National Geographic Loses Credibility in Travel Community

After hearing the news that Rupert Murdoch now has a 73% stake in National Geographic from a fellow travel blogger, there was an overwhelming sense of dismay. Only two years ago, I was celebrating 125 years of National Geographic at an exhibition in Taiwan, and now I’m unfollowing their social media accounts.

National Geographic’s own ethos is to “inspire people to care about the planet.” It’s one of the most – if not the most – trusted and respected resources for scientific and environmental journalism globally.

Now, in what seems to be an incredibly awful juxtaposition of values, the magazine is controlled by self-confessed climate change sceptic Rupert Murdoch.

As part of the deal with Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox who are infamous for misleading coverage of climate change issues, National Geographic has also sacrificed it’s non-profit status after 127 years. The brand has now become a for-profit organisation with assets including the magazines, television channels and related digital and social media platforms coming under the new control.

A statement was released by National Geographic Society President, Gary Knell, saying: “The expansion of our nearly two decade partnership with 21st Century Fox is another milestone for The National Geographic Society … The value generated by this transaction, including the consistent and attractive revenue stream that National Geographic Partners will deliver, ensures that we will have greater resources for this work, which includes our grant making programs that support scientists and explorers around the world.”

Unfortunately, profits seem to have won over credibility and ethics, but this news hasn’t gone unnoticed by readers. Many readers are choosing to put down their magazines and unfollow National Geographic’s social media accounts because of the questionable motives and influence that will no doubt result from the change of ownership.

The news caused a flood of National Geographic readers, followers and fellow travel bloggers to express their dismay, devastation and even outrage across Twitter and other social media sites.

 

Fortunately, the internet and social media has given a voice to everyone who wants to express their opinion. The reactions of readers and followers has shown that people do care about the ethics and morals behind what they’re reading.

Like many others, I’m saddened that I’ll no longer be able to trust the credibility of environmental journalism on National Geographic, to scroll in awe through their Instagram photos or use them as a source for my own travel blogs.

Thankfully though, there are many other credible writers, photographers, travel bloggers, magazines, publications and organisations out there who are spreading the word about responsible travel, protecting the environment and who care about making positive changes still out there.

What’s your opinion on the new ownership of National Geographic? How do you think it will affect the publication?

Header Image | kazuend