Important considerations for environmentally sustainable broadcasting: The British Broadcasting Corporation experience

Abstract

Many people recognise the important role broadcasters have in providing people with an understanding of environmental issues is often through programmes and other content but broadcasters themselves also have a significant impact on the environment through the process of content creation and distribution. This touches on the editorial and creative challenges of informing audiences about the environment and focuses on the sustainability of programme making and distribution, using the UK and particularly the BBC as an example. In the first case using information from Albert, the UK carbon calculator for the television industry, the carbon footprint of different production workflows will be assessed. Then using research undertaken by BBC R&D and partners the paper will look at the impact of transmission and the energy differences between distribution platforms. In conclusion some thoughts on the challenges facing this industry will be shared as well as some suggestions on where efforts might productively be focused.