THE Thursday editions of the evening newspaper, the Edinburgh Evening News, are to be devoted entirely to “happy, positive and uplifting” news.
Under the masthead, The Edinburgh Evening Good News, the paper will “celebrate the good things in life”, conscious of departing Prime Minister, Tony Blair’s recent accusation that the media is a ‘feral beast’ that focuses on scandal and controversy.
Says editor, John McLellan: “Newspapers are always accused of being harbingers of doom and gloom. And although it’s true to say that the biggest stories usually involve some element of human tragedy or failings, newspapers do not focus entirely on the negative aspects of life.
“So we thought it would be worthwhile to celebrate the good things about Edinburgh and the Lothians and to ensure that every single story in one day’s paper was positive about life here.
“After all, Edinburgh has an incredible amount going for it – a beautiful city with low crime, low unemployment, fantastic entertainment, top class sports, great schools and universities and a manageable size. And with the traditional Trades holiday fortnight kicking off the following day, people in Edinburgh should be feeling good.
“The fact that it’s also the first full day Tony Blair is not Prime Minister has nothing to do with it.
“We hope our readers look forward to a good news day with plenty of uplifting stories about life in one of the greatest places in the world to live.”
