When members of Environmental Action became fed up with pro-fracking spots aired by the American Natural Gas Association on NPR, they set up a mock website “NPR-Dont-Even-Thinkaboutit.org” to collect their own mesages highlighting the dangers of fracking. Dozens of comments and voices were then edited into a segment intended to serve as a counterweight to the pro-fracking messages on NPR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2013
Contact: Drew Hudson, Environmental Action, drew AT environmental-action.org, 802-272-9763
Crowd Sourced radio ad combats pro-fracking spots on NPR
When members of Environmental Action became fed up with pro-fracking spots aired by the American Natural Gas Association on NPR, they set up a mock website “NPR-Dont-Even-Thinkaboutit.org” to collect their own mesages highlighting the dangers of fracking. Dozens of comments and voices were then edited into a segment intended to serve as a counterweight to the pro-fracking messages on NPR.
Hear the radio ad online at https://soundcloud.com/...
“Since the beginning, companies like Halliburton have been covering up the real dangers of fracking. And we count on major media outlets like NPR to uncover the truth and expose the danger - Like the LA Times and ProPublica have done in the last few months. But all you hear on NPR all day, every day is how gas is "natural" and fracking is "safe," and you should just "think about it" at the ANGA website of the same name,” said Drew Hudson, Director at Environmental Action. “So our members decided it was time to set the record straight, and with this radio ad, we’re hoping to engage millions of NPR listeners and fans in the conversation about how, when it comes to fracking, NPR really shouldn’t think about it.
Members of the group Forecast the Facts also joined in the campaign. “Forecast the Facts members believe in accurate reporting on climate change,” said Emily Southard, Campaign Manager at Forecast the Facts. “These NPR spots say nothing about the climate impacts of fracking. Just as the LA Times no longer prints letters to the editor from climate denial, so too should NPR ban advertisements that deny the reality of fracking destroying our climate and our planet.”
At least two local public radio affiliates of NPR have already responded to Environmental Action members’ concerns. An email from WUNC to a member stated “We have complained to NPR about the copy and about how this advocacy group [ANGA] is represented through the announcements.” WSKG’s president wrote in a letter to the Daily Star newspaper, “I too... am very disappointed that NPR continues to accept ANGA funding. We have asked NPR to reconsider its decision to accept this funding and have explained that it puts WSKG in a very difficult position.” Many more members have reported calling their local public radio stations to complain or refuse to support the programming in light of these ads.
In less than 24 hours Environmental Action already reports more than a $1000 have been pledged to air this ad, or a similar sponsored message, on local affiliates of NPR, and they have set a goal of raising a goal of $5500, enough to get on New York City’s WNYC during Morning Edition program. Over 40,000 members have signed the companion petition at http://NPR-Dont-Even-Thinkaboutit.org
About Environmental Action: With over 200,000 activists throughout the United States, Environmental Action works to draw a bright line on the nation's most pressing environmental concerns. From drilling for oil and nuclear power to forest preservation and mountaintop removal mining, we take on the biggest polluters, and work for solutions, not compromises.
About Forecast the Facts: Forecast the Facts is a grassroots human rights organization dedicated to ensuring that Americans hear the truth about climate change: that temperatures are increasing, human activity is largely responsible, and that our world is already experiencing the effects