Expert tips for avoiding news burnout – and how a PR company can help

In today’s society, the constant flow of information is both a blessing and a curse. We are bombarded with news and information 24/7, which can be overwhelming and exhausting. 

As Finesse Group CEO Jo Caruana aptly puts it, “Twenty years ago, we didn’t have to know everything happening all the time. The rise of the 24-hour news cycle, which began around 9/11 and coincided with the increasing availability of news websites, has completely transformed how we consume media.”

Before this shift, people would check the news a few times a day by listening to the radio, watching the evening news or reading the paper. Today, news is relentless and unavoidable. Whether it’s friends sharing articles on WhatsApp, or you scrolling through TikTok feeds where news about global crises sits alongside lifestyle content, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant updates. 

In fact, many of us find staying on top of the news an exhausting task, and it’s easy to see why:

• 24/7 news is draining: The endless stream of information leaves you feeling fatigued.
• Negative news triggers anxiety: With so much bad news, it’s no wonder you feel powerless and helpless.
• Misinformation is rife: The sheer amount of inaccurate news makes it difficult to discern what’s true. 

“We never know what’s going to be on the next slide or story,” Jo points out, highlighting the unpredictability of today’s news. Yet, for PR professionals, staying informed is vital. 

“We have to know what’s going on in the world because we have to link what our clients are doing with what’s happening globally,” explains Jo, “but I’m open about the fact that I’m very affected by the news – to the point that I sometimes find it very hard and depressing.”

So, the question is: how can we handle this persistent flow of information – often involving negativity – without letting it take over our lives? 

Here, Jo shares some practical solutions to this challenge – tips on how to stay informed without compromising your peace of mind.

1. Limit News Checks 

Set specific times to check the news and avoid doing so first thing in the morning or right before bed. Instead, schedule downtime to disconnect from the news and focus on personal well-being.

Jo’s Tip: “I cope by limiting the number of times I check the news each day. On my worst days, I’m constantly doom scrolling… but, ultimately, we know what we need to do, which is to limit it.”

2. Curate Reliable Sources 

Choose a few trusted news outlets that provide a balanced view. There’s rarely a singular truth in news and understanding multiple perspectives is key. Jo curates her news feed by selecting sources that both align with and challenge her values. 

Jo’s Tip: “I try to get a good cross-section of news publications that share the news from a journalistic, facts-based perspective.” Here are some news sources Jo recommends:

• Reuters for fact-based reporting.
• BBC for a balanced view of global, breaking news.
• Instagram accounts for added insights. Check out Mo News (Mosheh Oinounou), Sharon Says So and Jessica Yellin (News Not Noise).

3. Stay Analytical 

Be critical of the news you consume. Cross-check information and avoid getting baited by soundbites or clickbait. Make sure you understand the full context of stories.

Jo’s Tip: “A soundbite isn’t the news in the same way a clickbait headline isn’t news. Try to find the longer video or wider article on what happened before and after that clip. Don’t get sucked into 15-second soundbites.”

4. Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed 

Focus on analysis rather than endless updates. Remember, we can’t control everything happening in the world. Above all, resist the urge to doom-scroll.

Jo’s Tip: “The analysis is more important than the initial breaking news. When I’m worried about current events, I schedule an email to myself for a week later to reflect on those worries at a later date. The impacts I anticipated often didn’t materialise, which helps me put things into perspective.”

5. Partner with a News-Savvy PR Firm

Whether you’re a thought leader or growing brand, keeping up with the latest news and trends isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. Partnering with a PR company that’s always plugged in offers significant advantages:

• Broad Awareness and Relevance: By staying current with global events, a PR firm can seamlessly integrate your brand into larger narratives. This makes your message timely and relevant, helping you fit naturally into ongoing stories and amplifying your visibility and impact.
• Innovative and Creative Solutions: Immersion in the latest trends allows PR companies to draw fresh ideas from various industries. This creative cross-pollination can lead to unique approaches to publicity that would otherwise stay hidden.
• Strategic Advisement and Insight: PR professionals who understand the news can offer strategic advice aligned with your goals and audience. Their expertise helps you navigate media complexities, ensuring your message resonates and achieves its intended results.
• Expert Analysis and Credibility: In an age of overwhelming information, trusted expert analysis is crucial. PR firms that stay plugged in provide well-rounded perspectives informed by both immediate developments and deeper trends, positioning you for long-term success. Importantly, avoiding knee-jerk reactions will enhance your credibility as a thought leader in your field. 

Jo’s Tip: “We must understand how the news impacts us and how it affects the broader context. It’s not just about knowing what happened but analysing how it shapes the world and our place in it.”

With ongoing geopolitical conflicts and impactful elections on the horizon, staying informed is more crucial than ever, but the news cycle is only growing more overwhelming. Do not let the continual news updates paralyse you. We must actively engage with the world while maintaining control over how we consume information.

The challenge is to sift through the noise and find balance. Unlike previous generations with limited news sources, we now navigate a vast ocean of information every single day (or hour!). PR professionals, especially, are uniquely positioned to develop effective strategies and tools for their clients to form a healthier, more productive relationship with news and technology.

Partner with the right experts to be informed, strategic and engaged with the news in a way that enhances rather than overwhelms your understanding of the world.

Ready to navigate the news with confidence? Connect with us today for more insights and practical tips.