Media & Entertainment: will it meet ESG? Does it need to?

Media & Entertainment: will it meet ESG? Does it need to?

At first glance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and the Media & Entertainment industry might seem worlds apart. But look a little closer, and you will see they are more connected than ever. In today’s landscape, where businesses are under pressure to be responsible and sustainable, the media world is not exempt. In fact, it plays a key role in shaping ESG narratives and walking the talk.

E is for Environmental

Lights, camera… carbon footprint? Yep, film and TV productions can have a massive environmental impact. Think of energy-hungry studio lights, travel-heavy shoots, and wasteful set designs. But Hollywood (and beyond) is catching up. Many productions now adopt green filmmaking—reducing energy use, minimizing waste, and choosing sustainable materials. Streaming platforms, too, have cut down on physical media, reducing plastic waste from DVDs and packaging. Even gaming companies are stepping up, offsetting emissions from server farms and power-hungry consoles.

S is for Social

Media does not just tell stories; it shapes society. The industry has a massive influence on diversity, inclusion, and representation. Audiences now demand more authentic portrayals, and companies are listening. From gender-balanced storytelling to ensuring diverse hiring practices, social responsibility is no longer just a bonus—it is an expectation. And it is not just in front of the camera; media firms are also being held accountable for employee well-being, fair wages, and ethical working conditions.

G is for Governance

What happens behind the scenes matters just as much as what is on screen. Governance in Media & Entertainment means transparency in business practices, ethical advertising, and responsible content creation. Viewers are more conscious of misinformation, data privacy, and the power of media companies in shaping opinions. Streaming giants, news networks, and social platforms are under increasing scrutiny to ensure fair policies, honest reporting, and good corporate governance.

The ESG Effect

Beyond just compliance, ESG is becoming a competitive advantage in media. Consumers want to support brands that align with their values. Advertisers are placing money where responsibility lies. Investors are rewarding companies that take sustainability and ethics seriously. It is not just about looking good—it is about long-term trust and impact.

Some film companies making strong ESG efforts:

Netflix – Launched the Net Zero + Nature plan to be carbon neutral by 2022, investing in renewable energy and reducing emissions from productions.

Warner Bros. – Implements sustainable production practices, including LED lighting, digital scripts, and eco-friendly set materials to cut waste.

Disney – Committed to 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2030 and prioritizes diversity in hiring, both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Sony Pictures – Runs the "Sustainable Sony" initiative, reducing carbon emissions, using solar power, and implementing green production guidelines.

Universal Pictures – Uses the Green is Universal program to cut waste, recycle set materials, and reduce the carbon footprint of film productions.

To conclude we can say that ESG is not too far-fetched for Media & Entertainment. In fact, it is woven into the very fabric of storytelling, production, and distribution. The industry is not just reflecting ESG trends; it is shaping them. And as audiences grow more conscious, the connection between ESG and entertainment will only get stronger.