Description
The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of 'the media' in bringing about the 'age' of the Anthropocene – the age of humans. Based on a submitted PhD thesis, the literature review shows how such 'creative destruction' has happened alongside colonialism, industrialisation and globalisation. It also highlights the limits of framing 'environmental' issues as such, as these are often 'social' at their source. Its theoretical framework brings together theories of 'sustainability', 'the press' and 'social values' to frame a new concept, 'cultural emissions', as a cyclical phenomenon relating to media 'content' and affecting 'the commons'. Looking at the news media specifically, a comparative content analysis of UK newspapers from the past 50 years provides evidence of this phenomenon over time. The findings suggest our focus must move beyond 'climate reporting' or coverage of environmental issues when considering cultural emissions. Newspapers have particularly prioritised motoring, and more general 'lifestyle' content, in both editorial and advertising, which informs how markets and societies behave. The paper concludes that more work must be done to understand the values that inform media content, how these appear, and the effects and impacts this may have on ensuring a 'safe and just' future world.| Period | 23 May 2025 |
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| Event title | CAMRI Conference: 50 Years of Media and Communication Studies |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | London, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |