NBC News Steps up in Environmental Journalism
If you tune into the evening news and catch a story on global warming, alternative fuels, or wetland conservation, chances are the reporter responsible for that segment isn't an environmental reporter. More than likely it is from the health or science correspondent, or from the general news reporter who was assigned the story.
While many mainstream media outlets are increasingly playing up the green angle in their stories, they still toss much of their environmental coverage under larger categories like health and science and rarely cover it as an issue in its own right. (MSNBC files it under U.S. News).
This is why it is encouraging to see that NBC News has announced that their business and chief financial correspondent, Anne Thompson, will take up the environmental beat. Thompson, who has been battling breast cancer, told the Associated Press that she feels the environment is an important issue that network television should devote more attention to.
With a journalist focused on the environment, NBC's special coverage of these issues will increase and could prompt network competitors to do the same. However, Thompson's understanding of business and financial issues, and her own health history will likely influence her approach to this beat and provide a unique voice that will set NBC apart in its environmental news coverage.
Via Yahoo News
Tags: Anne+Thompson, Environment, environmental+journalism, Media, NBC, Television
April 12th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
It seems to me that from the information given here NBC feels that the environment is an easier beat for a correspondent coming back from a serious illness.
A step it the right direction would be to address environmental concerns in every news department, rather than categorizing the environment as one corner of the news where it can be mentioned and then forgotten, while they move on to other issues.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Damn right! Great analysis between the lines there, Katy.
-David
April 13th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I completely agree with you Katy. In fact, one of my biggest pet peeves is how enviro-related issues are often treated as an aside or as an isolated feature rather than integrated within all areas (in news and otherwise.)
However, I do think having an environmental reporter is a step in the right direction for a major network. And while I don't know the nature of the appointment (whether it was initiated by NBC or by Thompson) I hope that she will be able to have some editorial control over topics and present them in ways that go beyond the usual fluffy features, or the crazy activist stand normally seen in enviro coverage.
As to whether or not the enviro beat will be 'easier' - if anything I think it could lend a perspective and perhaps even drive Thomspon to add a human element to the news and make links (pollution/chemicals/toxins related to health issues) that would otherwise be avoided by other media outlets.