Climate Notes: Channeling the Climate Crisis (PODCAST)

About thirty years ago, Diet Pepsi ran an ad campaign built around the slogan "Now you see it, now you don't!"--an apparent reference to the soft drink's ability to help one lose weight. I couldn't help thinking about that old ad campaign, since the slogan perfectly describes the American mainstream media's coverage, or lack thereof, of President Obama's Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon emissions from currently operating power plants.

 

To be fair, the mainstream media's coverage of the Clean Power Plan in the days just prior to its release was adequate. The coverage of the plan on the day of its release was admirable. However, all hopes that the mainstream media would continue its focus on the importance of the Clean Power Plan were annihilated, as the press quickly turned its attention to  Bergdahl.

 

Maybe it's time for climate activists to tell these networks that they also comprise the "real audience," and that they want to see more climate coverage in mainstream media. Now, I'm not telling climate activists to call ABC News at 212-456-7777 and request more comprehensive coverage of the climate crisis. I'm not suggesting that they call CBS News at 212-975-4321 and e-mail evening@cbsnews.com  and insist upon more stories about those who pursuing every available legal, political and cultural path to protect present and future generations. I'm not advising that they call CNBC at 201-735-2622 and e-mail info@cnbc.com  to make the case for more stories on the economic impact of carbon pollution. I'm not encouraging them to call CNN at 404-827-1500 and advise the network to knock it off with dangerous false-balance coverage. I'm not indicating that they should call the Fox News Channel at 212-301-3000 and e-mail comments@foxnews.com , asking them to bring on as guests pro-science conservatives like Bob Inglis and non-denialist Christians like Katharine Hayhoe. I'm not recommending that they contact NBC News at 212-664-3720 and e-mail nightly@nbc.com , urging that NBC's environmental correspondent Anne Thompson receives more of a platform. I'd never imply that they should call PBS at 703-739-5000 and tell them to stop the false-balance shtick on "NewsHour." And I wouldn't even think of asking you to call NPR at 202-513-2000 and telling them that all things considered, news about the climate crisis should be a part of every morning edition.

 

I just think that if you want better climate coverage, you have to ask for it. Media power concedes nothing without a demand. And despite false balance, fossil-fuel advertising, and the attitude that access is more important than antagonism, those in the mainstream media know that ultimately, you've got to give the people what they want.

 

Thank you for listening.