And usually designed to distract from, or soften the impact of, the bad news.

Maybe I'm a bit perverse, but the pat-yourself-on-the-back, everything-will-be-ok type of news makes me feel uncomfortable, as if someone is trying to distract me, or soften the impact....

Now, I have no problem with the news telling me, "Hey, this problem has been exaggerated and sensationalized, it's not as bad as you've been led to believe.", if that is indeed the case. That is a valid function of the press.

But when they give as equal a weight to the one puppy who found a home as they do to the hundred that were euthanized, I know I am being misled. Maybe not misled for propaganda or political reasons, but for commercial and marketing ones.