The UK’s major broadcasting media brands have made a pledge to increase and improve their climate change storytelling.
Twelve brands, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, make up 70% of the UK audience’s time spent watching TV.
Britbox, Discovery and RTE are also among the companies to sign up to the Climate Content Pledge.
The move coincides with the Cop 26 event in Glasgow which has seen world leaders come together to help tackle the current climate crisis.
They will also look at the role of broadcasters and streaming services in tackling the issues, and explore the measures needed to cut emissions to net zero.
BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky discuss 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'
BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “This pledge is a firm commitment from our industry to go further and faster to engage and inform audiences on the climate challenges we all face.”
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon said: “This is a pivotal time for broadcasters and for our audiences as we join together to tackle the climate crisis that affects us and future generations.
“Signing this pledge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for broadcasters and programme makers to work together and use the power of content on every platform.”
Dame Carolyn McCall, chief executive of ITV, added: “From plant-based recipes on daytime to putting electric vehicles on Emmerdale, ITV is committed to using our reach and world-class talent to make the transition to a sustainable future relevant and accessible for our audiences.
“This pledge is a demonstration of how an industry can work together to create real change.”
Stephen van Rooyen, Sky’s executive vice president and chief executive of UK and Europe, said: “Sustainability has always been at the heart of our business, from being the first carbon neutral media company to launching the world’s first carbon neutral TV in Sky Glass.
“Now, using our content and reach in millions of homes, we have the opportunity to inspire our customers to make changes that will help us all get to net zero.
“This pledge is an example of the strength of the broadcast industry to come together and drive significant action.”
How to watch
The panel will take place at the BBC Scotland HQ today (November 3) at 11am and will be streamed on YouTube – you can watch here.
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