Impact Journalism Day: changing the news narrative

Today, 50 newspapers publish stories of initiatives that are helping to change the world

Sparknews founder Christian de Boisredon
Sparknews founder Christian de Boisredon

Today, for Impact Journalism Day, 50 newspapers including The Irish Times join forces to highlight stories that change the world.

Beyond the constant stream of negative news, there are many stories of hope and concrete solutions. Stories of changemakers tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues with innovative ideas, in order to change the lives of millions for the better. Stories worth reading and spreading, not only to rebalance our view of the world, but to help these existing solutions be replicated worldwide.

Crucial role

The media can play a crucial role in telling the individual stories behind this global movement. That’s why for the last five years Sparknews has invited newspapers to take part in Impact Journalism Day, harnessing the power of collaborative journalism to bring stories of change to the surface.

Every year these newspapers explore and publish an array of groundbreaking solutions in special supplements on the same day, reaching 120 million people worldwide in print and digital media. Many publications have come to realise the impact of these articles, and now incorporate more solutions-driven stories into their day-to-day coverage of the world.

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On Impact Journalism Day 50 leading newspapers publish, a special print & web edition dedicated to concrete and inspiring solutions to global issues, on subjects like education, energy, health care, agriculture, water, technology and urbanism.

First step

For the fifth edition of Impact Journalism Day, the media are joined by organisations that believe spreading these stories is a first step toward change. These include the United Nations as well as One Young World, which annually gathers together 1,500 young leaders from social and corporate sectors who are involved in positive innovations.

We hope you enjoy the read – and that you become part of the solution. Sign the manifesto (sharestoriesofchange.org) and share the stories that impress you most on Facebook and Twitter (#ImpactJournalism, #StoryOfChange, @Sparknews, @YourNewspaper).

Christian de Boisredon, founder of Sparknews and Ashoka Fellow