Media Access and Political Efficacy in the Eco-politics of Climate Change: Canadian National News and Mediated Policy Networks. Issue 3 (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stoddart, Mark C. J.; Tindall, David B.; Smith, Jillian; Haluza-Delay, Randolph
• Is Part Of: Environmental communication. Volume 11:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 386
• Page End: 400
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Climate change -- mass media -- environmental movement -- oil industry -- Canada; Communication in the environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/17524032.2016.1275731
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-4032

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We use a discourse network analysis approach to answer two questions about national news coverage of climate change policy debate in Canada during the period 2006–2010. First, what is the media visibility of actors relevant to policy development and advocacy on climate change? Second, given the political and economic context of climate policy-making in Canada, does greater or lesser media visibility reflect effectiveness in climate policy advocacy? Multiple interpretive frameworks characterize Canadian political discourse about climate change, with fragmentation between the federal government, opposition political parties, provincial governments, and environmental organizations. Contrary to expectations, environmental organizations had high levels of media visibility while the relative invisibility of fossil fuel corporations was notable in the media coverage of Canadian climate discussions. Our findings challenge optimistic accounts of the relationship between media power and political power, and suggest that media power does not necessarily translate to political efficacy.