About

OCTOBER 2008 - SAN FRANCISCO

A quick look at the trends in media can be summarized as Shock and Awful. News agendas are narrowing, there is less trust among the public with the objectivity of the coverage, and the story lines continue to pursue a more sensationalized format.

Studies show that within five minutes of watching the news viewers are depressed. Tens of millions of people flock to the Internet for news and community support only to find the same narrow agenda promoted by the major networks.

A new company based in the Silicon Valley of California, called Champoli launched beta service in September 2008 centered around a principle of Positive Media.

“We see ourselves as a new lens focused on the world,” says Champoli founder, Mark Hopper. “We want people to strive for a better life, to inspire, and be inspired by the work of others.”

Champoli comes from an American Indian term meaning “tastes good” and the information and community built around this new medium should certainly be sweet for individuals starved of the stories that underpin society.

For instance, Champoli has uncovered the following information on sensationalized and overtly narrow covered topics: The answers to these questions will surprise you. (answers found below)

• There were approximately 700k children receiving an education in schools in Afghanistan in 2002. How many students are receiving an education in 2008?
• In July 2001 a woman promised a dying Ugandan mother that her children would be taken care of. How many orphans now fall under the care of this every day Hero since she started her organization in 2002?

The company works hard to act in the positive ways it promotes. Inspired by such pioneering companies as Ben & Jerry’s and eBay, Champoli donates 7% of its pre-tax profits to charitable efforts.

Champoli encourages users to interact and contribute to the community through its website (www.champoli.com), as well as through its social destinations and widgets, including its Facebook and MySpace pages.

For those looking to help further Champoli’s efforts please visit www.champoli.com/support for more information.

Sources: Journalism.org, CommonSense Media; NAA 2008, Central Asia Institute 2008, Children of Grace