Los Angeles— At a time when traditional media is under scrutiny for fueling polarization and sensationalism, Moe Rock, CEO of the Los Angeles Tribune, is quietly launching a bold initiative that challenges the industry’s core principles. His mission, dubbed “The Great Media Reset,” envisions a global network of media companies dedicated to positive, solution-oriented journalism—a radical departure from today’s news cycle dominated by conflict and division.
For Rock, media’s role is far more than simply reporting the events of the day; it’s about influencing the social fabric. “Media shapes the way people think, feel, and interact with one another,” Rock explains. “Our goal is to create a media landscape that inspires, empowers, and brings communities closer together.”
As a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the President of the United States, Rock’s contributions to media have been widely recognized. His career spans numerous ventures, with ownership of multiple newspaper brands across the world, each of them operating under his core philosophy of positive, community-centered journalism.
The Los Angeles Tribune, which he acquired and revitalized, is the cornerstone of Rock’s vision. Since taking the helm, he has transformed the paper into a platform for thought leadership, focused on stories of innovation, resilience, and social good. Now, he’s expanding this approach internationally, aiming to establish media outlets that prioritize uplifting and community-centered content.
A Vision for Global Impact
Rock’s strategy isn’t about ignoring the world’s problems; it’s about reframing how those problems are addressed in media. He believes that reporting the facts is essential, but that the tone and focus can shift to present solutions and foster resilience. Under Rock’s guidance, the Tribune’s content has increasingly highlighted leaders and organizations that are tackling complex social issues in constructive ways.
Now, through partnerships and expansions, Rock plans to introduce this model of journalism to key markets across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He has already initiated talks with media outlets in several major cities, hoping to forge a network of like-minded organizations that are committed to moving the needle on positive, impactful news.
“People are hungry for a different kind of news,” Rock says. “They’re tired of fear-based headlines and stories that highlight the worst in society. There’s a vast audience that craves stories of hope and progress, stories that connect us rather than divide us.”
The Mechanics of the ‘Reset’
Rock’s Great Media Reset isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s a structured initiative designed to foster real, measurable change. His approach is to strategically expand his positive-news model through partnerships and acquisitions of smaller media outlets worldwide. In the U.S., this has meant a focus on building Tribune-affiliated brands in regions that are underserved by local journalism. Internationally, Rock envisions partnerships that uphold the Tribune’s core values of empowerment, integrity, and constructive storytelling.
In this landscape, headlines aren’t driven solely by clicks or ratings but by stories that offer readers a chance to see what’s working and where they can contribute. It’s a calculated shift that acknowledges the industry’s reliance on engagement metrics while steering those metrics toward stories that add value to society.
There’s more than ideology behind Rock’s plan; there’s also strategy. In recent years, research has shown that positive news stories can drive reader engagement and retention. A study by the Solutions Journalism Network found that stories focused on solutions rather than problems led to increased reader trust and loyalty. Rock has seized on this insight, aiming to position his media outlets not just as news providers, but as trusted partners in the communities they serve.
Beyond the Headlines: Empowering a New Generation
Central to Rock’s vision is the idea that media can be a tool for empowerment. His outlets frequently highlight leadership principles, community activism, and personal development, drawing attention to individuals and organizations that are making a difference. His approach isn’t about shying away from tough issues; it’s about tackling those issues in a way that encourages action rather than resignation.
Rock’s team regularly publishes interviews with leaders across various sectors, from business and technology to social justice and the arts. By sharing stories of resilience and success, Rock hopes to inspire readers to take action in their own lives, whether that means getting involved in local initiatives or simply adopting a more optimistic outlook.
Events and live summits are also part of Rock’s media strategy. Through the Los Angeles Tribune, he has organized virtual conferences and workshops that bring together thought leaders and innovators from around the globe. These events are designed not only to inform but to create a dialogue, a space where ideas can be shared and explored. It’s an approach that turns journalism into an interactive, participatory experience—a hallmark of the Great Media Reset.
Facing Down Skepticism and Challenges
Of course, shifting the media landscape is no small feat, and Rock is the first to acknowledge the hurdles. Traditional media companies are entrenched in a model that prioritizes sensationalism, a model that’s proven profitable in the short term. Rock’s approach challenges that model, banking on the idea that readers will respond to a more positive, balanced form of journalism.
His detractors argue that focusing on positive news limits the scope of journalism. Rock counters that it simply broadens the lens. “We’re not ignoring the real issues,” he asserts. “We’re tackling them in a way that’s constructive. We’re showing people that there’s a path forward.”
Rock’s optimism may seem unconventional in today’s media climate, but it’s rooted in practical outcomes. The Tribune’s readership has grown steadily since Rock implemented his approach, a testament to the demand for this style of journalism. Positive coverage doesn’t mean neglecting accountability, Rock argues; it means presenting the full picture, including stories of resilience, innovation, and possibility.
A Future Shaped by Purpose-Driven Media
As the Great Media Reset gains momentum, Rock envisions a world where media outlets are not just conveyors of information but champions of the communities they serve. His plans extend beyond individual publications, imagining a network of Tribune-inspired news sources that span continents and cultures, each bringing their own local stories to a global audience.
The endgame, Rock says, isn’t just to build a media empire—it’s to reshape how people interact with information. “Our goal is to give people something to aspire to,” he says. “We want to create a media environment that celebrates progress and promotes unity.”
In an industry that’s often accused of profiting from despair, Moe Rock’s Great Media Reset offers a compelling alternative. With each new publication and each inspiring headline, he’s challenging the status quo and demonstrating that journalism, when done right, can be a force for good.