Data-driven sustainability in the media sector

Abstract

Interestingly, the word “sustainability” has been significantly used in industries including the media sector in recent years as organizations are increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability for their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts. That is why this study explores the importance of sustainability and data-driven approaches in reporting and practices within media companies. A data-driven method can involve the usage of advanced data collection methods, analysis, and data visualization procedures in generating insights and improving both transparency in sustainability and economic performance.

A simple single approach was conducted, incorporating a comprehensive literature review. Through the all-inclusive literature review, relevant articles were classified and analyzed to answer the research questions: “What is data-driven sustainability reporting (DDSR)?”, “How is DDSR implemented in practice in the media sector?” and “What are the findings from the current reporting, and what are the most efficient and sustainable practices in this sector?”

The findings of the systematic literature review show that data-driven sustainability reporting involves data-driven indicators such as CO2 emissions and energy consumption that are aligned with ESG frameworks. Also, these findings reveal that the use of those data-driven indicators is now used in almost all companies, and the adoption of digital reporting tools remains at an early stage. These findings suggest aligning with the principle of relevant ESG frameworks and highlighting the trends of academic literature on data-driven sustainability reporting. Meanwhile, a gap between emerging best practices and the implementation of current industry practices remains.