Last week, several hundred journalists, French newsrooms and scientists signed the Charter for journalism equal to the ecological emergency initiated by the independent media outlet Vert.
This text calls on the profession to stop relegating climate crisis stories solely to Planet sections and instead integrate them into a cross-cutting approach throughout the publication. The Charter also encourages its signatories to educate themselves on climate issues, to conduct in-depth investigations into the origins of current upheavals, and to practice low-carbon journalism.
At Médianes, we have chosen to sign and support this Charter. Because it aligns with the journalism we believe in—engaged and aware of the stakes of our time. Because we are also convinced that its arrival can drive deep change in the overall practices of newsrooms—new or established. Whether you're interested in implementing these transformations or have already begun reflecting on them, we invite you to consult this text, which we see as a practical and educational guide for better addressing the challenges of the ongoing climate crisis.
Is a charter enough?
While some see this Charter as a source of hope for change—particularly from “traditional” media outlets that we are not used to seeing take a stand—others view the initiative more critically. In a few weeks, the next World Cup will take place in Qatar. Many publications—some of which are signatories to the Charter—will cover this tournament, which has disastrous social and environmental consequences. How can we believe in the emergence of a new form of journalism if it continues to cover events that are, in and of themselves, climate aberrations? This question was discussed at length in this article from *Arrêt sur images* by Marina Fabre Soundron and Pauline Berger.
On Médianes' side, we remain convinced that while the road is still long, this charter is already a very good start. So, will you sign?
To go further
- You can find the Charter and its signatories on chartejournalismeecologie.fr.
- As climate spirals out of control, journalists launch a charter for media coverage that meets the ecological crisis : read the signatories' statement on the Charter published on franceinfo.
- How to launch and develop a media outlet in the age of ecological urgency?We share our advice and media feedback with youClimax and The Others.
Editor's note: Médianes, the studio, supported the media outlets Vert and Arrêt sur image in spring 2022 in their strategic and marketing development.
