Here’s how Hearst and Hearst TV are working to promote a healthier, sustainable environment

Hearst, this station’s parent company, is a leader in both news and communications, through television, newspapers, radio and magazines.

The company is dedicated to operating in an environmentally responsible manner.

Hearst released its first global sustainability overview on Tuesday in an effort to be transparent about the steps taken to improve its environmental stewardship and track the impact these improvements are having.

In a statement, Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz said, “This is the first of what will be an annual effort to report on and track all we are doing to make our own operations more climate-friendly and to highlight all the work that our colleagues around the world are doing to promote a healthier environment.”

In January of this year, Hearst Television, which reaches 39 states and one out of every five U.S. households, launched “Forecasting our Future.” It’s a group-wide effort to educate communities on the local impact of weather and climate. In this series, experts are delving deeper into the topic of climate change, focusing on how it will affect household budgets, businesses and individuals’ health.

Meteorologists throughout the company are collaborating with Hearst colleagues across the country, and with national units based in Washington, D.C., to tell stories that will better prepare viewers for future events.

Forecasting Our Future: How severe weather impacts communities across the U.S.

Forecasting Our Future: Meteorologists explain what drew them to a career in weather

When it comes to reducing carbon emissions, Hearst Television is rolling out advanced technology. New solid-state transmitters and upgraded mechanical systems have reduced electrical consumption without sacrificing power or quality in over-the-air broadcast signals. Inside the studios, energy-efficient LED tech and lighting sensors turn off lights when areas are not in use.

Some of the company’s environmental priorities for next year include:

• Following current laws and regulations regarding the environment and striving to go above and beyond where reasonably practicable.
• Enhance energy efficiency and seek out new ways to increase the use of renewable energy sources.
• Use responsibly-sourced paper, as well as increase recycling and reduce waste throughout the organization.
• Motivate all employees, suppliers and business partners to also take part in committing to embrace sustainability best practices.
• Issue an annual environmental report to keep stakeholders, internal and external, apprised of our operations and improvements.

The company’s path forward to sustainability includes four phases in its multi-year progression toward emission reduction:

• Phase 1: Collect Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions) baseline data (mix of actual and estimated data) and calculate initial carbon footprint.
• Phase 2: Implement new technology to increase the collection of actual data and better track energy use across global business units.
• Phase 3: Determine priorities for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission reduction and
  set and manage targets.
• Phase 4: Implement reduction initiatives and report publicly on an annual basis Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

Other Hearst divisions have also demonstrated their commitment to sustainability.

In 2022, Hearst Foundations awarded more than $28 million to nonprofit organizations, with many recipients prioritizing the environment.

Hearst Newspapers is minimizing its climate footprint, including new approaches to the distribution of office space and consolidating production facilities. The Houston Chronicle and San Francisco Chronicle have pioneered strategies around production to cut their footprints as well.

As part of the ongoing commitment to educating the public, Hearst Magazines has featured companies that are both kind to the body and planet, like Elle’s annual Green Beauty Stars list.

Furthermore, 100% of the paper fiber Hearst Magazines and Hearst Newspapers purchase is sourced in an ecologically responsible matter.

Hearst’s corporate headquarters in New York City, the Hearst Tower, was the city’s first LEED-occupied office building.