Risk, Responsibility, and Reporting: Journalists’ Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

This study evaluates environmental risk communication among journalists in Sindh, Pakistan by using the Environmental Risk Communication Index (ERCI) for a testing evaluation about reporting effectiveness. The study gives an impression of linking a moderately educated journalist regarding environmental risks and a moderate professional capacity. However, this research shows no relationship among individual attributes and actual reporting performance. None of five hypothesized relationships were statistically significant: perceived risk severity, professional capacity, institutional constraints, public engagement, and framing practices. The mediation analysis showed a marginal link between framing and capacity; however, the impact of framing on ERCI was very minimal. These findings suggest structural factors, such as media editorial independence, access to scientific information pertaining to the audience within the organization itself, and institutional support, may be greater determinants in influencing environmental journalism as opposed to individual competencies. The study has a critical gap between the knowledge factor and action, calling for systemic reforms, in the newsroom environments, together with resources allocated for journalist training.