Matt Pelishek “The Second Story We Tell”

As of this writing, we’re only days into 2026, and another tragedy is spread across the headlines.  Much has been already said and written about how radio personalities talk about these things (or don’t talk about them), but I want to address something I call the second story.

The first story is the actual event that took place that everyone is wrestling with, the one we typically don’t talk in detail about. The second story is how culture is reacting to the first; the emotions, divisions, questions, and exhaustion that follow.  Remember before social media, when bad news would break, we processed things more quietly for a while first. We talked about it with others, we grieved or prayed. We didn’t feel this immediate pressure to post thoughts and pick a side. We didn’t see everyone immediately venting their feelings, or know what that guy you went to high school with 20 years ago thinks about it. That is the same pressure our listeners are facing.  We may feel at a loss or wanting to simply avoid the first story, but it always creates space to address the second one.

If the first story has created that instant division, instead of talking about the news item, our second story might be built around what James says about being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.  If the first story has a community grieving, the second story might be how you found hope in another seemingly hopeless situation.

Like everyone else, we avoided any political talk during the election, but you know what we talked a LOT about? We talked about what it looks like to love your neighbor.  We talked about what it is to be an example of Jesus to others.  We talked about showing grace in disagreement.  That was our second story.

We know 2026 will be full of bad news and terrible stories, because every year has them. When they happen, if you’re not sure what the approach to the second story might be, just evaluate your own feelings. If you feel exhausted by them, address that.  If it’s fear, or anger, or even feeling numb, your audience is having those feelings too, and it opens the door to bring hope into that second story.

Matt Pelishek is the program director at KAXL/Bakersfield  – 88.3 Life FM, and co-host of the Afternoon Joy Ride. He has been in radio over 20 years, and is just now starting to figure out what most of the buttons do. Contact Matt at Matt@kaxl.com