CALLING OUR PUBLIC BROADCASTERS
In comparison to Denmark’s public broadcasters, the coverage of the green transition on Australia’s two main public television channels, ABC and SBS, remains disappointingly shallow and lacks a firm commitment to addressing the realities and opportunities of the climate crisis.
SBS, in particular, seems to have dropped the ball entirely, opting instead to prioritise light-hearted entertainment such as ‘laugh-out-loud adventures’ and ‘haunting crime dramas’ – content that adds little to the public discourse on climate action.
Meanwhile, ABC’s reporting on the green transition remains sporadic and inconsistent, rarely conveying the urgency needed to address the carbon emissions crisis. Despite the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, the tone of ABC’s coverage lacks the weight and seriousness the situation demands.
Green transition overshadowed
Climate issues are routinely overshadowed by political and economic news, rather than being treated as an ongoing, critical crisis warranting sustained attention. Both public broadcasters have failed in their responsibility to expose the influence of the fossil fuel industry or highlight efforts in transitioning to sustainable energy.
ABC, in particular, can be criticised for not fulfilling its journalistic duty to serve the Australian public’s interest by probing deeper into the pervasive role of the fossil fuel lobby in shaping national politics and public policy. Although environmental issues are covered, the depth and frequency of investigative reporting into the political and economic power of fossil fuel companies remain inadequate.
Green transition: a priority
By contrast, Denmark’s DR – the Danish Broadcasting Corporation – takes a more proactive approach, framing the climate crisis as the defining issue of our time. DR consistently makes the green transition a top priority in its coverage, spotlighting how Danish businesses and citizens are pioneering renewable energy initiatives and enhancing climate resilience.
When climate-related disasters, such as floods or bushfires, strike, the ABC often focuses on the immediate local impact. However, it fails to connect the dots for viewers, neglecting to explain how these disasters are linked to the broader climate crisis or to explore the solutions needed to prevent similar future catastrophes.
Australians are rarely informed about global best practices or success stories in renewable energy adoption and emissions reduction, leaving a significant gap in public awareness of potential solutions.
Rather than simply reporting on disasters, ABC could shift towards more solutions-based journalism, highlighting positive efforts within Australia and internationally to combat climate change.
Reliance on top-down narratives
ABC’s climate narratives often appear shaped by politicians and government agencies, rather than showcasing the insights of scientific experts or grassroots environmental groups. This approach results in a narrow, often politicised perspective on climate solutions, reinforcing government policies rather than challenging them.
Incorporating more stories from grassroots activists and smaller community-led initiatives driving sustainable change would provide a broader range of perspectives, rather than relying on top-down political narratives.
In contrast, DR engages with a wide array of voices – including activists, scientists, and independent researchers – resulting in more balanced and thorough coverage of climate and green transition issues.
Holding power to account
According to its foundational principles, the ABC exists to hold the government to account, particularly on policies that affect the entire nation. This should certainly include emissions regulations and the green energy transition. Yet, while the ABC does cover political discussions on climate, it often sidesteps asking the tough questions. It fails to rigorously investigate and challenge the government’s shortcomings in meeting climate targets.
Moreover, the ABC does not sufficiently address the unequal impact of climate change on Australia’s Indigenous and marginalised communities. The voices of those disproportionately affected by environmental degradation should be at the forefront of its reporting, yet they are too often sidelined.
Serve public interest
The ABC and SBS, as public broadcasters, must realign their green transition coverage with their responsibility to the Australian public. This means holding power to account and delivering reporting on the climate crisis with the necessary depth, urgency, and focus. Doing so will not only serve the public interest but also strengthen Australia’s contribution to the global green transition.
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Weather presenters highlight solutions
As just one recent example, this story from Germany about how half a million balconies got covered with solar panels was part of a weather report on the news of the Danish public broadcaster DR in August 2024:
→ Canary Media – 27 September 2024
How Germany outfitted half a million balconies with solar panels
“The country’s residents installed 200MW of balcony solar during the first half of 2024. It’s becoming an increasingly popular way to take climate action in Germany.”
→ Grist – 26 September 2024:
How Germany outfitted half a million balconies with solar panels
“Meet balkonkraftwerk, the simple technology putting solar power in the hands of renters.”