Disruptive climate campaigning in a changing media landscape

Every day, it becomes more apparent that traditional media institutions are losing their relevance. Online media creators are taking their place and gaining massive audiences – but the world of social media is also in constant flux, as shown by the weekend's momentary US TikTok ban.

It can be hard for activists to keep up.

Last year, I spoke to Australian direct action practitioners about the importance of both traditional and social media for implementing their strategies, and about how they've adapted to changes in the media. Today, that research has been published by the Commons Library:

Part one:

How Disruptive Climate Campaigners use Mainstream Media

The Commons is an online library for the change makers of the world and for those interested in social change, activism, organising, advocacy and justice.

The CommonsAntje

Part two:

How Disruptive Climate Campaigners use Social Media

The Commons is an online library for the change makers of the world and for those interested in social change, activism, organising, advocacy and justice.

The CommonsAntje

These articles were written as part of a the Commons Library's Movement Monitor Fellowship program. Thank you to the Commons Library for the opportunity, and to the interview subjects I spoke with for their time.

Our new media paradigm creates plenty of opportunities for campaigners to try different approaches to public communication. I've been experimenting in that space with my Big State TikTok channel. New media and its role in campaigning is also a focus of my podcast/newsletter The Last Place on Earth.