Source management as a quality criterion in information on climate change. New roles for activists and experts in the Spanish coverage of post-pandemic Climate Summits (2021-2023)

Abstract

This work analyzes the management of sources as a quality criterion in climate change information, taking as a case study the journalistic coverage of the climate summits held during the post-pandemic period: Glasgow (2021), Sharm el Sheikh (2022) and Dubai (2023). To do this, three variables are reviewed – number, identification and typology – that connect with indicators such as credibility, pluralism or influence. The sample is made up of 671 informative pieces published in six Spanish media with different professional models and broad editorial focus. The results draw a media panorama based, on the one hand, on the abundance and correct identification of sources; and on the other, in the variety and participation of new actors. A growing role of activists is observed, as well as a prominent role of scientific and expert sources. The findings point to a significant increase in specialization and information quality in journalistic coverage of climate change.