SINGAPORE – ClimateXchange, a pioneering global journalism initiative aimed at reshaping the way climate information is disseminated, unveiled its platform during the 2023 Digital Media Conference in Singapore. Simultaneously, the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) was revealed as its primary news industry collaborator for the Southeast Asia region.
The launch, set at the 2023 Digital Media Conference in Singapore, marks the initiation of a partnership between ClimateXchange and the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) for Southeast Asia.
Newsroom leaders from 22 countries convened at the Digital Media Asia 2023 conference to deliberate on challenges and the evolving role of media in the digital age. Among the prominent subjects of discussion was the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. Notably, a delegation from the Philippines, spearheaded by Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, included representatives from leading media organizations like Rappler, GMA, Inquirer.net, and Sunstar Philippines. Notably, Newsline Philippines emerged as the sole newsroom representing Mindanao in this international assembly.
Alis Okonji, ClimateXchange’s Partner Manager, lauded the partnership, stating, “WAN-IFRA’s extensive global network, profound industry knowledge, and dedication to journalism advancement render it an ideal partner.” She also emphasized that WAN-IFRA’s broad reach empowers ClimateXchange to engage with news outlets across Southeast Asia, facilitating impactful climate reporting that resonates with communities affected by climate change.
Conceived by non-profit community interest company Syli, ClimateXchange strives to catalyze a fundamental shift in journalism. According to co-founders Tom Trewinnard and Fergus Bell, this transformation hinges on prioritizing local content that delves into tangible contributors to climate change and the worldwide journey toward a more environmentally aware lifestyle. The team’s vision is that by harnessing a global network of content producers, facilitated by regional partners like WAN-IFRA, and granting equal access to reliable information, communities will feel empowered and engaged at a grassroots level.
ClimateXchange operates on three core pillars:
- contentXchange: A platform for creating and sharing impactful climate journalism, serving as a reporting and distribution hub for use by global news outlets.
- knowledgeXchange: The birthplace of ecosystem change, focusing on the development and refinement of sustainability solutions for newsrooms covering the climate crisis.
- regionalXchange: A network of regional hubs where climate reporting is commissioned and cross-border, cross-regional collaborations are cultivated.
ClimateXchange has garnered philanthropic support from the IKEA Foundation and the KR Foundation. The WAN-IFRA partnership marks the commencement of a collaborative system enabling ClimateXchange’s partners to contribute, adapt, and employ story assets hosted on a central content platform.
In its current BETA phase, this hub allows assets to be accessed, customized, and localized for various regions. Original content generated by ClimateXchange’s team of visual journalists will be shared, enabling partners to access reliable digital assets that can be customized and distributed to their local audiences. Additionally, this platform offers collaborative forums, best-practice guidance, and a shared research hub known as knowledgeXchange, which is holding its inaugural workshop during the 2023 Digital Media Conference in Singapore on October 18.
Jen Teo, Deputy Director of Training & Special Projects at WAN-IFRA APAC, expressed enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to be part of this pioneering initiative with ClimateXchange. This partnership represents a significant step toward ensuring that Asia’s news outlets have access to reliable, locally tailored, and adaptable climate content. WAN-IFRA is committed to enhancing journalistic excellence in Asia and amplifying the urgency surrounding improved coverage of climate-related challenges. This collaboration is a significant stride in this direction.”
ClimateXchange’s platform launch coincides with heightened scrutiny of media coverage of climate change, against the backdrop of extreme weather events and increasing concerns from scientists about 2023 potentially becoming the hottest year in recorded human history. ClimateXchange seeks to address this challenge by providing equitable, trustworthy, and social media-focused distribution of climate information, in light of declining global engagement with traditional news sources.
