State Media Leads Climate Coverage During COP29, Study Finds

Kathmandu - A recent research study by environmental journalist and researcher Saugat Mishra, analyzing Nepali media coverage during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) reveals that state-owned media outlets, particularly Gorkhapatra Daily, played a significantly stronger role in climate reporting compared to their private counterparts.

The study, which analyzed 53 climate-related news articles published between November 11 and 23, 2024, compared coverage by Gorkhapatra Daily and Kantipur Daily. It found that state media accounted for approximately 75% of all climate-related news published during the COP29 period, while private media contributed only 25%.

“State media consistently covered key events, including Nepal’s diplomatic engagements, with higher frequency and broader framing,” the study notes. Articles in Gorkhapatra covered environmental, political, economic, and disaster-related aspects of climate change, while Kantipur focused mainly on environmental and political framings.

In terms of presentation, private media like Kantipur utilized more color and photographs, indicating a stronger emphasis on visual storytelling. However, Gorkhapatra placed more climate-related content on front pages and diversified its formats, including interviews and editorials, reflecting a more comprehensive editorial approach.

The study underscores a growing concern over event-driven reporting, noting a sharp decline in coverage following the conclusion of COP29. “Both state and private media showed a spike during high-profile events but failed to maintain consistent attention thereafter,” the report highlights.

Researchers argue that while public media align closely with government climate diplomacy, private media must enhance their engagement with environmental issues. The study recommends sustained, in-depth reporting, journalist training, and greater integration of local and global climate perspectives.

With Nepal among the most climate-vulnerable nations, the researchers emphasize that inclusive, balanced, and informed climate journalism is essential for driving public awareness and effective policy response.

Researcher Mishra is the co-founder of Earthwise Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental advocacy and climate action in Nepal.

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