When I was in college back on the 60s, I took a journalism class as an elective. The professor used to tell us that the "news" was, by design, always something controversial, upsetting and/or negative.
People didn't want to hear any positive things about regular lives. Just the bad stuff.
Controversy, hate, strife and negative stories are what makes the "news" and sells newspapers. It's not about Sally getting good grades in school or Tommy doing his chores without being asked.
People don't want to hear about those positive things. They want to watch the train wreck or the failure of a business or the bad luck of someone.
It's the nature the beast I think.
Your words about negative stories are the nature of the beast, makes me think also of how a non-smoker or non-drinker can lead a good healthy life and receive no recognition for it. But, an abusive alcoholic, drug abuser, and/or cigarette smoker can give up those things, and people will fall all over themselves to heap praise on those types. Its as if people who experience vice are more valuable in our society.