Contrasting Narratives, Political Conflict & Event-Driven Storytelling
Lens on Media Trends: Top Trends in 2024 Energy Coverage
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, staying ahead means understanding not just the headlines but the underlying trends that drive them. CARMA seeks to spotlight the dominant narratives shaping key industries.
Across finance, automotive, FMCG, and energy, we analyse news headlines to uncover what’s resonating in the world, from the rise of green finance and the impact of AI in consumer markets, to shifting priorities in sustainability and innovation.
Among all the news we consumed last year across the world, three trends stood out according to our analysts. From the Russia-Ukraine war to the UAE’s unconventional method of promoting energy events, much of 2024 energy headlines focused on:
How energy weaponisation was framed.
The challenges certain governments faced in balancing energy transition and economic growth.
Event-driven storytelling by the UAE & Egypt.
Contrasting editorial perspectives on the weaponisation of energy.
2024’s global energy narrative was largely led by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, commanding 35% of all geopolitical coverage. This marked a fundamental shift in modern warfare, as energy was weaponised.
The story peaked when Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure plunged 1.2 million civilians into darkness, a move that was covered by outlets around the world. This invasion received more coverage in US media than in other regions, particularly after the Kremlin referred to the invasion as a “war.”
A report by the UK’s Energy Crisis Commission detailed Ukraine’s dependence on imports of energy, making it vulnerable.
The US presidential race added another layer of complexity, with the Biden administration facing scrutiny while Trump’s bold claims about conflict resolution captured headlines.
Volume of Coverage – Geopolitical Tensions
A distinct East-West narrative divide emerged. While Western outlets focused on the energy market volatility, Chinese media painted a different picture.
Chinese reports praised Russia’s energy warfare strategy while casting NATO as the antagonist – a narrative that supported Sino-Russian energy allegiances.
Country Breakdown – Geopolitical Tensions
As the UK & Australia governments pushed for green energy, the media focused on concerns to economic growth.
The governments of the UK and Australia faced the challenge of balancing energy affordability and green investments in their budget plans, following the end of over a decade of conservative leadership in both countries.
In the UK, coverage surged after the government announced a new national energy company, funded partly by a windfall tax on oil and gas firms. While this reflects a strong push towards renewable energy, it raised concerns about economic viability due to the UK’s inability to bring new investments to the country.
Favourable reports on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s promised to cut household bills by £300 by 2029 highlighting efforts to ease living costs, while scepticism persisted over the financial demands of the energy transition.
Negative headlines focused on The Reform Party leading the charge in the criticism of the Labour government’s energy transition plan and concerns about the economic strain of transitioning during an era of high inflation. The media named one of the cabinet members, Edward Miliband, ‘obsessed’ with renewable energy.
In September, negative coverage spiked over worries the government’s plan to reduce reliance on the North Sea oil could threaten 200,000 jobs and further deter future investments in the country.
Country Breakdown – Government Energy Policies
Volume of Coverage – UK Government Energy Policies
In Australia, the new government drove significant policy shifts in energy transition, increasing funding for renewables while tightening regulations on fossil fuels. However, concerns about rising energy costs and job impacts, especially when one of the country’s main exports is coal.
The Australian budget in May announced an AUD$300 energy relief bill for all households regardless of income level, the government came under scrutiny for being wasteful and ineffective in policy making. Australian entrepreneur, Dick Smith, made headlines for pledging to donate his relief to charity, calling the policy a “stunt.”
Negative coverage grew after the news of potential blackouts due to the high reliance on solar energy which overwhelms the power grid across Australia. The government’s lack of development in alternative renewable energy projects continues to bring scepticism on energy transition plans in Australia.
Media narratives in both countries highlight the challenge of pursuing climate goals while maintaining economic reality.
Volume of Coverage – Australia Government Energy Policies
The Middle East led the narrative on clean energy through high-profile events.
The UAE emerged as the leading voice in clean energy discourse, capturing 21% of worldwide coverage.
The media reported on events such as the Government Technology Award and World Government Summit that were attended by members of Middle East royal families, indicating the region’s commitment to clean energy.
Country Breakdown – Clean Energy Investment
Egypt’s announcement of becoming Europe’s primary hydrogen supplier at the Egyptian-European Joint Investment conference, contributing to 10% of global investment coverage, rewrote the narrative of Middle East-EU relations.
Volume of Coverage – Global Clean Energy Investment
These events bolstered the countries’ status as energy leaders, strengthened their international ties, and demonstrated a commitment to driving climate action.
Volume of Coverage – Egypt Clean Energy Investment
Fale com um dos nossos experientes consultores sobre a sua monitorização de media e comunicação ainda hoje!
Commentary, LOMT 2024
Contrasting Narratives, Political Conflict & Event-Driven Storytelling
Lens on Media Trends: Top Trends in 2024 Energy Coverage
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, staying ahead means understanding not just the headlines but the underlying trends that drive them. CARMA seeks to spotlight the dominant narratives shaping key industries.
Across finance, automotive, FMCG, and energy, we analyse news headlines to uncover what’s resonating in the world, from the rise of green finance and the impact of AI in consumer markets, to shifting priorities in sustainability and innovation.
Among all the news we consumed last year across the world, three trends stood out according to our analysts. From the Russia-Ukraine war to the UAE’s unconventional method of promoting energy events, much of 2024 energy headlines focused on:
Contrasting editorial perspectives on the weaponisation of energy.
2024’s global energy narrative was largely led by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, commanding 35% of all geopolitical coverage. This marked a fundamental shift in modern warfare, as energy was weaponised.
The story peaked when Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure plunged 1.2 million civilians into darkness, a move that was covered by outlets around the world. This invasion received more coverage in US media than in other regions, particularly after the Kremlin referred to the invasion as a “war.”
A report by the UK’s Energy Crisis Commission detailed Ukraine’s dependence on imports of energy, making it vulnerable.
The US presidential race added another layer of complexity, with the Biden administration facing scrutiny while Trump’s bold claims about conflict resolution captured headlines.
Volume of Coverage – Geopolitical Tensions
A distinct East-West narrative divide emerged. While Western outlets focused on the energy market volatility, Chinese media painted a different picture.
Chinese reports praised Russia’s energy warfare strategy while casting NATO as the antagonist – a narrative that supported Sino-Russian energy allegiances.
Country Breakdown – Geopolitical Tensions
As the UK & Australia governments pushed for green energy, the media focused on concerns to economic growth.
The governments of the UK and Australia faced the challenge of balancing energy affordability and green investments in their budget plans, following the end of over a decade of conservative leadership in both countries.
In the UK, coverage surged after the government announced a new national energy company, funded partly by a windfall tax on oil and gas firms. While this reflects a strong push towards renewable energy, it raised concerns about economic viability due to the UK’s inability to bring new investments to the country.
Favourable reports on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s promised to cut household bills by £300 by 2029 highlighting efforts to ease living costs, while scepticism persisted over the financial demands of the energy transition.
Negative headlines focused on The Reform Party leading the charge in the criticism of the Labour government’s energy transition plan and concerns about the economic strain of transitioning during an era of high inflation. The media named one of the cabinet members, Edward Miliband, ‘obsessed’ with renewable energy.
In September, negative coverage spiked over worries the government’s plan to reduce reliance on the North Sea oil could threaten 200,000 jobs and further deter future investments in the country.
Country Breakdown – Government Energy Policies
Volume of Coverage – UK Government Energy Policies
In Australia, the new government drove significant policy shifts in energy transition, increasing funding for renewables while tightening regulations on fossil fuels. However, concerns about rising energy costs and job impacts, especially when one of the country’s main exports is coal.
The Australian budget in May announced an AUD$300 energy relief bill for all households regardless of income level, the government came under scrutiny for being wasteful and ineffective in policy making. Australian entrepreneur, Dick Smith, made headlines for pledging to donate his relief to charity, calling the policy a “stunt.”
Negative coverage grew after the news of potential blackouts due to the high reliance on solar energy which overwhelms the power grid across Australia. The government’s lack of development in alternative renewable energy projects continues to bring scepticism on energy transition plans in Australia.
Media narratives in both countries highlight the challenge of pursuing climate goals while maintaining economic reality.
Volume of Coverage – Australia Government Energy Policies
The Middle East led the narrative on clean energy through high-profile events.
The UAE emerged as the leading voice in clean energy discourse, capturing 21% of worldwide coverage.
The media reported on events such as the Government Technology Award and World Government Summit that were attended by members of Middle East royal families, indicating the region’s commitment to clean energy.
Country Breakdown – Clean Energy Investment
Egypt’s announcement of becoming Europe’s primary hydrogen supplier at the Egyptian-European Joint Investment conference, contributing to 10% of global investment coverage, rewrote the narrative of Middle East-EU relations.
Volume of Coverage – Global Clean Energy Investment
These events bolstered the countries’ status as energy leaders, strengthened their international ties, and demonstrated a commitment to driving climate action.
Volume of Coverage – Egypt Clean Energy Investment
Fale com um dos nossos experientes consultores sobre a sua monitorização de media e comunicação ainda hoje!