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Climate change on television reaches the engaged but misses distant audiences

Author

Listed:
  • Imke Hoppe

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Department of Geography)

  • Felix Dörpmund

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Department of Geography
    Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Center for Digital Technology and Management)

  • Christian Weigel

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT)

  • Alexander Loos

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT)

  • Matthias Garschagen

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Department of Geography)

  • Thomas Kox

    (Weizenbaum Institute)

  • Stephanus Volke

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT—Oldenburg Branch HSA)

  • Jens Ekkehart Appell

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT—Oldenburg Branch HSA)

  • Irene Neverla

    (University of Hamburg
    Freie Universität Berlin)

Abstract

Television is a widely used medium for climate information worldwide, yet its role in public engagement remains underexplored. Here we examine both the representation of climate change on television and the audience engagement with it. We analysed 23,478 hours of programming across 20 German television channels over 61 days in 2022 and further assessed audience engagement with climate content through a representative survey (n = 1,445). In the beginning of the polycrisis context of autumn 2022—including war, inflation and energy insecurity—2.2% of broadcast hours addressed climate topics. Climate coverage was concentrated in news formats, reaching mostly to the climate-engaged majority, but remained largely invisible for climate-distant groups who prefer entertainment programmes. In addition, the results reveal unequal gender representation in television programmes and a perceived over-representation of politicians. Taken together, these findings suggest that strengthening inclusive storytelling, diversifying representation and innovating formats may enhance the reach and inclusivity of televised climate communication.

Suggested Citation

  • Imke Hoppe & Felix Dörpmund & Christian Weigel & Alexander Loos & Matthias Garschagen & Thomas Kox & Stephanus Volke & Jens Ekkehart Appell & Irene Neverla, 2026. "Climate change on television reaches the engaged but misses distant audiences," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 16(3), pages 288-296, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:16:y:2026:i:3:d:10.1038_s41558-026-02575-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-026-02575-3
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