What gives? As the impacts of climate change become more and more evident, the mainstream media’s reporting declines. And not just by a little. A recent study by the University of Colorado shows that coverage of climate change actually dropped by about 30% between September, 2012 and September, 2013.
At least Nero fiddled while Rome burned. The national media haven’t even taken the violin out of the case!
This unfortunate reality underscores the profound need for the Great March for Climate Action. While the national media have pretty much ignored us thus far (see notable exceptions here and here . . . and we thank you), they’ll have a harder time pulling the blinds on our story – and on the climate crisis – as marchers parade past their newsrooms in town after town over the course of eight blistering months.
But we aren’t content to wait until then to demand greater coverage. As 2014 kicks off, reporters and editorial writers are looking for new stories – and input from YOU can make a difference!
May I ask for 15 minutes of your time this coming week? And let’s make this easy. Let’s start with our friends, with folks in the national media who “get” climate change, who have been paying attention to the issue. Please ask the following five national media outlets to talk about the Climate March. We are confident there are hundreds of people out there who would jump at the chance to join the March – if only they knew about us. (FYI, we now number nearly 200 marchers from 36 states and 6 countries.)
Huffington Post: Email
Salon: Online Contact and Snail Mail Information
Democracy Now!: Online Contact
The Rachel Maddow Show: Twitter
All In With Chirs Hayes: Twitter
Thanks so much. I look forward to meeting many of you in LA next month. Our entire March community is grateful for the support and encouragement that you have provided. Thank you!
– Ed Fallon, Founder and Director