Six major UK broadcasters (BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV, Sky and UKTV) have joined forces to develop a new measurement process that will track both programmes that include climate and sustainability content and the prominence of sustainability themes within the show.
According to BAFTA albert, which is working with the broadcasters on the commitment, the data will “paint a rich picture of the climate content that is not just engaging audiences but also engaging creatives as they embed these themes into their programming”.
The on-screen sustainability tracking process will launch in January 2025, and will be the building blocks for the industry to measure the impact of its content, added albert.
The broadcasters will report their data back to albert annually which will then publish aggregated and anonymised data insights.
The on-screen sustainability tracking forms will be issued as part of the broadcaster’s post production reporting process, said albert.
The latest commitment follows the Content Climate Pledge, which all of the broadcasters signed up to in 2021.
Speaking about the new content tracking process, Catherine Ellis, BAFTA albert’s head of climate content, said “Over the last three years the Climate Content Pledge has successfully brought together programme makers all over the UK to make a difference.
“In 2024 we have continued to see great progress and the introduction of a universal measurement process is a breakthrough that will allow the industry to deliver on its pledge to create more and better climate content. We can see how audiences react and engage and take those lessons to make even more impactful content in the future.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie added: “I’m incredibly proud of what content makers have achieved since we signed the Climate Content Pledge, but there’s more to do and everyone in the industry has a role to play. The BBC’s purpose is to inform, educate and entertain and the all-encompassing topic of climate change provides a huge creative opportunity in this respect. We will continue to raise the issues, highlight the facts and use compelling storytelling in our programming.”
