Environmental journalism | Why local matters: Storytelling
This course is designed to help journalists cover environmental stories and address the impact of climate change in a way that engages their audience.
About
This course will explain how environmental factors influence so many news stories which, at first glance, appear unrelated. Exposing the links can bring context, explanations and surprises to the audience as to why certain things are happening where they live. The course will explore storytelling techniques to keep these stories relevant and engaging.
You'll be helped to understand how issues at a local level are connected to the global picture on the state of the environment and climate change, whether it's children being unable to get to school or homes being flooded. Environmental destruction and climate change can foster a feeling of helplessness in an audience. The course will explore the importance of solutions-based journalism to better inform and engage. It's a critical time for local reporters trying to explain environmental issues to their audiences. This course aims to give you the tools to do that job.
By the end of this course you will:
- Know how to recognise the environment and climate change in every beat in the newsroom.
- Know how to understand your audience’s habits; the platforms they use and when.
- Learn storytelling techniques to engage your local and the wider audience.
- Understand the importance of seeing the bigger picture and recognising the local angle in national and international stories.
- Appreciate the important role of solutions-focused journalism in explaining environmental issues and climate change.