I am particularly sensitized to incivility. When I was at Weber Shandwick, I spearheaded the near-decade long survey on Civility in America. Little did I realize back in 2010 that civility would be such a central issue to American life. The research consistently found that the vast majority of Americans – 93% – identified a civility problem here in our nation. And the past couple of years have certainly put civility to its most stringent test and all the incivility has hurt America’s reputation around the world.

Like many Americans (who think like me), I have been watching CNN to catch up on what was happening with the election, the attack on the Capitol, President Biden’s inauguration, and now the rollout of the vaccine. But I have to say that I have noticed a small but startling change in the newscasting. Anchors are frequently thanking correspondents and reporters for their reporting. They repeatedly say “good job” and “thanks for that excellent reporting.” Years ago, that was more commonplace during hurricanes and snow storms but these newest acts of gratitude are a nice touch. Wish we saw more of that at the Capitol!

I am not sure whether the media is trying to reputation-alize its image which was severely battered in recent years of hot tempered politics but it’s a good try. As Biden said, it’s time for our uncivil wars to end. Obviously, I agree. And maybe CNN is a start.