National Geographic Magazine : Super Hypocrites
Posted by keith on January 7th, 2008
I just don’t understand it. National Geographic Magazine has some fantastic environmental articles, and its environmental credentials as regards to editorial objectiveness and openness are second to none. It’s just a shame that no one at NG told the advertising department this.
Open any edition of National Geographic and you will find a host of advertisements promoting big cars, big trucks, airlines and long-haul holidays. This is a magazine that pushes carbon consumption harder that any other.
And then you go to their web site and find this:
“From saving forest canopies to forging elephant corridors, the [National Geographic] Conservation Trust is dedicated to preservation around the globe.”
Very good. And this is just one of their many initiatives. They have many more initiatives on the advertising side, proudly boasting in their Sales Kit:
“National Geographic magazine enjoys an intensely loyal readership with some of the most influential consumers in the world. As opinion leaders, they are affluent, well educated, and professional – and have discretionary income to purchase quality products and services.” (my emphasis)
So, National Geographic readers, you are loyal, you are powerful and you are rich, and that’s why you will put up with and respond to hoards of adverts for products that are destroying the Earth. Well, here’s one former reader who won’t be buying National Geographic again. Good riddance.
January 7th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I read the articles, not the adverts, myself. I think their pro-enviroment articles have more impact than their adverts (I have changed some of my habits to be more ‘green’ because of some Nat. Geo. articles, but I have yet to buy an SUV). I also think the loss of your readership won’t have much of a net effect. Perhaps you should send a letter to the editor and allowing them a chance to respond.
January 8th, 2008 at 4:20 am
That means you have more self control than most, George. If advertising in NG was ineffective then the corporates wouldn’t pay top-dollar to advertise in it; advertising works, even if it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
K.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:49 am
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