News Corp to launch a major editorial project on environmental issues ahead of UN climate summit in November

News Corp has announced plans for ‘a major editorial project’ about the key environmental and climate issues of our time.

Executive chairman of News Corp Australasia, Michael Miller. Picture: Matt Thompson

The executive chairman of News Corp Australasia, Michael Miller, has announced plans for “a major editorial project” that will inform Australians about the key environmental and climate issues of our time.

The initiative will also look at the options Australians “would need to consider in order to reach a zero emissions target”.

In a company-wide email to News Corp staff on Friday afternoon, Mr Miller said the project was the brainchild of the company’s editors.

“In March, at a meeting of the Editorial Board, our editors’ discussed the year ahead and they prioritised a major editorial project to inform Australians about the key environmental and climate issues, and the options Australia and Australians would need to consider in order to reach a zero emissions target,” he said.

Mr Miller said the need to care for the environment was a “national priority”, and he said the media organisation’s readers “want to know more about how their choices can help make the planet a better, greener place”.

“This is a conversation which Australia needs to have.”

In outlining details of the project, Mr Miller explained that in the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, News Corp’s coverage “will feature leaders in the field, as well as a diverse range of perspectives — including policy and law makers, scientists, academics, business leaders and union leaders (to name just a few).”

“Our publications have their own unique character, and each editor will tailor the features and content to their specific audiences and communities,” he said.

“Sky News will also participate with a documentary on Australia’s future energy choices, which will explore the competing policies, the technological challenges and potential solutions and costs.

“We will endeavour to ensure that all views, not just the popular ones, are heard. We believe in the contest of ideas and our journalists will ask the tough questions of those in power (or in opposition) and as always, we will represent our audiences and their right to be fully informed.”

Mr Miller also referenced the company’s support for a global net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050.

“I am personally supportive of a net zero target and I would like to reiterate that News Corp recognises climate change and acknowledges that it is having an impact. I am proud of the work News Corp Australia has done over many years to protect our environment and plan for the future,” Mr Miller said.

“Our environmental initiative, 1 Degree, launched in 2007 and we will repower the program this year. It is a critical part of our ongoing drive for our company to be carbon neutral across all our operations.

“In 2017 News Corp became the first North American based media company to commit to science-based targets to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius.

“Each year we publicly disclose our carbon footprint data and highlight carbon reduction efforts to CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, which runs the global disclosure system that enables companies, cities, states and regions to measure and manage their environmental impacts.

“In 2020 the CDP released ratings for the more than 9,600 companies who reported their sustainability efforts. News Corp achieved a score of A- for our Climate Change outcomes, compared to a global average score for reporting companies of C.”

Mr Miller also pointed out errors in the coverage of News Corp’s climate policies by Nine newspapers.

“I note that the Nine publications have gotten a bit distracted by our plans to cover the environment and Australia’s carbon reduction ambitions. I don’t mind when our competitors are more preoccupied with us rather than their own audiences,” he said.

“However, let’s correct some of their claims — all our commentators and columnists will be encouraged to participate, and their views will not be ‘muzzled’.

“Our plans are not in response to any advertiser questions or concerns. However, since the coverage this week, it has been great to be contacted by our clients and major Australian companies who are interested in how they can be involved.

“No doubt other media and social platform users will try to take issue with our coverage and attempt to make News the story, however we have never been afraid of pushing boundaries and facilitating tough and uncomfortable conversations.”