We Interrupt This Podcast for New Research + Emily Atkin and Guardian CEO Anna Bateson on Banning Fossil Fuel Ads
Feb 18, 2020
auto_awesome
Climate journalist Emily Atkin interviews The Guardian's interim CEO Anna Bateson about the decision to stop accepting ads from fossil fuel companies. They discuss the ethical considerations, financial implications, and the impact on public perceptions. The conversation delves into the balance between revenue and values in journalism, highlighting the shift towards reader-funded models.
Exposing coordinated efforts by major companies to manipulate public discourse and scientific understanding through strategic influence.
The Guardian's principled decision to halt fossil fuel advertising showcases a commitment to values, trust, and reader engagement.
Deep dives
Exposing Deep Linkages and Aligning Strategy
The podcast delves into the interconnectedness between major companies, highlighting how documents reveal repeated patterns involving oil, tobacco, benzene, vinyl chloride, and pesticides litigations. It emphasizes the consistent presence of specific companies and individuals in various controversial spaces, showcasing a concerted effort to influence public discourse, scientific understanding, and risk assessment. This interplay elucidates the strategic coordination employed by companies to shape narratives and perceptions, underscoring the intricate web of influence and power dynamics at play.
Alignment of Values in Advertising Decisions
The episode explores The Guardian's decision to discontinue fossil fuel advertising, outlining a prolonged internal discussion regarding aligning advertisement policies with the organization's values. The shift towards a 'modern advertising' approach underscores the significance of promoting values, trust, and quality in ad partnerships. By prioritizing values over financial considerations, The Guardian aims to enhance reader trust, engagement, and support while redefining its advertising strategies for a more principled and impactful approach.
Implications of Fossil Fuel Advertising on Journalism and Reader Perception
The discussion extends to the potential influence of fossil fuel advertising on journalism, addressing concerns about how such ads could shape reader perceptions and influence editorial coverage. The decision to halt fossil fuel ads is driven by a desire to maintain journalistic integrity and uphold values, emphasizing a clear separation between editorial content and advertising. As other media outlets grapple with similar challenges, the episode prompts reflection on the ethical considerations surrounding ad partnerships and their impact on reader trust and media independence.
We'll be back with more Mad Men tales next week, we promise! While we're out chasing leads, listen to this great interview from Emily Atkin with The Guardian's interim CEO Anna Bateson about that publication's decision to stop taking ads from fossil fuel companies.