Angus Hervey, founder of the independent publication Fix the News, argues that media coverage can get trapped in a “bad news bubble,” crowding out evidence of improvement. In two TED Talks Daily episodes, he highlights trends he says are often underreported.
In Part 1 (recorded September 5, 2024), Hervey cites examples including declines in AIDS deaths, reduced deforestation in the Amazon, more effective school feeding programs, and increased acceptance of LGBTQ people in many countries. He frames these as indicators that progress is continuing in multiple areas, even when negative events receive most attention.
In Part 2 (recorded December 2, 2024), Hervey adds three additional updates: efforts related to eradicating ancient diseases, the establishment of large new ocean sanctuaries, and changes advancing children’s rights. Both episodes present these developments as illustrations of broader global progress and as motivation to incorporate more complete information into day-to-day news consumption.