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CBS News has increasingly drawn on material from Climate Central, a climate change organization that includes former CBS staff. This collaboration aims to enrich the network’s environmental coverage with insights from this nonprofit.
In recent weeks, CBS News has made it clear during broadcasts and online articles that it partners with Climate Central, which describes itself as an independent group of scientists and communicators dedicated to informing the public about the realities of climate change and its impacts on society.
Since 2021, CBS News has cited research from Climate Central multiple times, yet the network started explicitly referencing its partnership on-air in July. This shift signals a strategic move towards integrating external expertise into its climate reporting.
One notable instance occurred last month when CBS News aired a segment on melting glaciers, reported by Ben Tracy, who previously served as the network’s senior national and environmental correspondent. His article included a disclaimer stating it was produced by Chris Spinder in partnership with Climate Central, with editorial input from Chris Jolly, a current CBS staff member.
In another instance, an article linked to an on-air piece featuring Tracy also mentioned its joint production with Climate Central. This partnership indicates a blending of resources where CBS harnesses Climate Central’s expertise while providing local reportage.
Both Tracy and Spinder are no longer CBS News employees; they now contribute to Climate Central. Their departure marks a noteworthy transition in journalistic practices as they continue to engage with critical environmental narratives.
Climate Central advocates for a unique approach called Partnership Journalism, where the organization collaborates with media outlets to enhance climate change reporting. They focus on data-driven insights, assisting with research, editing, and the overall storytelling process, ensuring that critical climate issues receive adequate attention.
The organization outlines its collaborative methodology by stating that partner outlets provide on-the-ground reporting and photography. In contrast, Climate Central enhances the stories with scientific data and expert commentary. This synergy aims to contextualize climate issues accurately for audiences.
Tracy now identifies as a climate journalist for Climate Central, a rebranding that highlights the growing importance of dedicated climate reporting. He embodies the network-quality journalism standards learned throughout his tenure at CBS News.
Meanwhile, Spinder transitioned to Climate Central as a senior producer, expanding his role to include the production of network-standard features focused on climate and environmental challenges. His efforts are directed at distributing essential climate stories to over 200 news stations across the country.
Shari Bell, vice president for content creation at Climate Central, confirmed the organization collaborates with several media outlets, including The Weather Channel and Scripps News, in addition to CBS News. She acknowledged that Tracy and Spinder’s recent shift into roles at Climate Central enhances the nonprofit’s reach and expertise.
Significantly, Climate Central positions itself as a non-advocacy entity focused on communicating the facts about climate change. Their stated values emphasize a non-partisan approach to climate reporting, assessing the implications of climate change without endorsing specific policies or technologies.
The organization commits to exploring the inequities propagated by climate change, actively engaging with communities affected by these issues. They highlight how marginalized populations—those historically more vulnerable to climate impacts—often experience the brunt of environmental challenges, which exacerbates existing social disparities.
Following an inquiry from media outlets, CBS News modified a disclaimer on one of its articles regarding its partnership with Climate Central. The updated version removed mention of the partnership, illustrating the dynamic and sometimes scrutinized relationship between a major news organization and an external nonprofit.
Moreover, Climate Central’s website includes interactive content showcasing the potential impacts of climate change, providing visual representations of landmarks that could be submerged if current carbon emission trends continue. This tool aims to raise awareness and spur conversations about climate action.
As these developments unfold, the collaboration between CBS News and Climate Central illustrates a growing trend of integrating specialized knowledge into mainstream journalism. By tapping into the expertise of climate communicators, CBS News enhances its reporting, making it more relevant and impactful for audiences concerned about the pressing realities of climate change.
In an era where climate issues dominate global discourse, such partnerships could pave the way for more informed public conversations and proactive measures against climate challenges.
The increasing reliance on scientific expertise in reporting heralds a new chapter in journalism, where media organizations prioritize accurate and comprehensive coverage of critical issues, fostering greater awareness and understanding among the public.
