It's a simplistic answer, but its important to keep in mind that most news outlets--particularly the local news--focus on the "bad" news because that's what generates ratings. It's like a mass media version of rubbernecking at a traffic accident. In today's world there's no excuse for forcing yourself to watch, listen or read anything with such a negative perspective. Friends are always asking me if I've heard about a particular news story, and usually I haven't. Yet I'm better informed than all of them because I focus on what I consider important and that adds value to my life personally and professionally. I watch Bloomberg and CNBC for financial news and I'm always telling friends that if something in the world happens that's important enough to be reported there then I'll hear about it. Otherwise it's of minimal importance. I also read the Wall Street Journal for the same reason, and get news on my hobbies and other interests from specialized websites online.
Additionally, its important to focus on doing your part toward making the world a better place which is much more productive, emotionally uplifting, and generally beneficial than just fretting about the negatives. I'm a dog lover, and nothing makes me more depressed than hearing stories about abused dogs, or the millions of dogs killed each year in shelters. So instead of just being miserable about it I do something about it--I give money to charities that rescue and adopt dogs. I talk to as many people as I can about the importance of spay/neuter, and adopting dogs from shelters and rescue groups. Over the past ten years I've rescued more than 20 dogs, either adopted into my home or placed with other loving homes.
So bottom line--don't subject yourself to media that reports negative views of the world around you, and focus on proactive steps you can take to make the world a better place. That's my best advice :-)
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