Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hallie Peilet Young. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hallie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
It was a dark and challenging period in my life, the year 2020. As an evening news anchor and reporter, I found myself trapped in a never-ending cycle of reporting on the relentless stream of negativity that the COVID-19 pandemic brought into our lives. Day in and day out, I was responsible for delivering stories of despair, tragedy, and uncertainty. The more I immersed myself in this environment, the more I realized how emotionally draining it had become. It wasn’t just affecting me; it was taking a toll on the viewers, too.
I vividly remember one particularly grueling day when I covered yet another tragic loss of life due to the virus. My heart weighed heavy as I reported the statistics, the economic downturn, and the countless stories of people who were struggling to make ends meet. It was as if the world had been consumed by a never-ending storm of despair, and I was the bearer of that bad news.
That evening, I couldn’t help but feel that there had to be a way to inject positivity and hope into the world. I yearned for stories that could uplift people’s spirits, stories that could remind us all of the human resilience and the capacity for good that we often overlook. It was then that the seed of an idea began to sprout in my mind.
I decided to take a step back and reevaluate my role as a journalist. It was time to be the change I wanted to see in the world. So, I left news and took a leap into the nonprofit world, going to work for The Haven, a groundbreaking nonprofit with 70 years of serving individuals with disabilities. It was there I started a newscast instead of a newsletter, anchored by the clients with unique abilities. I had no idea then that this happy news would inspire me to create something bigger.
The idea of “No Blues News” slowly started taking shape. It wasn’t just about sharing feel-good stories; it was about creating a platform dedicated to reporting exclusively on positive news. This idea wasn’t just about ignoring the real issues or pretending that problems didn’t exist. It was about showcasing the resilience, kindness, and innovative solutions that were often overshadowed by negativity.
As I shared my vision with friends and fellow journalists, I received overwhelming support. Many of them were tired of being trapped in the same cycle of reporting doom and gloom. I began the journey to establish “No Blues News” as a 501(c)(3) organization, a non-profit dedicated to spreading good news.
The process was and is challenging, but it is worth it. As a team of one, I source all of my own content, fundraising efforts and production to put out a weekly newscast filled with positivity.
I feel “No Blues News” has been a beacon of hope in a world that often seems dominated by negativity. We share stories of resilience, compassion, innovation, and the everyday heroes who make the world a better place. It’s a stark departure from my previous life as a traditional news anchor, and it feels like a breath of fresh air.
Now, as the founder of “No Blues News,” I’m dedicated to providing a counterbalance to the relentless stream of negative news. We’re making a difference by spreading positivity, inspiring others to create change, and proving that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light. My journey from a traditional news anchor to the founder of this 501(c)(3) organization has been a transformational experience, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of something so uplifting and inspiring.
Hallie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always been the ‘storyteller’ of my friend group. It was clear to me from an early age, probably as young as 11, that I wanted to be a broadcaster. I studied broadcast journalism in college and immediately began working at a news station upon graduation. My journey into this industry began as a news anchor and reporter during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Day in and day out, I witnessed the overwhelming negativity that dominated the news, and it became clear that there was a need for a change. I felt the weight of constantly delivering stories of despair, tragedy, and uncertainty, and I knew it was taking a toll on me and the viewers.
This realization sparked the idea for ‘No Blues News.’ We are a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing good news to the forefront, showcasing stories of hope, resilience, and kindness. Our goal is to provide a counterbalance to the overwhelming negativity in the media landscape.
At ‘No Blues News,’ we produce a good news newscast that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional news. We focus on highlighting positive and inspiring stories that often go unnoticed in the mainstream media. Our creative works include heartwarming video segments, interviews with everyday heroes, and features on innovative solutions to global challenges.
We solve the problem of news fatigue and negative information overload by delivering stories that uplift spirits, restore faith in humanity, and inspire positive action. We believe that our unique approach to storytelling sets us apart from others in the industry. We don’t ignore real issues, but we emphasize the potential for good and the human capacity for positive change.
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our viewers and the communities we reach. We’ve seen the smiles on people’s faces and heard stories of how our newscast has inspired acts of kindness and community involvement. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a movement that reminds people of the goodness in the world.
We want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that ‘No Blues News’ is more than just a news source; it’s a source of inspiration, hope, and positivity. We’re here to shine a light on the stories that deserve to be told, and we invite you to join us in spreading good news, making the world a better place, and being a part of a movement that celebrates the best in humanity. Thank you for being a part of our journey!”
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that you have to stay in one lane, or fit into a box. Leaving TV initially was hard for me, since it’s what I studied in school. It felt like I was ‘giving up.’ Once I realized it’s never too late to pivot or leap, my whole world truly opened up. I never knew five years ago I’d be where I am now. Nobody could’ve predicted this! I’m still unlearning the idea that you should “stay in a box.” Even now, with No Blues News, I also do nonprofit consulting, corporate media training, and intuitive coaching. To some, my life may seem chaotic, but for me, I go where I am called and do what feels right. All of these different avenues fulfill me and make a difference in so many ways.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
My ‘angel donor’ came to me in divine timing. A friend introduced us and we hit it off right away, despite a 50 year age difference. We both are from Chicago, and she and her husband have given back endlessly to nonprofits. It casually came up in conversation that one day, I wanted to create a good news station for the world. She said, “You need to do this because the world needs it. The news is so negative.” I didn’t even ask her for funding; she offered it. I’ll forever be thankful to Sharon and Russ for seeing the value in this and believing in me and my idea. They donated to me before I even had proof of concept. They are proof that there are amazing people out there and they inspire me to do stories highlighting amazing people just like them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nobluesnews.org
- Instagram: @nobluesnews
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nobluesnews
Image Credits
photo credit: Tutti Del Monte