The Australian Greens are set to summon News Corp executives to testify before a Senate committee probing greenwashing allegations. This investigation focuses on a series of stories sponsored by the gas industry, masquerading as news on the front pages of News Corp newspapers.
Starting Monday, tabloids like the Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Courier Mail, and Adelaide Advertiser ran a week-long series promoting fossil fuels. The headlines warned of Australia plunging into darkness and advocated for increased gas usage to avoid higher bills and blackouts. These stories were labeled as “exclusive” and a “special report.”
The papers featured double-spread advertorials proudly sponsored by APA Group, Tamboran, Santos, and Jemena – key players in the gas industry. The content quoted industry leaders pushing for more gas extraction without presenting alternative perspectives or fact-checking. Interestingly, the online version did not disclose its sponsorship.
How can News Corp label this paid-for content as ‘exclusive’ or ’special report’? | Adam MortonRead more
Subsequent editions continued with pro-fossil fuel narratives without clear sponsorship disclosures.
Sarah Hanson-Young from The Greens criticized these papers for disguising paid propaganda as genuine news during a time when truth is crucially important.
She emphasized that public opinion towards coal and gas is shifting due to worsening climate change awareness.
In response to these allegations, Murdoch media executives may be summoned before the Greenwashing inquiry next year to address concerns about journalistic ethics and their stance on climate science.
2024-12-04 00:37:04
Post from www.theguardian.com