The Foreign Press Centers offer Virtual Reporting Tours (VRTs) to engage foreign journalists amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The pivot to a virtual format allows journalists from around the world to access major U.S. stories and sources. In May 2021, the FPCs hosted the second-ever VRT: “Combatting the Climate Crisis Through U.S. Innovation.” The program connected international
media to U.S. stories on climate action, clearn energy and innovation. The purpose was to promote the Administration’s goal of prioritizing the fight against climate change through global efforts to reduce emissions.
From May 10-28th, the Foreign Press Centers selected 50 journalists were selected from over 125 nominations from U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world. In a time of greatly reduced travel due to global health conditions, the FPC, in cooperation with our implementing partner Meridian International Center, offered this virtual program to enable journalists to remotely develop their reporting about the United States’ renewed approach to addressing the climate crisis and its innovation and research, particularly in the areas of reducing emissions and renewable energy.
This Virtual Reporting Tour (VRT) brings journalists in direct contact with government officials and subject matter experts on climate and energy issues while also providing custom created video content (interviews and b-roll) for participant use. This VRT also offers a virtual networking opportunity for journalists to connect with their peers around the world.