albert, the TV and film industry organisation for environmental sustainability, has today published an update from the largest media brands in the UK and Ireland on the progress of the Climate Content Pledge, one year after it was signed alongside COP26 in Glasgow.

As part of the Pledge, programmes including ‘climate content’ are now reaching audiences - and winning awards - across a wide range of genres including comedy, factual, drama, entertainment and events.

Behind the scenes, changes are being made to weave sustainability requirements into the commissioning process, with many of the media brands making these considerations mandatory for editorial and the production itself. Dedicated training is being offered to commissioning staff on how best to feature climate change, along with tracking of issues in content to ensure teams learn from what works well.

Designed to improve on-screen storytelling around climate change action, the Pledge brings together 12 of the UK and Ireland’s largest media brands: the BBC, BBC Studios, BritBox International, Channel 4, Channel 5/ Paramount UK, Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland (previously Discovery UK & Ireland), ITV, RTE, S4C, Sky, STV, UKTV.

In the last year since the Pledge was signed, albert has worked closely with commissioning teams to embed sustainability at the very beginning of the production process, providing bespoke editorial training to over 1000 people since 2021, and launching a new Editorial Engagement Tool, freely available to help those working in TV and film, to help consider new ways to bring climate storytelling into their programmes. It is also carrying out in-depth analysis of the impact of content on sustainable behaviour.

STV has taken the following actions as part of its commitment to the Climate Content Pledge:

  • The business has achieved albert certification of all its broadcast and STV Studios UK-produced programming in 2022.
  • Its new commissioning processes will incorporate sustainability themes in STV-produced programming, including a six-part series, Sean’s Scotland, featuring local people involved in community-based projects, addressing the impacts of climate change and enhancing the natural environment.
  • There will also be an on-screen promotional campaign commissioned to coincide with the anniversary of COP26. Small Changes Today, Big Difference Tomorrow – is designed to inspire STV audiences to make greener choices.

Blockquote open At STV, a focus on sustainability is embedded into all areas of the business. We’re committed to using the power of our platforms, our broad reach and our creative programme making skills, to inform audiences about the need for climate action and inspiring them to make sustainable lifestyle choices. Blockquote close

Simon Pitts CEO

More detail on STV’s specific commitments under the Climate Content Pledge is available here: www.stvplc.tv/social-impact/sustainability

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For more information: contact Hannah Bailey

HannahB@bafta.org