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HOLYOKE, MA — Mayor Joshua A. Garcia announced Thursday a month-long initiative challenging local news organizations to increase positive coverage of Holyoke, sparking both support and concern about government influence on journalism.

The "Holyoke Positive Reporting Challenge," launched January 30, invites three major regional news outlets—Western Mass News, WWLP-22News, and MassLive—to compete in publishing positive stories about the city throughout February. The first outlet to reach 10 positive stories wins the challenge.
"This is not about criticizing negative reporting. Accurate journalism plays an important role and I invite the news to share concerns. Instead, this challenge is an invitation to balance the narrative by intentionally highlighting the good work and good people that make our city shine."

How the Challenge Works

Starting February 1 and running through February 28, Garcia's office will track and tally qualifying stories from each outlet. Positive stories include coverage of community events, neighborhood improvements, local achievements, business openings, youth programs, cultural celebrations, volunteer efforts, educational milestones, and public safety partnerships.

The mayor's office plans to publicly share weekly tallies every Monday in February.

Garcia encouraged Holyoke residents to submit their own positive stories and events to the news outlets, stating, "Let's flood their inboxes with the inspiring things happening right here at home!"

Mixed Reactions

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The announcement drew varied responses on social media, with several residents expressing support for the initiative.

"This is a wonderful idea. Maybe it'll quelsh some of the default 'it's Holyoke' responses," commented Jeannette Pamaylaon.

Maria Chambers added, "It's sad when local news outlets have to be incentivized to report on the good things happening in our city."

However, the challenge also raised concerns about government pressure on journalism. Brian Steele, who identified himself as a journalist with experience at two of the mentioned outlets, expressed reservations about the initiative.

"I'm concerned, especially in the current political and professional climate, about any government-sponsored initiative that seeks to shape news coverage," Steele wrote. "Framing it as friendly doesn't help: realistically, it's pressure."

Steele suggested that community organizers or residents doing positive work should instead write letters to editors or proactively alert media outlets about newsworthy events and achievements. He noted that many outlets lack resources to dedicate reporters to specific municipal beats.

"I would encourage any journalist who reads this post to continue doing exactly what they do every day, with no variations," Steele stated.

Another commenter, Stephen O'Brien, criticized the initiative more bluntly, calling it "trash trying to manipulate by calling it a positive media challenge."

Context

It is unknown whether the three news organizations mentioned have officially responded to or acknowledged the challenge.

The initiative comes as Holyoke, like many cities, faces ongoing coverage of crime and municipal challenges. The mayor's post did not reference specific negative coverage that prompted the challenge.

Residents interested in submitting positive story ideas can contact Western Mass News, WWLP-22News, and MassLive directly.