Beware of ‘churnalism’

John Vidal, the Guardian newspaper's Environment editor, has spoken with journalists from the Caribbean about how climate change can be effectively reported by the media.

He warns against 'churnalism' - news as process, where reporters churn out stories regardless of their worth and accuracy - and urged journalists to strive to be "better than everyone else."

Mr Vidal was speaking at a three-day event held in Barbados on 'climate change and its implications for the Caribbean,' which was organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union. The event - funded by the Commonwealth Media Development Fund - was attended by 15 journalists representing media houses from across the Caribbean.

"The Environment is now the big story journalists want to get into. It is a global, national, local and personal issue," he said.

During his presentation Mr Vidal posed the question: "Who do [journalists] listen to in this increasingly frantic debate?"

He then addressed the key sectors and individuals who journalists working on the climate change agenda can approach. The benefits and frustrations of approaching businesses, scientists, NGOs and governments were all weighed up. Mr Vidal also warned those present about trusting other journalists, without first examining the credibility of a story, by approaching the appropriate sources.

Investigative journalism was encouraged by Mr Vidal. He acknowledged that investigations do need both time and resources but said that it is a worthwhile pursuit and can often lead to other stories being generated from the initial exposure.

"This meeting has taught journalists like myself to have a practical knowledge of climate change. It has helped me develop ideas and leads," said Leroy Adolphus, a news reporter and sub editor with the Caribbean Media Corporation, who attended the event.

"Climate change is a global concern yet until journalists understand what is happening, we won't be able to communicate effectively to the public," he added.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Barbados
• Commonwealth Media Development Fund