Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 1 Environmental Communication by NGOs Media, Politics and the Environment April 3, 2013 Miklos Sukosd

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 2 Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) NGOs belong to civil society: democratic citizens different from the state and the economy (business) “Third sector” of society (non-governmental, non-profit) NGOs often relate to social movements: collective actions for social (political, cultural, environmental, economic) change Local, national, international (INGOS) NGOs Differences in membership, autonomy from the state and business, organization, professionalism, resources, goals Environmental NGOs: raise awareness, change consumer behavior, citizens’ public opinion and policy-making process

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 3 When are NGOs and social movements successful? Social movement theory: 1. If they have political opportunities 2. If they can mobilize and organize successfully 3. If they can frame their issues successfully

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 4 1. Political opportunities Political opportunity structures: spaces for action The same NGO action may have different chances for success dependent on political opportunity Institutional structures and informal power relations in different political systems Different national contexts: democratic vs. authoritarian systems Openness or closure of political system Stability of elite alignments The presence of elite allies The state capacity for repression Example: coalition governments; local environmental conflict in China

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong Informal and formal vehicles for collective action and organize successfully Resources of NGOs: groups, organizations, communities, networks, membership, leadership, sponsors, supporters (donations, membership fees) Civil rights movement (US): churches, colleges Feminist movements: informal friendship networks Social media: support networks for publicity and mobilization Traditional media: involving new supporters, larger networks (membership), setting agendas, changing public opinion 5 2. Mobilizing structures

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong 3. Framing processes The power of ideas, concepts, frames, moral evaluations Frames define grievances, possible solutions, and optimistic action Cognitive dimension of NGOs and social movements: cognitive liberation New paradigms (including environmental concepts ) New measures (including ecological or carbon foorprint) Cultural identity of NGOs: non-materials demands, “post- material” social movements Frames and ideas may also create political opportunities and effective organizations Interrelationship of 3 factors of efficiency 6

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong NGO environmental media actions Greenpeace videos on site actions Goal: to call attention to environmental issues Focus and influence public opinion to influence policy process Serve footage for global television and photo opportunities for press photographers 7

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong Exploring Greenpeace media actions Dramatic visuals (dangerous, even life-threatening action; symbolic [handcuffed to nuclear plant fences]) Professional, well-done (GP camera people) Symbolic law-breaking (newsworthy; civil disobedience: break the law in the name of higher ideals) Rehearsed action by professional movement members (no mass membership demonstrations) Moral judgment: good guys vs. bad guys David against Goliath (visual symbolism) 8

Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong Criticisms of Greenpeace media actions – and answers No real membership; professional elite actions; too much hierarchy Self-perpetuating organization for donations Answers to criticism: division of labour among environmental NGOs and other stakeholders Greenpeace role with media actions: setting environmental policy agendas Efficient organization, professional realization Other roles: think tank (scientific research and evaluation, conferences, policy proposals) 9