Contact: Ed Maibach (George Mason University); Bernadette Woods Placky (Climate Central)
Email: emaibach@gmu.edu; bplacky@climatecentral.org
Phone: Maibach: (301) 315-2124; Placky: (609) 986-1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Climate Matters Expands into the Newsroom
Project Will Provide Localized Climate Reporting Resources to Journalists
ANAHEIM, CA, September 5, 2017
The Climate Matters program that has successfully helped hundreds of television meteorologists
become key sources of local climate change information for audiences around the nation is now
expanding further into the newsroom. The program provides reporters with localized climate
reporting resources and training on climate science, climate change, and how to communicate
effectively about it.
Supported by the National Science Foundation, the project aims to increase the quality and
quantity of reporting on climate change science, impacts, and solutions. Partnering on the project
are George Mason University, Climate Central, Climate Communication, National Aeronautics
and Space Association (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
American Meteorological Society, Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA),
National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Society
of Environmental Journalists, and The Carole Kneeland Project.
Project leader Ed Maibach of George Mason University explains, “TV meteorologists are trusted
sources of information on climate change, and Climate Matters has already helped over 400 of
them bring local climate change information to their viewers. We are now expanding the
program deeper into the newsroom to help all interested journalists tell local climate change
stories that reach beyond the weathercast.”
Bernadette Woods Placky of Climate Central, another project leader, adds, “Since the Climate
Matters program launched, we’ve seen a big increase in the number of broadcast meteorologists
bringing climate science into their weather forecasts. It’s clear that local TV audiences want to
understand how climate change is affecting their communities. By expanding into the newsroom,
we look forward to helping journalists tell these important stories.”
Both continuing and new partners in the project are enthusiastic about this new development.
The American Meteorological Society has been a partner in the development of Climate Matters
into a nationwide reporting resource program for TV weathercasters over the past five years.
“We’ve long championed effective science reporting by weathercasters,” said AMS Executive
Director Keith Seitter. “The Climate Matters program has helped hundreds of our members
report more effectively on climate change and on its impacts in their media markets. We’re
delighted that these reporting resources will now be offered to other journalists.”
“RTDNA is pleased to partner with George Mason University, Climate Central, and others in
this effort,” said Dan Shelley, RTDNA Incoming Executive Director. “Helping our members,
and broadcast and digital journalists in general, better understand issues related to reporting on
climate change will elevate our profession and, more importantly, enhance the public’s
understanding of what many believe is the most critical issue of our time.”
Brandon Benavides, President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists commented,
“NAHJ has a commitment to providing our journalists with continuing education that can help to
better inform communities. The partnership with George Mason University, Climate Central and
those who are supporting this initiative, help our association apply substance in content and
information while upholding the integrity storytelling on climate science and weather forecasts.”
Society of Environmental Journalists Executive Director Melissa Klem stated, “SEJ is pleased to
partner on this effort to provide much-needed tools for journalists who cover climate change.
We are thrilled to work with George Mason University and wish to thank that National Science
Foundation for its support.”
Members of the Climate Matters project team will attend the Excellence in Journalism joint
conference of the Radio Television Digital News Association, Society of Professional
Journalists, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists in Anaheim, CA, Sept. 7-9, to
introduce the project to members of two of its partner organizations. Team members will also
attend the Society of Environmental Journalists conference Oct. 4-8 in Pittsburgh, PA, and will
be presenting to TV news directors who are alumni of The Carole Kneeland Project in late
October.
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About NAHJ The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States and dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. The mission of NAHJ is to increase the number of Latinos in the newsrooms and to work toward fair and accurate representation of Latinos in news media. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists. NAHJ has approximately 2,000 members, including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals and journalism educators. For more information please visit NAHJ.org or follow on Twitter @NAHJ.