LAUSR

Many people recognise the important role broadcasters have in providing people with an understanding of environmental issues through programs and other content, but broadcasters themselves also have a significant impact on the environment through the process of content creation and distribution. In this article we show how the carbon footprint of broadcasting is larger than most people appreciate, and then, using research undertaken by BBC R&D and its partners, we examine in more detail the pawer consumption of program distribution and viewing on a range of common technology platforms. In conclusion, some thoughts on the challenges facing this industry are shared as well as some suggestions on where efforts might productively be focused in order to reduce broadcasting's carbon footprint.