It has been reported to an Oireachtas committee that Irish media encourages polluting companies without alerting viewers to potential health risks, reports RTE.
Additionally, it was reported before the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action that pollution from fossil fuels kills more people worldwide than smoking does.
The committee is investigating the effects of fossil fuel-related advertising and potential regulations.
Irish Doctors for the Environment’s Ola Nordrum referenced Australian colleagues’ studies on the health effects of climate change.
“Irish media regularly promote advertising for the most polluting industries without any health warnings,” stated Dr. Nordrum, reports RTE.
He continued, calling the climate problem “an everything crisis” that has to be covered by the media as “an everyday topic – not a once in a while topic.”
Senator Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fáil stated that RTÉ is taking the appropriate approach to the problem by presenting the climate change narrative in a way that would engage the people.
He issued a warning to dispel the myth that the government and broadcaster are collaborating to further a certain agenda, reports RTE.
He argued that it would be risky to follow Ola Nordrum’s “fundamentalist” path, but he made it clear that this was not a “derogatory” statement.
Senator Dooley stated that taking people “on this journey” is the problem, pointing out that a significant change has already occurred.
In response, Dr. Nordrum said he is only stating the facts as they relate to science and medicine, reports RTE.
The managing director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs, Deirdre McCarthy, disclosed that the division keeps tabs on its coverage of climate change.
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The latest study shows “a huge challenge” and “a huge amount of ambivalence” and “huge amount of resistance” to the issue among the public, with many not knowing who is ultimately responsible for addressing the situation.
Younger viewers, she continued, “have a big question around trust,” wondering why they should have faith in an institution that belongs to the “mainstream media.”
Many auto and airline advertisers have switched from RTÉ to online outlets, according to Gavin Deans, Director of Commercial at RTÉ, reports RTE.
Motor advertising made about 10% of income in 2019, but it has subsequently decreased to 6%, a 40% decline.
He said that electric or hybrid vehicles are currently the subject of half of all motor advertising.
According to him, airline advertising has decreased by 65%.
A large portion of the advertising, according to Mr. Deans, has gone to other internet service providers. He also stated that RTÉ adheres to “a higher standard” because it “is the right thing to do”, reports RTE.
He said, “RTÉ is making sure we’re not greenwashing,” but he acknowledged that this is difficult to demonstrate.
‘Brave’ step required
Lisa McNamee of Irish Doctors for the Environment claimed that the ban on smoking advertising in Ireland “went farther than most countries at a time when it was politically distasteful to do so”.
She recommended that the same “brave” move be made now “around health warnings” on fossil fuel advertising, reports RTE.
Deirdre McCarthy told the committee that RTÉ is “mindful of the need to do more” and wants to have a constructive impact on this issue within its business, throughout the public sector, and in society at large.
Climate change is one of the division’s “key editorial priorities” and is ingrained across all desks and beats, she noted, reports RTE.
“The vast amount of information can be overwhelming” for audiences with “so many access points,” said to Ms. McCarthy. RTÉ wants its audience to trust that it has no agenda while making sure the topic is relevant to them.
The committee’s green party representative, TD Brian Leddin, stated that Ms. McCarthy’s opening speech was “uncomfortable reading” due to its lone mention of fossil fuel advertising, reports RTE.
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