Media Manipulation | How Newscorp Distorted Cyclone Coverage and Climate Facts
After Cyclone Alfred’s devastating impacts still Queensland and northern NSW, Newscorp publications worked overtime to undermine climate science and shame those who urged preparation. This isn’t just bad journalism – it’s a dangerous pattern that puts Australian communities at risk. Here’s what they don’t want you to know about our changing climate and why they’re so determined to deny it.
When Preparation Becomes “Fear-Mongering”
As Queensland and northern NSW assessed the damage from Cyclone Alfred, Newscorp publications wasted no time publishing accusations that climate scientists were “cashing in” on the disaster and “pushing a climate of fear.” This misleading framing reveals a disturbing pattern in how Australia’s dominant media corporation covers extreme weather events and climate change.
The original article labeled climate scientists as “prophets of an impending climate apocalypse” who “weaponise lies for a noble cause.” Such inflammatory language doesn’t just misrepresent climate science – it actively undermines public trust in the experts working to protect our communities from worsening climate impacts.
The Scientific Reality vs. Media Distortion
FACT VS. FICTION: Climate Change and Cyclones
FICTION “There is no evidence that Alfred was caused by climate change.”
FACT Climate scientists don’t claim individual cyclones are “caused” by climate change. Rather, warming oceans provide more energy for storms that do form, potentially increasing their intensity and rainfall. Attribution science examines how climate change alters the probability and characteristics of extreme events, not whether it “causes” them.
FICTION “It’s contradictory to say there will be fewer cyclones but they’ll be more intense.”
FACT This is well-established science, not a contradiction. Climate models consistently show that while total cyclone numbers may decrease globally, the proportion of high-intensity storms (Categories 4-5) is likely to increase as oceans warm.
FICTION “Cyclones hit Brisbane in the past, so Alfred isn’t unusual or linked to climate change.”
FACT Historical cyclones don’t disprove climate change impacts. Climate science examines changing patterns and risks over time, not the mere existence of extreme events. The relevant question is whether warming oceans are changing cyclone behavior and impacts.
FICTION “The Climate Council exploited the cyclone as a business opportunity.”
FACT Providing scientific expertise during relevant weather events is standard practice for scientific organisations. The Climate Council bases its statements on peer-reviewed science and official reports from Australia’s leading scientific agencies.
Let’s examine what the science actually tells us about tropical cyclones in a warming world:
- Climate models consistently project fewer total cyclones globally but more high-intensity storms (Categories 4-5). This is not contradictory – it reflects complex changes in atmospheric circulation combined with increasing ocean heat content. Warmer waters provide more energy for storms that do form.
- While citing global statistics, Newscorp coverage ignores crucial regional changes directly affecting Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO have documented warming ocean temperatures around Australia at rates faster than the global average – creating conditions that can intensify cyclones that cross these waters.
- No responsible climate scientist claims any individual cyclone is “caused by” climate change. Rather, climate change loads the dice, making certain extremes more likely or more intense when they do occur. Presenting this nuanced scientific position as “claiming Alfred was caused by climate change” is a classic straw man argument.
- Historical context matters. Yes, cyclones have hit southern Queensland before (in 1974, 1893, etc.). But pointing to historical storms doesn’t negate climate change’s role in altering modern storm patterns. This false dichotomy – either climate change causes everything or nothing – misrepresents how climate science actually works.
Follow the Money. Why the Climate Denial?
The Newscorp empire’s persistent climate skepticism isn’t coincidental. Behind their dismissive coverage lies a web of financial and ideological interests.
Fossil fuel advertising
Newscorp publications receive significant advertising revenue from coal, gas, and oil companies – the very industries most threatened by climate action.
Political alignment
Climate denial aligns with the corporation’s broader support for conservative politics and anti-regulation ideologies. Climate solutions necessarily involve some form of market intervention – something fundamentally opposed by Newscorp’s editorial stance.
Media dominance
In Australia, Newscorp controls approximately 70% of metropolitan newspaper circulation, giving it unprecedented power to shape public perception on climate issues. This dominance has measurable impacts on policy outcomes and public opinion.
Audience capture
Having cultivated a readership that expects climate skepticism, shifting to evidence-based reporting risks alienating a loyal audience base – creating a self-reinforcing cycle of misinformation.
The Danger of “Preparation Shaming”
Most troubling in recent coverage is the mockery of preparedness. When authorities warn of potential cyclone impacts and encourage residents to prepare, they’re following established emergency management protocols – not fear-mongering.
Think about it.
If Cyclone Alfred had maintained intensity or tracked slightly differently, the impacts could have been catastrophic for unprepared communities. Criticizing preparation after a less-severe outcome is dangerously short-sighted.
The Emergency services and meteorologists did exactly what they should have done – warn people of reasonable worst-case scenarios and encourage appropriate preparation. That many areas were spared the worst possible impacts is cause for relief, not criticism of those warnings.
A Pattern of Dismissal and Delay
This isn’t isolated coverage.
Newscorp publications consistently:
- Amplify fringe climate skeptics while minimising mainstream scientific findings
- Focus extensively on potential costs of climate action while ignoring the much greater costs of inaction
- Frame climate advocacy as “elitist” or “alarmist” regardless of the evidence presented
- Shift goalposts – moving from outright denial to more subtle forms of delay and distraction
Internal documents and testimonies from former Newscorp journalists confirm these aren’t accidental patterns but deliberate editorial strategies.
The Social Media Amplification Problem
The challenge of accurate climate reporting has been further complicated by social media, which has created powerful new channels for climate misinformation.
- Algorithm-driven outrage is wherevsocial media platforms prioritise content that drives engagement – often meaning the most outrageous climate denial claims reach larger audiences than nuanced scientific explanations.
- Echo chambers where platform algorithms create information bubbles where users are rarely exposed to evidence contradicting their existing beliefs about climate change.
- Coordinated campaigns. Investigation has revealed networks of accounts that rapidly amplify climate denial content from Newscorp and other sources, creating the impression of widespread skepticism where little exists.
- Influencer amplification by social media personalities with large followings but no scientific credentials often spread simplified or outright false climate claims that reach millions.
- Delayed platform responses. Despite policies against misinformation, platforms have been slow to address climate denial, treating it as “opinion” rather than factual misinformation.
The result is a media environment where Newscorp’s climate skepticism doesn’t remain confined to their publications but spreads throughout digital spaces, reaching audiences who may never directly read their newspapers or watch their broadcasts.
Australia’s Warming Oceans
What Newscorp won’t tell you is that Australia’s oceans are warming at alarming rates.
- Record-breaking temperatures. – Australia’s sea surface temperatures reached their highest levels on record in 2024, at 0.89°C above the long-term average.
- Accelerating trend – Since 1900, average sea surface temperatures in the Australian region have risen by approximately 1.08°C, with nine of the ten warmest years occurring since 2010.
- Regional hotspots – The Tasman Sea is warming at twice the global average rate due to the southward extension of the East Australian Current.
- Coral impacts – The Great Barrier Reef has warmed by about 0.8°C since 1910, contributing to catastrophic mass coral bleaching events.
- Marine heatwaves – Longer and more frequent marine heatwaves are being recorded, particularly in the Tasman Sea, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems.
These warming trends directly affect tropical cyclone behavior, providing more energy for storm intensification when conditions are favorable.
Media Literacy in the Climate Crisis
As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense across Australia, media literacy becomes essential.
When consuming news about climate and weather:
- Check the source. Be aware of media ownership and potential conflicts of interest
- Seek scientific sources. Go directly to the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO, and peer-reviewed research
- Look for patterns. Notice how certain outlets consistently frame climate issues, regardless of the evidence
- Support independent journalism. Media outlets free from fossil fuel advertising and corporate influence are better positioned to report accurately on climate issues
- Break the algorithm. Actively seek diverse perspectives rather than allowing social media algorithms to determine your information diet.
Climate Truth
The climate crisis is too important for distorted coverage.
Australia’s future depends on accurate information and appropriate response to growing climate threats – something that becomes increasingly difficult when our largest media corporation treats climate science as a political football rather than an existential reality.
As Cyclone Alfred’s remnants continue to bring flooding to parts of Queensland and NSW, affected communities deserve better than cynical accusations of “fear-mongering.”
They deserve media that takes their safety and future seriously.
When media giants prioritise fossil fuel profits over public safety, they don’t just fail journalism – they betray the communities they claim to serve.
Australia deserves better. Our changing climate demands nothing less than honest reporting, even when the truth is uncomfortable for powerful interests.
1. Climate Council
Independent expert analysis, research, and news on climate science, impacts, and solutions.
Ownership: Independent, non-profit organisation, funded by donations and community support. Founded by former members of the government-funded Climate Commission, which was abolished in 2013.
climatecouncil.org.au
2. Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
Australia’s official weather and climate authority, providing climate data, trends, projections, and reports such as the State of the Climate series.
Ownership: Government agency under the Australian Department of the Environment and Water.
bom.gov.au
3. CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)
Australia’s national science agency, publishing comprehensive climate reports and projections; collaborates with BoM for the State of the Climate reports.
Ownership: Australian Government scientific research agency.
csiro.au
4. The Conversation
Academic-driven journalism, with articles written by researchers and subject-matter experts on topics including climate science, policy, and societal impacts.
Ownership: Independent media outlet supported by universities and research institutions.
theconversation.com/au
5. Climate Change in Australia (CSIRO Collaboration)
High-resolution climate projections, datasets, and tools designed for use by governments, businesses, and communities.
Ownership: A collaborative effort between CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, and other government entities.
climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au
If you’re looking for science-based climate reporting and reliable data, the five resources listed above provide the most direct and accurate information. They are also less influenced by the commercial interests or editorial leanings seen in large, privately owned media conglomerates.
Ownership Concentration in Major Media Outlets
Australia’s mainstream media landscape is dominated by two major conglomerates News Corp and Nine Entertainment Co.
1) News Corp Australia
Owner: News Corp (Rupert Murdoch)
Major Newspapers
- The Australian (National broadsheet)
- Herald Sun (Melbourne, Victoria)
- The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW)
- The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, QLD)
- The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA)
- The Mercury (Hobart, TAS)
- NT News (Darwin, NT)
- Weekend/Sunday editions linked to the above (e.g., Sunday Herald Sun, The Sunday Telegraph, etc.)
Online/Other Outlets:
- news.com.au (national news website)
- Sky News Australia (part-owned by News Corp through Australian News Channel) – known for its conservative prime-time commentary.
Has frequently been criticised for sceptical or dismissive editorial lines on climate issues.
Straight news sections sometimes reflect mainstream science, but opinion/commentary often includes climate-sceptic voices.
2) Nine Entertainment Co.
Owner: Nine Entertainment Co.
Major Newspapers
- The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, NSW)
- The Age (Melbourne, Victoria)
- The Australian Financial Review (National business-focused daily)
Television & Radio
- The Nine Network (Channel 9) — free-to-air television.
- 9Now (streaming and catch-up service).
- Previously integrated with Macquarie Radio Network (2GB, 3AW, etc.), though radio ownership structures have changed over time.
Tends to offer more balanced or pro-science coverage than many News Corp titles, though editorials and op-eds can vary.
3) Seven West Media
Owner: Seven West Media Limited
Major Newspapers
- The West Australian (Perth, WA)
- The Sunday Times (WA)
- PerthNow (online news platform)
Television
Channel 7 (Seven Network) — free-to-air TV.
7plus (on-demand/streaming service)
Notes on Climate Coverage
Coverage can vary; like other commercial broadcasters, Seven’s reporting on climate tends to fluctuate based on ratings and general editorial direction and advertisers.
4) Australian Community Media (ACM)
Owner: Owned by Antony Catalano and Alex Waislitz (purchased from Fairfax/Nine in 2019)
Regional & Local Newspapers
- The Canberra Times (ACT)
- Newcastle Herald (NSW)
- The Examiner (Launceston, TAS)
- The Border Mail (Albury–Wodonga)
- The Courier (Ballarat, VIC)
- Numerous other regional titles across Australia.
These regional newspapers often cover local environmental issues in detail but can have limited national-level analysis. Editorial stance varies by title.
5) Guardian Australia
Owner: Part of Guardian Media Group (UK-based trust)
Primary Platform
- theguardian.com/au (online)
Generally known for in-depth, pro-science climate reporting and investigative pieces on policy and corporate practices.
6) Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Owner: Government-funded public broadcaster (independent by charter)
Platforms
- ABC TV (multiple channels, e.g., ABC News 24)
- ABC Radio (local and national stations)
- ABC Online (abc.net.au)
As a public broadcaster, ABC aims for balanced and evidence-based coverage. It often features scientific experts and investigative reporting on climate topics.
7) Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
Owner: Government-funded public broadcaster (multicultural focus)
Platforms
- SBS Television channels (SBS, SBS Viceland, etc.)
- SBS Radio (multilingual services)
- SBS Online (sbs.com.au)
Multicultural lens; coverage can include stories from Indigenous, migrant, and international perspectives on climate and environment.
Read More
- Biggest Cyclones in History | Storm Analysis – Discover the most devastating cyclones in history and their true impact.
- Natural Disasters in Australia | Impact, Geography & Preparedness – Learn how Australia prepares for extreme weather events.
- Six Cyclones Swirl Through Southern Hemisphere as Cyclone Alfred Threatens Queensland – Uncover the latest storm threats and their media portrayal.
- Australia’s Worst Weather Disasters Revealed | Shocking Historical Events – A deep dive into some of the country’s most catastrophic weather events.
- ExxonMobil’s Deception | The Environmental Scandal – Explore how corporate interests have influenced climate narratives.
