The El País editorial team hosted a discussion on constructive journalism during the 50th [1] edition of the El País Festival on April 10, 2026 [2].
This initiative addresses the growing trend of negativity in global media. By focusing on solutions-oriented reporting, the newsroom aims to provide readers with a more balanced perspective of world events without ignoring the complexities of reality.
Central to the conversation was the Correo Sí Deseado newsletter. The creators said how the publication functions to help readers discover positive news and counteract the tendency toward catastrofism. The editorial approach emphasizes a method of informing that avoids masking reality while still highlighting progress and success stories.
During the session, which was broadcast online via YouTube, the team described constructive journalism as a tool for societal improvement. They said that the goal is to report on solutions as a way to inform without falling into a cycle of despair. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between traditional hard-news reporting and the need for hope in public discourse.
"Hablaremos de periodismo constructivo y de soluciones como una forma de informar sin maquillar la realidad ni caer en el catastrofismo," the El País editorial team said [3].
The event was part of a broader series of discussions associated with the newsroom in Madrid. The host of the session said the personal relevance of the topic to the audience, stating, "Esta conversación es para ti" [4].
By analyzing the mechanics of the Correo Sí Deseado newsletter, the team demonstrated how specific editorial filters can be used to surface positive outcomes. This methodology does not replace traditional reporting, but serves as a complementary stream of information to provide a comprehensive view of current events.
“Inform without masking reality nor falling into catastrofism.”
The shift toward constructive journalism represents a strategic effort by legacy media to combat 'news avoidance' caused by constant negative coverage. By institutionalizing a solutions-oriented framework through a dedicated newsletter, El País is testing whether a structured focus on positive outcomes can increase reader engagement and mental well-being without compromising journalistic integrity.
