U.K. Broadcasters, Platforms in Climate Content Pledge

Twelve U.K. broadcasters and streamers, including the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Sky, UKTV and Channel 5, have signed up to The Climate Content Pledge.

The announcement was made as the CEOs of the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Sky and STV convened at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow to ask the industry to embrace more climate storytelling across multiple genres.

An Ipsos MORI survey in August revealed that climate change is the second-biggest concern for U.K. residents, behind Covid-19.

albert, the screen industry organization for environmental sustainability, convened The Climate Content Pledge. The Pledge aims to support content that educates consumers about the path to net-zero emissions; develop processes to consider climate themes in the commissioning, development and production of content; ensure all its efforts are backed by scientific information; and recognize the importance of fair and balanced representations of visions for a sustainable future. The Climate Content Pledge will also see the media community working together to share information.

The Climate Content Pledge signatories include BBC, BBC Studios, Britbox International, Channel 4, Channel 5/ViacomCBS, Discovery UK and Eire, ITV, RTÉ, S4C, Sky, STV and UKTV.

“We are so proud to announce the launch of this pledge today,” said Carys Taylor, the director of albert. “It represents a pivotal moment in our industry’s sustainability journey and is an acknowledgment of the screen industry’s huge opportunity and responsibility to enable all audiences to engage with solutions to tackling climate change through all kinds of content.”

BBC Director-General Tim Davie added, “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. At the BBC, we will continue to tell the stories that matter, like in our powerful new drama The Trick, or help audiences consider greener choices through our best-loved shows like EastEnders and with new programs such as Shop Well for the Planet?–but we all have more to do and we must match these efforts off-screen too, which is why we’ve put plans in place to reach net zero by 2030.”

“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,” said Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4. “Signing this pledge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for broadcasters and program-makers to work together and use the power of content on every platform. By engaging our viewers and giving them the information they need, we can help them to make informed choices about living more sustainably.”

Channel 5/ViacomCBS U.K. President Maria Kyriacou stated: “Securing a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations through our incredible platforms is critical. Series such as Go Green with the Grimwades on Milkshake! have the power to drive meaningful change by shifting perceptions and establishing the enduring habits necessary to tackle climate change. We’re proud to unite with our broadcast peers to accelerate our industry commitments.”

James Gibbons, executive VP and general manager for the U.K. and Nordics at Discovery, noted, “The climate emergency is here and it’s our great responsibility as broadcasters to thoroughly report and accurately reflect the changes that are happening to the world. Discovery is proud to be part of this collaboration, uniting colleagues across the industry to work together to tackle the climate crisis. We’re all pledging to take action that brings tangible, world-changing results.”

“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,” said Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV. “This Pledge is a demonstration of how an industry can work together to create real change.”

Stephen van Rooyen, executive VP and CEO for the U.K. and Europe at Sky, 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.”