Climate skepticism in »alternative media«? Strategies and patterns in climate reporting in right-wing anti-public discourse
By Luis Paulitsch | On social media platforms, »alternative media« are considered key players in spreading climate skepticism. This content ranges from one-sided opinion pieces to climate-related disinformation. This article analyzes specific strategies used by German-language right-wing alternative media on the topics of climate protection and the energy transition. The analysis is based on assessments by reputable fact-checking formats (n=38). Overall, four patterns in the reporting were identified that presumably contribute to climate skepticism among the public: (1) attacks against the scientific consensus on climate change; (2) dubious sources and »experts«; (3) misleading reporting; (4) discrediting of political opponents.