Radio programme in Puerto Rico will only report good news

A radio programme in Puerto Rico will report only good news starting May 1.

The host of "Noticias OK", Yalitza Navedo Roman, said Wednesday in a communique that the initiative arose after a survey was conducted among 100 residents of low-income communities, during which the participants asked the media to report positive news that was happening in their neighbourhoods.

"These figures are the basis for the birth of 'Noticias OK'. That is, this media proposal was born in the heart of the people (who live in) public housing and special communities," said Navedo Roman.

She said that the project will serve to "minimize the culture of violence" and contribute to peace in Puerto Rico, which registered a record 1,136 homicides in 2011.

"The distribution of news with a positive focus will be a balm that will ... improve the quality of life on the island," she said.

Other elements of the broadcast will include one called "Aplausos", where the producers will recognize people who help their communities, and "Musica OK", in which songs with positive messages will be played.