Analysis on Environmental Journalism and the Challenges of Journalists in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research seeks to explore the challenges of environmental journalists in Sri Lankan newspapers. To carry out the objectives of the research, qualitative methodology was employed. Primary data were collected through in-depth interview method. The research concluded that journalists are facing a plethora of challenges such as editors’ lack of knowledge about environmental issues and science, lack of support from editors, lack of facilities such proper professional training for journalists, pressures from management of the newspaper with the space allocation, influences of advertisers and politicians, and complexity of environmental issues, and problems of getting information from the sources. In addition, according to responses of the participants, it is concluded that environmental journalism is not well-established in Sri Lanka, not having in-depth analysis on the environment. Comparing with Sunday Times newspaper, it is shown that Irida Lankadeepa newspaper and editors are not interested in the environment, and they have not allocated specific space for the environment. Furthermore, they pointed out that the reason for not to grant priority for the environment is environmental journalism is created by non-government organisations and their hidden intentions.