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Happier News Launches to Combat Negative News Cycle

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 11:02 GMT by People
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UKRAINE, FRANCE

New Orleans, LA - February 24th, 2026 - In a media landscape increasingly dominated by crisis and conflict, CBS News correspondent David Begnaud is attempting something radical: a news company dedicated to happier news. Begnaud officially launched "Happier News" today, a venture born from a growing dissatisfaction with the relentless negativity pervading traditional journalism and a desire to proactively address its impact on public mental health.

For years, Begnaud, known for his on-the-ground reporting during hurricanes, floods, and other disasters, has witnessed firsthand the toll that constant exposure to trauma takes on both those affected and those reporting the stories. While acknowledging the vital importance of investigative journalism and holding power accountable, Begnaud argues that the current model often leaves audiences feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and desensitized.

"I've spent my career reporting on the worst things that happen to people," Begnaud explained in an exclusive interview. "And while it's crucial to document those events, we've become so focused on what's wrong that we've forgotten to showcase what's right, and more importantly, what can be done about the problems we highlight. It's exhausting for viewers, and frankly, it's exhausting for journalists."

'Happier News' isn't about ignoring problems, Begnaud emphasizes. It's about framing them differently. The initial offerings - a daily newsletter and a weekly podcast - will focus on stories of resilience, innovation, and community solutions. Early examples highlighted by the company include a profile of a Detroit-based urban farming initiative revitalizing food deserts, a report on a new program in Finland successfully reducing youth homelessness, and an investigation into a community-led effort to clean up plastic pollution in the Gulf of Mexico. Crucially, each story will not only detail the issue but will also focus on the specific actions being taken to address it and how others can get involved.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment. Studies increasingly demonstrate a link between consuming negative news and increased levels of anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. The term "doomscrolling" has entered the lexicon, describing the compulsive consumption of negative news despite its detrimental effects. Experts in media psychology suggest that the human brain is wired to pay more attention to negative stimuli as a survival mechanism, but this ancient instinct is being exploited by a 24/7 news cycle that often prioritizes sensationalism over substance.

"There's a growing appetite for news that doesn't leave you feeling hopeless," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of communication studies at Tulane University. "People are yearning for stories that demonstrate agency and offer a sense of possibility. 'Happier News' is tapping into that need, and I think it has the potential to be very successful."

Begnaud plans to expand 'Happier News' beyond the newsletter and podcast formats. Video content, including short documentaries and solution-focused news reports, is already in development. The company also intends to build an interactive platform where users can share their own positive stories and connect with organizations working on solutions to local and global challenges. A key component of the future vision is the potential for partnerships with local news outlets to provide resources and training on solutions journalism techniques.

However, the venture isn't without its challenges. Some critics argue that focusing on positive news can be seen as naive or even irresponsible, suggesting it risks glossing over serious issues or creating a distorted view of reality. Begnaud counters this by emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity and rigorous reporting, even when the focus is on solutions. "We're not shying away from the tough topics," he insists. "We're just presenting them with a different lens - one that emphasizes hope, resilience, and the power of human ingenuity."

The question remains: can solutions-based reporting become mainstream? Can 'Happier News' carve out a significant space in a market saturated with negativity? The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Begnaud's vision can gain traction and inspire a broader shift in the way news is produced and consumed. The launch of 'Happier News' is more than just a new media company; it's a potential turning point in the ongoing conversation about the role of journalism in a complex and often overwhelming world.