When I was a kid, the news was reported in daily newspapers, and at specific times on the TV and radio.  Now, it’s 24/7 multimedia experience.  You can get it by text to your cell phone, over the internet, on 24 hours news channels etc.  At any point in the day, no matter where you are in the world, you can find out the latest news for your country. 

And the relentless sensationalism just doesn’t help our stress levels! Just how does an intelligent person cope with all this?

With headlines and news breaks all blaring in our face about the swine flu and its terrible effects, credit crunches, recession and political leaders proving how corrupt they are, how can you not stress about it?  Is there a way to filter the news and apply common sense when we hear that of the latest terror threats?

While we don’t want to minimize potential threats, keep in mind that the media does sensationalize the news.  Why?  Why would they want us to panic? 

Two words.  Advertising Revenue. 

News itself doesn’t make money but selling advertising space does.  So the more viewers they have, the more a news company can charge for advertising slots.  In fact that is why the BBC is regarded as giving informed, unbiased reporting – the BBC’s lack of advertising revenue means it shouldn’t sensationalize (!).  But for the rest, it’s just plain a matter of making money.

So, how can you and I filter the news?  When is it right to be concerned and take action?  And when should we just wait and see?  We need to use common sense.  Learn to wait and see.  Filter and de-sensationalize news items.  Get differing viewpoints especially on “hot topics” like the swine ‘flu.  Try not to overreact.

Or just take a “news break”.  For one day or week, try not to even listen to or watch the news.  This is what I actually do whenever I go on holiday.  No news.  No newspapers. 

After all, it’s often the case that you can’t actually do anything about what’s on the news, but it continues to stress you out nevertheless.  And while I’m not suggesting you stick your head in the sand and ignore everything, you can be sure that if it is something you need to know about, someone will tell you. 

Learn to take one day at a time.  Don’t stress about the news.  After all, bad news comes and goes more often than not, without ever becoming nearly as bad as we all imagined.

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