JOURNALISTIC AND ACTIVIST RESPONSES TO THE CURRENT CLIMATE CRISIS IN THE UNITED STATES: BUILDING AN INTERDEPENDENT SOLUTIONS-BASED AGENDA

Abstract

This dissertation examines the relationship between journalists, climate activists, and public discourse surrounding the urgent issue of climate crisis in the United States. Utilizing a critical perspective, the study explores three key areas of interaction. Firstly, it investigates how journalists and activists collaborate in informing the public about the profound realities of climate crisis. Secondly, it examines the innovative ways climate activists leverage technology to create knowledge and dissent, fostering a more informed solutions-based agenda. Finally, the research analyzes the similarities and divergences in the ways both groups construct the public agenda on climate crisis, uncovering potential points of convergence and areas of continuing tension. The foundation of this research rests on two primary methodologies. In-depth interviews with climate activists offer a rich tapestry of experiences and strategies employed in the fight for climate action. Complementing these interviews, a metajournalistic discourse analysis of leading journalism trade publications sheds light on the evolving perspectives and practices within the journalistic community in the United States as it grapples with effectively reporting on the climate crisis. Further enriching the study, an analysis of social media platforms frequented by climate activists provides crucial insights into their online strategies for knowledge creation and dissent. The research reveals a potential paradigm shift within journalism. Faced with the urgency of the climate crisis, journalists grapple with the limitations of traditional objectivity, exploring alternative approaches such as solutions-based reporting and collaborative news making. Moreover, the study identifies a fascinating convergence between activist and journalistic practices. Climate activists are increasingly adopting fact-finding and storytelling techniques typically associated with mainstream media, blurring the lines between alternative and mainstream discourses. Furthermore, the research highlights the concept of "transmedia organizing" employed by activists. By strategically leveraging the affordances of various tech and social media platforms, activists build a strong movement identity and challenge traditional media narratives, fostering a more nuanced public understanding of the climate crisis. This study proposes a framework of eight crucial factors that facilitate effective collaboration between journalists and activists in building solutions-based public agendas. At the core is the strategic use of digital tools, which facilitate dynamic communication and direct engagement with the public, allowing for the amplification of narratives and mobilization of support. The research also highlights the importance of focusing on longstanding, universal societal issues backed by scientific evidence, as this enhances credibility and effectiveness. Media literacy, encompassing digital, information, and news literacy, equips these stakeholders to navigate the complex information landscape. Mutual trust, grounded in a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities, is essential for leveraging each other's strengths. The protection of press freedom and freedom of expression is a key dimension, particularly in democratic societies. Another key dimension is the audience: journalists and activists have a crucial role in channeling the necessary information emotions constructively by providing actionable solutions and empowering audiences to contribute to the fight against climate crisis. Finally, a thorough understanding of media ownership, propaganda, and vested interests is crucial to developing nuanced, evidence-based approaches that serve the public interest. This research has far-reaching implications for different audiences. For scholars of journalism and social movements, it offers a deeper understanding of the interdependent nature of journalists and activists in shaping the climate agenda. It sheds light on the growing influence of activist practices on contemporary journalism and underscores the crucial role of technology in empowering social movements. For journalists themselves, this study highlights the potentials of solutions-based reporting and collaboration as effective tools for tackling the climate crisis. Finally, for climate activists, the research offers practical suggestions about the evolving media landscape and the power of transmedia organizing in amplifying their message and fostering public engagement. By examining these dynamic interactions, this dissertation contributes to a more informed approach to climate communication and paves the way for a more collaborative and effective response to the greatest challenge of our times.