fbpx
Blog post
August 29, 2023

Using Media Intelligence for ESG success

Organisations today face the challenge of balancing business goals and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities amidst growing sustainability awareness and social media misinformation.

PR and communications professionals are instrumental in this process, developing and executing effective communication strategies for ESG initiatives. They also play a pivotal role in ensuring ESG communications are authentic, transparent, and in line with organisational values and actions.

Who’s driving the ESG conversation?

Using media intelligence, you can learn who is driving the ESG conversation, allowing you to better understand the motivations, perspectives, and influences that should shape ESG initiatives and strategies.

Drawing on Isentia data, ESG coverage volume increased every month in 2023, reaching a peak of 22,700 in May and gradually decreasing in June and July. The increase in May coverage is a result of the government announcing several ESG initiatives in an energy-focused Federal Budget.

Stakeholder’s growing interest in sustainability and responsible business practices has led to increased focus on reporting, analysing, and discussing ESG topics in the media. These topics include renewable energies, shareholder engagement, and social impact.

The below chart shows the fluctuations in conversations across traditional and social media between June 1 – July 31 2023. The data shows that ESG-related conversations are driven by the media, which has a substantial impact on shaping public opinion. Futhermore, this suggests that traditional media is more effective at reaching a wider audience and generating greater coverage for ESG-related topics compared to social media. It also helps in making more informed decisions about media strategy and resource allocation.

Comparison of ESG coverage over time
Source: Isentia. Comparison of ESG coverage across traditional and social media from June 1 – July 31 2023.

Why authenticity and transparency matter

With ESG becoming a corporate imperative, there is an intensifying need for organisations to be authentic and transparent with their ESG communications. The need to do this is to:

  • Build trust and credibility: Openly sharing information about ESG practices and performance makes organisations more trustworthy and reliable to stakeholders and can generate positive media attention.
  • Meet stakeholder expectations: Organisations that show their commitment to responsible practices align better with stakeholder expectations and strengthen relationships.
  • Enhance brand reputation: Responsible, ethical, and sustainable organisations attract customers, investors, and talent while enhancing brand reputation.
  • Mitigate risks: By openly acknowledging challenges and sharing progress, organisations can effectively manage risks and maintain a positive reputation. However, if an organization overstates its sustainability accomplishments with misleading information, wording, or fabricated data, it can lead to a decline in public opinion. This can lead to public scrutiny, a damaged reputation, and a negative impact on financial performance.

The state of ESG reporting

ESG reporting is becoming more prevalent among organisations, and the push for greater transparency and accountability is widespread. While the level of disclosure may vary across industries, regions, and organisations, the overall trend is towards more transparency.
This increase in reporting is expected to continue as sustainability and responsible investing gain more prominence. According to the 2022 Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) reporting trends report, 140 ASX200 companies have shown the highest levels of ESG disclosure, a rise of over 10% compared to 2020.

ESG reporting coverage vs trends
Source: Isentia and Google Trends, Jan 1 – 31 Jul 2023

The chart data shows that more people are searching for ESG reports online compared to mentions of ESG reports in the media. This suggests that there is an increasing public demand to access organisational sustainability reports, ESG disclosures, and public commitments to responsible practices.

The ESG landscape

The ESG movement is gaining momentum, indicating a shift towards a more holistic and responsible approach to business and investment. This shift is influenced by ethical, financial, and regulatory factors and can be further understood through media intelligence. Additionally, by utilising media intelligence, you can identify the influences and emerging conversations surrounding these factors in traditional media.

With an added layer of social data from our sister company, Pulsar, you can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of your communications and identify the key influencers and factors shaping the ESG narrative. The chart below illustrates the connections between different narratives through keyword associations.

Prominent keyword groupings such as financial markets, superannuation funds, greenwashing, and business and investors suggest these topics are interconnected with the general public. These conversations play a role in shaping their decisions and opinions.

Exploring ESG associations
Source: Pulsar TRAC. 1 Jan – 31 Jul 2023.

Sustainability and climate change are crucial topics for Australians, with strong community support for transitioning to a net-zero economy and addressing climate-related issues.
Consumers are also showing a growing interest in sustainable finance and reducing their carbon footprint. While the chart below shows that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is currently the least trending topics, organisation’s are increasingly being urged to address gender disparities, promote equal opportunities, and foster inclusive workplaces that value diversity.

Trending ESG topics
Source: Pulsar TRAC and Isentia. Media coverage across Print, Broadcast, Online and Twitter. 1 Jan – 31 Jul 2023.

In the spotlight: Superannuation and Financial Services

Australian super funds are embracing ESG investing as enthusiastically as their corporate equivalents, recognising the potential for long-term sustainable performance.

ASIC, the superannuation industry regulator, focuses on tackling greenwashing, the misrepresentation of environmental, sustainable, or ethical attributes in financial products. As Australians grow more concerned about their super fund investments, ASIC emphasises the need for funds to substantiate their ethical claims with evidence.

The boundaries of ESG are subjective, allowing super funds to decide which investments they consider ethical and whether they engage with or divest from socially or environmentally harmful companies. Emphasising socially responsible investments and adopting a broad definition of ESG can enhance the superannuation industry’s reputation and individual performance.

From the below chart, Mercer Super holds the largest share of voice among Australian superannuation companies, with over 50 percent. ASIC has accused the organisation of greenwashing its investments by misleading members about the exclusion of carbon-intensive fossil fuel companies. Unsurprisingly, these allegations have gathered significant media coverage and attention in the industry.

Source: Isentia. Share of voice of Australian superannuation funds. 1 Jan -31 July 2023

Embracing ESG measurement

Communicators shape ESG narratives, aligning them with corporate purpose and finding the perfect balance between aspiration and impact.

Using media intelligence for ESG success: gain insights into stakeholder concerns, competition, reputation management, and communication strategies for effective outcomes. By leveraging media intelligence, you can make informed decisions and enhance your organisation’s sustainability initiatives.

To discover how media intelligence can assist your organisation in measuring its ESG efforts, simply fill out the form below.

Share

Similar articles

object(WP_Post)#7059 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(35192) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "36" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-10-23 21:31:33" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-10-23 21:31:33" ["post_content"]=> string(2511) "

How the platform's popularity is exerting an impact on the news cycle

With vertical video formats revolutionising how journalism is created and consumed, comms teams must adapt their strategies when seeking media coverage.

Our latest report dives into millions of TikTok posts from journalists in the ANZ regions and beyond, exploring the profound impact this format has had on the evolution of journalism, from content choices to consumption habits.

Key Insights You'll Learn:

  • Why TikTok journalism has exploded in popularity and how it shapes public and media interest
  • The most influential journalists on the platform and the audiences they attract
  • How TikTok journalism is transforming 'hard news' coverage, including elections and global politics into something closer to news as entertainment

Get your copy now →

Download now

" ["post_title"]=> string(58) "TikTok Journalism: transforming how audiences consume news" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(136) "Explore how BNPL is transforming consumer spending, financial strategies, and industry perceptions amidst regulatory and media scrutiny." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(56) "tiktok-vertical-video-changing-audience-news-consumption" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-10-23 22:01:22" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-10-23 22:01:22" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(32) "https://www.isentia.com/?p=35192" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" }
Blog
TikTok Journalism: transforming how audiences consume news

Explore how BNPL is transforming consumer spending, financial strategies, and industry perceptions amidst regulatory and media scrutiny.

object(WP_Post)#9951 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(34474) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "75" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-09-24 08:48:47" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-09-24 08:48:47" ["post_content"]=> string(3749) "

During a time of surging prices Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) has gradually transformed consumer patterns of behaviour in a largely heterogenous Southeast Asian region.

High mobile penetration has given social media access to a younger demographic that perceive BNPL as an enticing option with no accessibility issues.

To access these insights, simply fill in the form below:

A largely rural and underbanked population became very susceptible to predatory inclusion leading to increased calls for regulation. This helped in changing the consumer perception of BNPL from 'free money' to 'lent money'.

The geography and the type of manufacturers present in the region also play a huge role in the kind of commodities bought by audiences. BNPL providers work by assessing the standard of living of the population that's largely underserved, and provide offers accordingly.

Brands, interestingly grabbed the opportunity of providing these services to consumers involving less bureaucratic processes. Therefore, consumers are stuck in the dichotomy of maintaining restraint when it comes to spending, but also having the fear of missing out when brands make everything so much more appealing.

News outlets maintain conversation around regulation and that providers' lending processes need to be responsible and compliant, especially in an industry with an uncertain future.

Gain data-backed perspective on the top BNPL players influencing audience behaviour in the region and go beyond surface insights to understand their dominating narratives in governance, audiences and pop culture.

" ["post_title"]=> string(100) "Buy Now, Pay Later: mapping dominant narratives and spending habits in an underbanked Southeast Asia" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(129) "Explore how BNPL is transforming consumer spending with dominating Southeast Asian regional narratives amidst growing regulation." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(50) "buy-now-pay-later-shifting-consumer-behaviours-sea" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-10-01 07:33:58" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-10-01 07:33:58" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(32) "https://www.isentia.com/?p=34474" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" }
Blog
Buy Now, Pay Later: mapping dominant narratives and spending habits in an underbanked Southeast Asia

Explore how BNPL is transforming consumer spending with dominating Southeast Asian regional narratives amidst growing regulation.

object(WP_Post)#7154 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(32798) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "36" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-07-17 23:34:03" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-07-17 23:34:03" ["post_content"]=> string(2636) "[et_pb_section admin_label="section"] [et_pb_row admin_label="row"] [et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]

During a time of high interest rates and restrained spending, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is offering another avenue for consumers to cope financially.

In this environment individual approaches to finances are shifting with a growing number utilising BNPL for essentials rather than luxuries. As a result, attitudes towards spending are also evolving.

There are increased calls for regulation and scrutiny of the sector, with proposals for oversight similar to that of traditional credit cards. For brands even tangentially involved in the sector, and the PR & Comms professionals in situ, understanding what messaging resonates, where risk lies and how trust might be earned is essential.

Gain data-backed perspective on the communities engaging with the BNPL sector - from Gen-Z to political followers and fintech enthusiasts - and go beyond surface insights to understand their evolving preferences, concerns, and the implications for future financial behaviours.

To access these insights, simply fill in the form

Download now

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]" ["post_title"]=> string(103) "Buy Now, Pay Later: mapping shifts in consumer spending & brand associations amidst difficult times" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(136) "Explore how BNPL is transforming consumer spending, financial strategies, and industry perceptions amidst regulatory and media scrutiny." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(95) "buy-now-pay-later-mapping-shifts-in-consumer-spending-brand-associations-amidst-difficult-times" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-09-17 10:34:02" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-09-17 10:34:02" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(32) "https://www.isentia.com/?p=32798" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" }
Blog
Buy Now, Pay Later: mapping shifts in consumer spending & brand associations amidst difficult times

Explore how BNPL is transforming consumer spending, financial strategies, and industry perceptions amidst regulatory and media scrutiny.

object(WP_Post)#9949 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(30836) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "36" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-04-11 23:33:19" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-04-11 23:33:19" ["post_content"]=> string(2824) "

As the spotlight on sustainability intensifies year by year, it has become a focal point for legislators, media entities, and audiences worldwide.

This dynamic environment demands that brands and institutions elevate their standards in messaging and actions, holding them accountable like never before. For professionals in the PR & Comms realm, it is imperative to grasp not only how sustainability is being discussed but also the potential pitfalls, such as greenwashing, and gain a profound understanding of the diverse audiences receiving these messages.

Explore over 20 beautifully crafted pages of data visualisation that illuminate audience insights sourced from social media, news outlets, and search engines. Gain valuable perspectives on how one of the defining issues of our time is being discussed and understood.

Our exploration of this crucial topic delves deep into uncovering insights that are indispensable for crafting effective strategies, both tactical and long-term:

-Unraveling trends in the sustainability conversation

-Assessing brand & industry reputations

-Navigating greenwashing & misinformation

-Understanding the diverse audiences of sustainability

To access these insights, simply fill in the form

Download now

" ["post_title"]=> string(60) "Sustainability: Mapping the Media & Public Conversations" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(117) "From accusations of greenwashing to the role of misinformation, we explore the comms landscape around sustainability." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(49) "sustainability-mapping-media-and-pr-conversations" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-09-09 02:36:41" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-09-09 02:36:41" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(32) "https://www.isentia.com/?p=30836" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" }
Blog
Sustainability: Mapping the Media & Public Conversations

From accusations of greenwashing to the role of misinformation, we explore the comms landscape around sustainability.

Ready to get started?

Get in touch or request a demo.