Newsroom edition: News Corp’s gas splash and the mining industry’s election agenda
Dec 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Join Lenore Taylor, Editor of Guardian Australia, and Patrick Keneally, Deputy Editor, as they dissect the intricate ties between media narratives and the mining industry in Australia. They reveal how News Corp's gas promotion benefits fossil fuel interests, framing critical election discussions. The duo critiques the framing of energy solutions and highlights tensions in Tasmania's salmon farming debate. Their insights expose the urgent need for responsible journalism amidst ongoing environmental challenges and political maneuvering.
News Corp's pro-gas narrative aims to influence the election agenda, prioritizing fossil fuel interests over sustainable energy solutions.
Concerns arise over greenwashing as media coverage predominantly amplifies gas industry messaging, sidelining climate change discussions and environmental implications.
Deep dives
Impact of Media on Election Agenda
Media outlets, particularly News Corp, are significantly influencing the election agenda by promoting a pro-fossil fuel narrative. This messaging aligns with the interests of the mining industry, which fears a government shift towards a minority Labor government supported by the Greens and teals. The concerted media push appears to leverage current energy supply concerns to frame gas as a necessary solution, overshadowing the critical discourse surrounding climate change. This creates a challenging environment for the government as they navigate public pressure and lobby efforts from fossil fuel stakeholders.
Greenwashing and Paid Advertorials
The recent coverage across News Corp tabloids regarding the gas industry has raised concerns about greenwashing, as prominent stories were actually paid advertorials masquerading as news. This campaign emphasized how gas will alleviate power shortages and reduce electricity costs, largely quoting gas executives without considering counterarguments or the broader environmental implications. Critics argue that the portrayal ignores Australia's status as the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), leading to questions about domestic supply priorities amidst claims of gas shortages. The framing of these narratives ultimately serves to protect fossil fuel interests rather than inform the public about sustainable energy solutions.
Consequences of Delayed Climate Action
The overarching theme in the present political discourse is the coalition's intention to delay meaningful climate action under the guise of industry support and energy security. This strategy includes extending the use of fossil fuels like gas while deflecting the urgent need for transitioning to renewable energy sources, which could exacerbate Australia’s carbon emissions during a critical period. Amid public fear of rising energy prices and impending elections, the pressures from the mining industry to approve new gas projects threaten to overshadow discussions on environmental sustainability. The interplay between electoral politics and climate responsibilities raises concerns about the long-term viability of Australia’s energy policies amidst worsening climate crises.
A story splashed across the front of News Corp’s biggest-selling tabloid newspapers this week was all about gas. We need to ‘step on the gas’, the papers said, to avoid higher bills and blackouts. But the ‘special report’ was actually ‘proudly sponsored’ by the fossil fuel industry.Bridie Jabour talks to Guardian Australia’s editor, Lenore Taylor, and deputy editor Patrick Keneally about how the mining industry – and the media – are trying to shape the election agenda
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode