"SOJO" - Solutions Journalism

If you’re looking to move beyond the "if it bleeds, it leads" style of news, Solutions Journalism (or "SoJo") focuses on rigorous reporting about how people are responding to social problems.

Here are some of the most respected outlets and sections dedicated specifically to this approach, with links to help you explore them:

1. Dedicated Solutions Outlets

• Reasons to be Cheerful: Founded by artist and musician David Byrne, this is a non-profit "tonic for tumultuous times." It focuses on smart, proven solutions to issues like climate change, civic engagement, and health.

• Positive News: A pioneer in "constructive journalism." They look at social and environmental progress through deep reporting rather than just "feel-good" stories.

• The Optimist Daily: Their mission is to create a solutions-focused global society by sharing daily positive news and actionable ideas.

• Yes! Media: An independent, non-profit organization that outlines a path toward a more equitable and sustainable world.

2. Solutions Sections in Major Outlets

Many established news organizations have realized the value of this lens and have created dedicated verticals for it:

• The New York Times – Fixes: This long-running column explores solutions to social problems and why they work.

• BBC – People Fixing the World: A fantastic podcast and article series that visits people with ideas to make the world better and investigates whether they actually work.

• The Christian Science Monitor – Progress Watch: Known for its constructive tone, this section focuses on underlying human agency and global progress.

• The Guardian – The Upside: A series that looks at what is going right in the world and highlights innovative answers to global challenges.

3. Niche & Topic-Specific Leaders

• Grist – Fix: Focuses specifically on climate solutions and justice. This section highlights the "Fixers"—the people and ideas leading the way to a greener future.

• The Marshall Project: While they cover the difficult realities of the U.S. criminal justice system, they are leaders in reporting on what reforms and programs are actually yielding results.

• TriplePundit: Excellent for those interested in the intersection of sustainable business and social responsibility.

4. The "Gold Standard" Database

If you want to find solutions-based stories on a specific topic (like healthcare, aging, or education), the Solutions Story Tracker by the Solutions Journalism Network is the best tool. It is a searchable database of over 15,000 peer-reviewed solutions stories from outlets around the world.

Tip for your feed: Many of these outlets have excellent newsletters. Subscribing to one or two (like the "Reasons to be Cheerful" weekly email) is a great way to ensure your week starts with something constructive rather than just the latest crisis.

PondERIC is a retired seeker of insights, a computer-literate octogenarian, and a professional ponderer. From his headquarters—a well-worn leather recliner—he navigates the digital world to explore everything from AI breakthroughs and business philosophy to the deep roots of family history. With a curiosity that refuses to retire, PondERIC believes that life's most interesting truths are found when you take the time to stop and wonder why.