What's Happening?
In 2025, corporate broadcast networks significantly reduced their climate coverage, airing only eight hours throughout the year, a 35% decrease from the previous year, according to Media Matters for America. This reduction occurred despite increasing
climate disasters and federal policy rollbacks. The limited coverage often framed climate issues as lifestyle segments or isolated disaster stories, sidelining the expertise of women and frontline communities. CBS, a leader in climate reporting, dismantled much of its climate coverage after appointing Bari Weiss as editor in chief, who has been known to elevate climate-contrarian perspectives. This shift has led to a reliance on independent and movement-rooted media to provide comprehensive climate reporting.
Why It's Important?
The decline in climate coverage by major broadcast networks has significant implications for public understanding of climate issues. With fewer segments dedicated to systemic drivers of climate change, audiences may lack the context needed to understand the connections between extreme weather events and broader environmental policies. This gap in coverage highlights the critical role of independent media in providing in-depth reporting on climate justice and the impacts on frontline communities. As corporate media narrows its focus, movement-rooted outlets are stepping in to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in climate narratives.
What's Next?
The contraction in climate coverage by major networks is likely to continue, prompting further reliance on independent media to fill the void. This shift may lead to increased collaboration among nonprofit and movement-rooted media organizations to sustain comprehensive climate reporting. As these outlets continue to highlight systemic issues and community impacts, they may also influence broader media narratives and public discourse on climate change. The need for sustained investment in independent journalism is critical to ensure that climate stories remain a priority in the media landscape.
