Climate Hypocrites and the Media that Love Them

The not-so-green habits of Hollywood gasbags

Recommendations for Journalists

MRC Business has the following recommendations for journalists who are reporting on the environmental activism or philanthropy of celebrities.

  • Treat Celebrities Honestly: Celebrities may be famous, but that doesn’t mean that they should automatically get a platform to promote their eco-agenda. Journalists need to recognize that just because someone is well known, doesn’t mean they are well informed. Statements made by celebrities should be evaluated with the same scrutiny as statements given by anyone else.

  • Don’t Pick and Choose the News: The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics states that journalists should “support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.” It is incumbent upon journalists to analyze the background for groups and individuals on both ends of the political spectrum.

  • Do Some Genuine Journalism and Investigate Celebrity Climate Change Alarmists: Journalists can’t afford to be starstruck. Media outlets should hold celebrities accountable for their actions, and not turn a blind eye when a celebrity’s lifestyle contradicts his or her message.

— Mike Ciandella is Research Analyst at the Media Research Center. Follow Mike Ciandella on Twitter.