You don’t have to look far to find well-argued reasons why consuming the news is not very good for you (to save you a job, however, this is a good starting point). But I’m not here to write about how I’ve stopped checking the news so often and have felt better for it.
A couple of times last year I happened to catch the 6.30pm ITV News, and saw a journalist called Daniel Hewitt reporting on terrible conditions in social housing.
Sadly, the extent to which people live in dangerous and unhealthy homes was not surprising. That apologies from landlords and housing providers were only forthcoming once a national television network had highlighted the issue was also not surprising.
What was surprising, for me, was the passion and forthrightness with which Daniel Hewitt spoke on the issue. Main news bulletins are generally straight-faced and not looking to pass comment. They tell the stories of the day, and don’t focus on long-term issues.
When I saw a second report several weeks after the first one I saw, I was impressed by the ongoing focus.
Here was an issue I was only used to hearing about in specialist presentations, conferences and trade publications within the construction industry. It was refreshing to see it being given mainstream attention. And it was refreshing to hear a national news journalist say, “It shouldn’t be beyond the wit of a government to fix this issue.”
Alas, despite all of the potential benefits that would come from fixing the issue - including reducing the NHS’s burden, which was part of ITV’s reporting - it does appear to be beyond their wit. Maybe we need to elect better governments.
Be that as it may, this is not about the politicians, their parties or their priorities. It’s about better housing, good journalism and bringing attention to issues that matter. And it seems I’m not the only one who has been impressed by Daniel Hewitt’s efforts.
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