Solutions Journalism: From Insight to Action

‌Solutions journalism moves beyond bad news to explore what’s working. Learn how to tell rigorous, evidence-based stories that inform, engage, and inspire change.

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Let’s be honest—most news is a doomscrolling nightmare. War, corruption, climate disasters, economic meltdowns—it’s enough to make anyone want to throw their phone into the ocean and move to a cabin in the woods.

But what if journalism didn’t just highlight problems—it also explored how people are actually fixing them? That’s the heart of solutions journalism, a growing movement that shifts the focus from catastrophe to credible responses. Major outlets like The New York Times and The Seattle Times are embracing this approach, proving that rigorous reporting on real-world solutions can engage readers without sugarcoating reality.

For experienced journalists, solutions journalism offers a refreshing change: a way to report on pressing social problems without leaving audiences feeling hopeless. It doesn’t just document failures—it investigates what’s working, why it works, and what others can learn from it. And let’s be honest, after years of covering nothing but scandals and disasters, wouldn’t it be nice to write something that actually gives people a little hope?

Why journalists should embrace solutions journalism

For decades, journalism has thrived on the old adage: “If it bleeds, it leads.” But while disaster-driven headlines grab attention, they also fuel audience fatigue, mistrust, and disengagement. Readers are tired of hearing about problems with no clear way forward. That’s where solutions journalism comes in—not as feel-good fluff, but as rigorous, evidence-based reporting on responses to social issues.

• Beyond negative news: A well-told solutions story doesn’t just highlight problems; it digs into what’s working, why it works, and what can be learned from it. This deeper approach fosters audience engagement and encourages constructive dialogue on issues like climate change, health care, and mental health.

• Elevating impact journalism: Traditional journalism holds power to account, but solutions journalism goes further, investigating how governments, businesses, and communities are tackling challenges. This isn’t PR—it’s watchdog journalism with a sharper focus on problem-solving.

• Rebuilding trust in media: The news media is facing a credibility crisis. Constructive journalism helps regain public trust by showing “the whole story” instead of just the crisis. Outlets like The New York Times’ Opinionator and The Guardian’s The Upside proved that solutions-focused storytelling builds stronger relationships with readers.

• The changing newsroom: From Africa to Europe to the U.S., leading publications are integrating solutions reporting into newsrooms, journalism schools, and investigative teams. This shift isn’t just ethical—it’s good business, as engaged readers are more likely to subscribe, share, and support news organizations that go beyond sensationalism.

• Opportunities in journalism: Not sure where to start? The Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) offers webinars, training, and databases of solutions-focused reporting to help journalists sharpen their problem-solving approach. Whether you’re a student exploring journalism training or a veteran reporter looking to shift gears, there’s a growing demand for stories that inspire action.

Solutions journalism isn’t about ignoring the world’s problems—it’s about making journalism more useful, credible, and impactful. And if that means fewer doom-laden headlines and more stories about progress? Sign us up.

Writing solutions journalism stories

Good solutions journalism doesn’t just celebrate promising ideas—it interrogates them. It holds responses to social challenges to the same journalistic standards as problem-focused reporting, demanding evidence, accountability, and context. Here’s how to craft solutions stories that go beyond surface-level optimism and deliver real journalistic value.

1. Finding the right story

Not every attempt at fixing a problem is newsworthy. The best solutions-focused reporting highlights responses that are:

• Already in action: Look for efforts that have been implemented and tested, not just theoretical ideas.

• Showing measurable impact: Are there clear indicators of success? Have they worked elsewhere?

• Replicable: Can this approach be adapted in other places, or is it too specific to one context?

Where to look? Health care initiatives, climate change policies, education programs, and local government innovations are all great places to start. Resources like The Solutions Journalism Network’s story database and investigative watchdog groups can also help uncover leads.

2. Investigating impact, not just intentions

A common pitfall in constructive journalism is mistaking good intentions for real solutions. Just because an organization claims success doesn’t mean it’s making a measurable difference.

• Ask for data: What actual change has this initiative created? Look beyond anecdotes.

• Compare before and after: How do key indicators measure up over time?

• Seek outside perspectives: What do critics or independent experts say about the approach?

A strong solutions story isn’t just about highlighting what’s working—it’s about holding solutions to the same scrutiny as problems.

3. Avoiding advocacy

The biggest misconception about solutions journalism is that it’s promotional or biased. The truth? It’s still hard-hitting investigative reporting, just with a broader scope.

To avoid crossing into advocacy:

• Report the limitations: No solution is perfect. Acknowledge where it falls short.

• Stay balanced: Highlight different viewpoints, including those who are skeptical of the solution.

• Avoid “hero narratives”: A single organization or individual isn’t likely to fix a systemic problem alone.

The goal is to inform, not persuade—giving audiences the information they need to evaluate a solution’s effectiveness on their own.

4. The Role of Evidence and Data

The strongest solutions reporting leans on rigorous journalism, not wishful thinking. Data and expert analysis should underpin every claim.

• Find independent sources: Relying solely on the organization’s self-reported success data? Red flag.

• Put numbers in context: A 50% increase in effectiveness sounds great—but from what baseline?

• Show the whole picture: What challenges remain? What unintended consequences exist?

By combining thorough investigation, skepticism, and storytelling, journalists can produce solutions stories that engage audiences and elevate public discourse—without crossing into PR territory.

The four pillars of solutions journalism

At its core, solutions journalism is about reporting on how people are addressing serious challenges—with the same rigor applied to problem-focused news. Pioneered by David Bornstein, Tina Rosenberg, and Courtney Martin, this approach isn’t about feel-good stories or advocacy—it’s about deep, evidence-based reporting that shows what’s working, what’s not, and what can be learned.

1. Identifying a response

Solutions journalism starts by finding a credible response to a pressing issue—something that’s already being implemented. This isn’t about hypothetical ideas or proposed legislation; it’s about real-world action.

• What initiatives are making a tangible difference in communities?
• Who is pioneering innovative strategies in health care, education, climate change, or social justice?
• How does this response compare to traditional news reporting on the problem?

This step ensures that the focus remains on action, not just problems, shifting the conversation from bad news to meaningful change.

2. Presenting evidence

A strong solutions story isn’t just a profile of a well-intentioned effort—it’s backed by rigorous, evidence-based analysis.

• What data supports its effectiveness? Are there measurable improvements?
• Has it been tested elsewhere? If so, with what results?
• What do independent experts say? Is there external validation, or is the evidence self-reported?

By relying on facts rather than hype, solutions journalism maintains credibility and distinguishes itself from advocacy or opinion pieces.

3. Exploring limitations

No solution is perfect, and acknowledging its flaws is crucial. A well-rounded solutions journalism piece asks:

• Where has this approach fallen short?
• What challenges remain?
• Are there unintended consequences?

A story that only presents success loses journalistic integrity. Good solutions journalism gives a complete picture—celebrating progress while remaining clear-eyed about its limits.

4. Producing insights

The most impactful solutions stories don’t just showcase a single initiative; they extract lessons that can be applied elsewhere.

• How can this response inform similar efforts in other cities, industries, or countries?
• What broader policy shifts or best practices does it reveal?
• How does it change the public’s understanding of what’s possible?

Solutions journalism isn’t about promoting fixes—it’s about empowering audiences with knowledge they can use to push for change.

By focusing on response, evidence, limitations, and insights, journalists can craft powerful, solutions-driven stories that move beyond problem-focused news reporting and toward a more engaged, informed public discourse.

The future of solutions journalism

More news outlets are embracing solutions journalism as audiences grow tired of doomscrolling and disengage from traditional reporting. Instead of just highlighting problems, solutions-focused stories explore what’s working—and why.

• Newsrooms are making the shift. Major media outlets like The New York Times and BBC are integrating solutions stories, while nonprofit newsrooms lead the charge in sectors like climate change and health care.

• Social media is amplifying impact. Solutions stories are gaining traction on LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok, proving that constructive journalism can drive engagement even among audiences who have news fatigue.

• Journalists can lead the way. From pitching solutions-focused angles to joining the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN), reporters have the power to reshape how stories are told.

The future of journalism isn’t just about exposing problems—it’s about exploring responses that create real change.

The role of experienced journalists in solutions journalism

Solutions journalism isn’t just a shift in storytelling—it’s a necessary evolution in the media landscape. Audiences are tuning out of traditional news, but journalists who focus on well-researched, solutions-focused stories have the power to re-engage them.

The best part? Major publications are actively looking for these kinds of stories—and they pay well.

To make it easier, we’ve compiled a free list of 200+ publications that pay $1 per word or more. Instead of spending hours researching who pays what, you’ll have a curated resource at your fingertips—so you can pitch smarter, faster, and with confidence.

Download the list and start landing higher-paying assignments with outlets that value in-depth, impactful journalism.