Mediatisation of alternative energy issues in European mass media

Abstract

The study presents the results of content monitoring of the European press on the subject of alternative energy. The data collected from the current newspaper articles and selected by keywords “alternative energy sources”, “diversification of energy sources”, “energy transition” and “energy markets” are summarised. Trends, problems and prospects of energy transition are revealed. Both pan-European trends and the dynamics of transition in specific countries (Germany, France and Great Britain) are presented. It is noted that the triangle of sustainable development, which is “economy — ecology — society”, needs a powerful media component to ensure public discussion and social approval of the latest energy technologies. It has been proved that the energy turn provides sufficient information support for society to adapt to alternative energy sources and allows key actors to make informed policy decisions. The role of solutions journalism in the implementation of sustainable development goals, including the transition of the society to renewable energy, is pointed out. It is noted that solutions journalism, as a new direction of media activity, corresponds to the interpretive contextual function of journalism, which provides coverage of productive precedents for solving social problems in different countries. The role of the media in popularisation of such precedents is shown. The tools of solutions journalism used in the European countries are indicated, namely engaging the expert community, providing positive forecasts, appealing to the productive experience of other countries, covering the political side of the issue and opportunities for savings through the transition to alternative energy sources, and promotion of green technologies.