimed GM was about to go into bankruptcy, GM’s stock dropped. And then they claimed that they were right about it rather than taking responsibility for much of the cause.
When 9/11 happened- I received a phone call to turn on the news. Few things are so important that I need to know every detail about, and the ones that are? Find me.
I’m just grateful that news must be slow enough that the news at noon is now 1/2 hour instead of an hour- so I’m only forced to watch 15 minutes of it now (hubs insists).
After being convicted while reading Through The Storm, I gave up celebrity blogs, and I now more or less avoid any news site unless I have to look something up from one of them. I started a blog with a positive slant on helping the economy (listing items that are made in the USA, suggestions while shopping, etc). It’s amazing how much is still made here! Most disposable paper products for example- paper towels, toilet paper, feminine products, foaming hand soap. Most of our books are still printed here, right?
Digressing, I know. But I mostly listen to commercial free internet radio (currently? Classic radio Christmas specials from the 40’s and 50’s), read blogs that aren’t political, Christian novels and classics, and watch movies (again, no commercials and I can choose what’s coming into my mind).
I went years without a T.V. while my kids were growing up and learning to be useful, creative and READ. Now, I do the headlines from my start page and the “magazines” (20-20, and 60 Minutes of propaganda), I think we all agree that the doom and gloom serves someone, but not our best interests. People accept tyranny if they are convinced it is necessary because of some supposed and widely “advertised” crisis. Somehow, I believe the media will suddenly get all optimistic come January 22. At that point we may all hunger for honest news, even if it is a little negative. In the mean time a “chosen electronic fast” would probably do me good. I’d dispense with the computer as well, except I would get so far behind on my Email I’d never catch up, and someone might be waiting for my help. Now, to change the subject — with some of the posts I get, I can use the arrows on my laptop to scroll down or up. On your post, Mike, my arrors don’t scroll, so I use my finger and it makes the lines jump around too far both directions. I have a nearly new HP XP, one of the last ones made. So is it my computer or your post? Is there anyway you can make my arrows work?
@Jake: I am sorry, I don’t know what is causing that problem. I have not had anyone else report it.
Hi Mike,
Yes, I’m as fired up as you are. The headlines truly are depressing and it’s become too much for me too.
Thank you Mike.
I agree.
Note to self, time to pick up a good book.
Thank you for being a voice in regards to how some of us are feeling.
Mike I think this is a great plan. I had to do this about one month prior to the election, also. It was often overwhelming and I found myself worried about things far beyond my sphere of influence and control. It is happening again and you are right to take a break. Truthfully I think we could likely read the news once or twice per week and that would cover it. Amazing how much re-stating and re-cycling there is on ALL of the outlets.
I respectfully have to disagree with one line that you said.
“The truth is that I can’t fix the global economy.”
I think you, ME and WE (ME upside down is WE) as individuals CAN fix the global economy or at least contribute to the opportunity for it to get fixed rather than get worse.
The cool thing, as you know, is that you are already doing it by taking this stand. :)
I agree that by not buying into the constant media “Chicken Little” mentality and their constant negative headlines that we can focus on the good and the opportunities for growth. That doesn’t mean we ignore the realities and challenges we face but it means we remain optimistic and positive about what we can still achieve.
In reality we, speaking on behalf of most Americans anyway, are TOO BLESSED to be Stressed. Despite even the real economic downturns, we have it way better than most others in the world. To me it’s all a matter of perspective and when we remove the media’s negative influence we can keep that perspective in balance.
Mike,
I’m 100% with you. Since I’ve stopped consuming the news, I feel less anxious, worried and fearful. I find it’s a constant battle to believe God, not my circumstances. That’s why my blog is called, “I Believe God.”
If it hasn’t happened already, be prepared to feel better!
I’m just stumbling upon this post now…but I’m going to try it as well, starting today.
@Daniel: Good point!
I’m just amazed you waited until after the election to realize that the media are worthless… ;-)
@Brent: I guess I am a slow learner.
Wow – Great post and discussion, and who can blame people from focusing on what work rather than dwelling on the doom.
In addition to all the cool ideas that help our sanity, I have an additional challenge – that calls on talented responses with the brain in mind:-) http://www.brainleadersandlearners.com/media/when-media-messes-with-minds/
Hopefully a new zip will take hold in our nation:-). Think it could change media directions to come with us if it happens?
Here’s something that might cheer you up: This is an interesting post on how translations can play a role in easing the publishing industry’s woes.
http://tinyurl.com/6dtzdx
The arrows are working today — first time ever on your web site — “splain” that one! Whatever the reason, I’m happy about it. Thanks for answering anyhow.
I haven’t had a tv in my household for over 16 years and feel like my relationships with my family are better for it – and now, my mood.
I do still check the news by getting “The Week” and “The Economist.” In my experience, they tend to be more rational articles rather than breathless “fill my content quick!” proclamations of “Worst ever! There will be no sky tomorrow!” of TV and the five billion channels trying to find something to say for 24 hours with zero cost for production value.
Plus, with the average family watching more than 4 hours of TV a night, there are way better things to do with free time.
Happier, more productive outlook through a TV-Free household? I’m already signed up!
I have been going on the same routine now for months. I completely understand where you’re coming from and the effect the drudgezitation of our culture can have on one’s mood. Great tips on turning off the madness. Reducing my Drudge dose and playing more music throughout the day were already implemented in my daily routine, but I think it’s time to take a full vacation from it. Thanks for reminding us that we’re not alone.
I’m behind you on this effort 100%. I’ve reduced my mainstream media intake considerably and don’t miss it one bit. I don’t want to be fed salacious headlines and the same recycled information. Plus, I really believe with the world so turbulent, it’s important to keep your confidence up, believe in the future while still staying aware of what’s happening in the world.
Thanks for this post. Very interesting discussion.
I haven’t read the other comments (I’ll read them as soon as I post this) but I’ve often wondered if the main stream media didn’t help create these economic problems by the constant slamming of all things under the Bush administration. This is one of those times I hate being a busy working parent/grandparent … I think there are some real data that could be dug up but I just don’t have the time to do the research. And that research would probably be worthy of someone’s thesis for their master’s degree!
I cut back years ago. I wake to the local radio station because it has weather and school closures, but try to ignore anything not local. The evenings we flick to the news, our tempers are shot and the family quality goes way down. As others have said, if it’s really important, we’ll hear about it.
I started this fast some time ago as well, though not related to stories about the economy. Usually glued to the Today show in the mornings while getting ready, I became acutely aware what was broadcasting into my home when my little ones entered the room just in time to hear the anchor say, “When we come back, more on the story of the woman who cut off her child’s arms.” Really. As if I need to know more, much less anything about that atrocity at all. It was too much and I turned off and tuned out. I’ll read WSJ online and keep up with what I need to. But it’s a distraction, discouragement. Like Gail, I choose to focus on what is good.
During Lent one year, I sacrificed my end of the night channel flipping, in favor of reading, praying and turning in a bit earlier. Much better for me.
My head’s not in the sand. It’s just not in the middle of the grime.
I think you are so right! I have a friend that is constantly telling me how BAD the economy is, and that someone had just said (Obama?) we are heading into another Great Depression. We are sort of your “stick your head in the sand” kind of people, only because I can’t stand the constant negativity and gloom the daily news brings. I don’t look at the world with rose-colored glasses either, but I think a massive sense of balance is required here, and it’s way too easy to get frightened into a panic over all this.
I could not agree more!
I completely agree that the media is not helping the situation nor us individually. Our family has gone much further in removing ourselves from the media. For the past 9 years we have not watched any television (except 1 day: 911), only VHS tapes and DVD’s. We save money by not paying for cable. We eat less junk food, waste much less time, and the kids don’t “have to have” everything they don’t see advertised. We never have to be home at a certain time to catch a certain show. I’ve personally gone even further in that I listen almost totally to a listener supported commercial free radio station. We read books and participate in activities like boy scouts and girl scouts. I’ve never been sorry we gave up television. The kids have been fine with it (they are ages 12, 15, 17 and 22 now).
Michael,
Beautiful post – exactly my thoughts! I currently live in India, and some of my friends had gotten inundated by bad news. I ended up starting a ‘Good News’ website.
http://www.happythoughtsnews.com
Have a great day!
I’ve cut back on general news reading/viewing. Mostly due to the fact that I much of what I see isn’t of interest or importance to me.
I rely on the commentary blogs and podcast to steer me back to the news be it general news, political, entertainment, or news about my hobbies.
The only traditional news media that I’d get on a regular basis is a local newspaper. And by local I mean it’s focused mostly on the Knox County, Maine area. No national news at all.
I’m a news junkie, but it’s definately important to shut it off for a day or three every so often. Especially with the Internet and 24-hour cable news programming.
It’s nice to find another niche to move toward every so often.
I am with you! Perhaps we can create a “groundswell”.
I gave up morning news several years ago for a month or so and my mood improved greatly. Like most addicts though I jumped back on. I’m going to do it again and expand it to all “news” type outlets. This is getting ridiculous. The focus on the negative isn’t helping things. I’m also going to write to the majors that I have been tuned in to and tell them that I’m tuning out and why. Just stopping isn’t going to change anything unless the media knows why.
Great post and I’m tuning out!
Well, hmm. We could cut back, yes, for sure, maybe to once a day, and still stay informed. We know that "All that's necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Like that darling Katie told Arlen Specter, "You've awakened a sleeping giant." Let's not go back to sleep. The other side is wide awake.
http://www.geocities.com/WallStreet/8925/alinsky….
GOOD FOR YOU! When I worked for an outplacement organization, we encouraged our clients not to read the headlines. Otherwise they would eventually start believing that you couldn't find a job in a bad economy and nothing is further from the truth. As for me personally, I don't even have a television anymore. Breaking news events are sent to my cell and a summary of the day's news is sent to my email. If I want more, I can get on the network stream. I'm staying in touch with the world around me, I'm working, and I also have a life. And, oh yes, I also have something called a radio.
This is one time when I don't agree with you, Michael. I believe it's important to keep up with what is going on in the world for several reasons. First and foremost, knowing what is going on helps focus my prayers. Of course, I usually don't have enough information to form valid opinions, but I can pray that God will work things out for people involved in many different situations. Second, knowing what is going on widens my base of knowledge and helps me relate to many different people. And, finally, I just plain like to read and think things through.
That said, one thing I do not do is to get emotionally involved in the news. Everything is cyclic in the world and nothing is absolutely fair. I've noticed that no matter what option leaders chose, someone will suffer. So, I don't look for answers from my fellow human beings, and I really don't trust what anyone says. Instead I look to God for His absolute love which will win out in the end.
This is my attitude, too. I only watch the news when I have nothing else better to do – which is mostly, never.
Yes, I agree that the media is just feeding too much bad news. But I don't quite agree of the steps to disconnecting yourself from all news feeds. Perhaps there is a balance between being prudence and being paranoid.
I agree with the idea that the media exacerbates the confidence issue. However, if you didn't already understand the need to carefully filter what you read, watch, and hear through all media sources, you likely are clinically depressed. There are very few people who are not "talking their book" when they speak publicly.
As someone who comes from a long, double line of worriers, if you are not obsessing over the news, you'll find something else. Even in the "bad news sells" environment in which we live, there is usually a glass half-full view if you prefer to look at that perspective. Don't turn off the news; just turn off the "worry cells".
Maybe this is unrelated however; I lost confidence in the media when I was working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. We were evacuated due to an unidentified plane that was heading for restricted air space and it was thought to be heading for the Capitol building. After running for my life and things calmed down my coworker and I were at Union Station. We were waiting to get the all clear so we could return to work. At a table beside us a family was eating. A person walked up to the family's table and introduced their self as being a media person (I don't remember which outlet). They asked if anyone saw the plane that caused the evacuation. An 8 year old boy spoke up and said he saw the plane. The media person grew very excited and said "You did! What did it look like??" The boys father shook his head and with exasperation in his voice informed the media person the boy didn't see the plane, they were in Union Station at the time. I could just see the quote "An unidentified source (because he is 8 years old) described the plane as…" I admit I read CNN online but not everyday. That way I can pick what I want to read.
Neil Postman essentially said the only news we should concern ourselves with is news that we can do something about. Stay the course, Mike. I’ve enjoyed this for the better part of 2 years.
I think it's more complicated than that. I learned about the 9-11 crashes on the Today Show and was able to get into gear for my reporter's job and also call my mother near Washington to warn her to at leat go the basement for awhile. If you have a 401K, you should keep up with the stock market changes. And, yes, the economy is going to be what it is no matter what you do, but is sticking your head in the sand the answer? There might be a way you can help, and that way may become clear to you while you're watching or reading the news. I would go for a more middle-of-the-road approach.
II've never been a fan of 24hr reporting. Personally I believe it was better when information was gathered & THEN the news was reported on, rather than now, when we have endless amounts of speculation & hours & hours of 'non-news'. It used to be that if something major happened, the programmes would be interrupted for a 'news flash', usually saying there would be an extended news bulletin at a later time to cover the issue.
Now, you get 'breaking news', which usually tells you very little, & repeats the same information again and again. As a result, I rarely watch the national & international news on TV anymore, but I usually look up this information on line once or twice a day. That way I get to see all the major headlines, and can choose what I want/need to know more about. I DO watch local news programmes – in my area they are 1/2 hour slots so have to be succinct.
I've come late to this, but I'm amazed how many folk are saying this is a suggestion to 'bury your head in the sand'. What rubbish! It's not saying listen to nothing, it's saying stop listening to loop repeats of negative reporting. Do you really need to listen to the news for four or five hours plus per day? NO. Except in EXCEPTIONAL circumstances.
I have quit watching the news and reading papers years ago. I seldom, if ever, even pay attention to weather forecasts anymore. If something is important enough, someone will tell me.
I listen to NPR headlines (top of any hour) and have NPR and NYT titles coming thorugh on Twitter. If there's a topic of interest, I can click to the link. Otherwise, I pass.
No more news junkie for me!
Having to be on top of every single story comes more from a false sense the knowing everything means I have some control OR a fear of not being smarter than everyone else. What if someone asks "Did you hear about….?" and I have to admit I didn't? Good heavens!
I'm not sure all that knowing in helping me minister to my world better.
I think I ought to be aware of what's happening without steeping in the awful, horrible news of it. God will enlighten me and lay on my heart those news stories that are MINE to personally address.
And now, the knowing I do have…..helps me pray…..and I have more time for it.
My recent post Unmasked