Ulrik Haagerup brings hope to both journalists & publishers

Constructive News launched in English

October 9, 2014. Copenhagen. – When staff from BBC, The Huffington Post, South Africa's SABC, and DIE ZEIT all endorse an editor-in-chief and his team from Danish TV, something unique is happening in news that needs to be celebrated. DR-TV in Copenhagen has managed to increase its audience over the last six years and receive clear backing from all domestic stakeholders by doing something that most experienced journalists and publishers around the world would view not just as impossible but even as highly questionable. By changing the journalistic approach to news and current affairs programming according to principles of “constructive news,” DR-TV journalists got their pride back as the markets reacted to increased viewership and improved reputation ratings.

Today, the English version of Ulrik Haagerup's best seller, Constructive News, was launched in Copenhagen. For years, TV and print professionals around the world have been waiting to understand the concept and methods that can change the basic style of reporting by focusing on fundamental principles of journalism. “Ulrik Haagerup makes an important contribution to thinking on how today’s mass media can contribute more constructively to society. And unlike pure theorists, it’s based on experience and achievement,” says Professor Richard Sambrook, the former Director of Global News at the BBC.

At the European Broadcasting Union Academy in Geneva, the DR-TV team's achievements are seen as the new benchmark, and Ulrik Haagerup is serving their masterclasses with huge success.  “Constructive journalism is a new way of thinking. It answers the question of why public media’s quality journalism matters to society. It gives our news a clear purpose,” says Nathalie Labourdette, Head of Eurovision Academy, EBU.

The former U.S. TV anchor and founding Director of Harvard Kennedy Schools Shorenstein Center on Media Politics and Public Policy also endorses the DR-TV example. “I am amazed what Ulrik Haagerup has already achieved. I wish him and his team all the best," says Professor Marvin Kalb in his greetings from Washington D.C. to Copenhagen.

And what about the Internet? Jimmy Maymann, CEO of The Huffington Post, also comments on the latest book by Ulrik Haagerup. ”Why does news have to 'bleed to lead?' The excuse often given by the media is that these stories are 'what the public wants!' With Constructive News, Ulrik Haagerup puts focus on the missing link in news coverage today -- what’s inspiring, what’s positive and what’s working.”

At the book launch, DR Chairman Michael Christiansen explained why the public service network continues its focus on constructive news. “Nothing is more important for democracy than how media, and especially public broadcasters, present the world. Constructive news is the right way to balance the news, as our job is to throw light on key issues, not to spread darkness and fear.”

Ulrik Haagerup: Constructive News – InnoVatio Publishing Ltd www.innovatio.de