Not all impactful journalism is built on breaking news or ongoing crises. Globalisation might have expanded access to information, but it has also stigmatised the world as in perpetual crisis.
In response, there is a growing space for storytelling that offers something different — a shift in perspective, connection instead of division, and a way of engaging with news that isn't solely defined by what's going wrong in the world.
However, producing this kind of content comes with its own set of challenges. It requires strong editorial judgement, clear verification processes and a deep understanding of your audience's needs and behaviours — particularly when working against the assumption that "positive" stories are held to lower editorial standards.
There's no question that these stories do matter to audiences. But, understanding how they are told and why they work can demonstrate why they should be considered as far more than just feel-good content.
Tyler Vivier, Editor of Good Things Guy, tells us why this is the case.
You've written more than 10 000 stories during your time at Good Things Guy. How has that volume of reporting shaped your editorial instinct for what makes a "good news" story meaningful?
I think it has shaped my instinct quite significantly. Where someone may see a social media post about a small act and keep scrolling, I see a post about a South African working to make a difference, to inspire hope and rallying community to help where needed.
It can be as simple as giving a small business some light or as grand as paying for a community member's groceries.
The people behind these stories are what make it most meaningful, because they are regular people like you and I.
The more people see those stories, the more they think, "Oh, I can do something like that, too".
Positive storytelling can sometimes be dismissed as "soft news". From an editorial perspective, how do you ensure these stories still carry journalistic weight and credibility?
Even if the news is lighthearted and an easier read, we still take the time to investigate the good deeds and kind acts.
The team is encouraged to interview the subjects of their stories, to get permissions when content is deemed more sensitive, such as medical-related features, and to ensure that parental consent is in place when an interviewee is underage.
We still follow processes.
While we may not be uncovering corruption, we do reveal the good things happening in South Africa and with that, add balance to the daily news cycle, and that carries enough weight to matter.
Many media platforms rely on controversy or conflict to drive traffic. What editorial or audience insights have shown you that uplifting content can still capture readers' attention?
Over the past 10 years, Good Things Guy has managed to build a loyal readership and their engagement on the stories we share speaks volumes. They come back time and time again, sharing how the stories move and inspire them.
We have seen their generosity fund education, cover medical bills and support dreams. I feel very proud of our readers and the amazing things they do for the subjects of our stories.
Much of your reporting focuses on community initiatives, environmental projects and everyday heroes. How do you source and verify these stories, particularly when they first surface on social media or through reader submissions?
Most of the stories sent to Good Things Guy come from people and causes that have been around for years. We are able to verify a story through past work. However, from time to time, a story will surface that has no source and we will try and reach out to whomever made the original post to get further insights.
Often, connecting with the subject of a story gives greater insights and more information to work on. Only a handful of times in the past few years have we been able to uncover that a good news story was fabricated for traffic or to earn an income from unknowing donors.
I always tell my team to listen to their gut. If something doesn't feel right, ask more questions or opt not to cover the story.
What patterns have you noticed in the types of positive stories that resonate most strongly with South African audiences?
South Africans are deeply passionate about community upliftment — whether that means fixing up problem areas, filling potholes or collecting litter — they engage with and encourage actions where problems are being solved by everyday people.
South Africans want the country to function well, to be fruitful for all who live here and to be safe within their communities. Anytime they see this happening, they praise the efforts and often support them too.
It is empowering to witness citizens supporting each other.
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*Image courtesy of contributor and Canva