This story was originally published by Floodlight, a non-profit newsroom that investigates the powerful interests stalling climate action. More than a decade ago, Alabama regulators gave a landfill permission to accept tons of waste from coal-burning power plants across the US. As a result, Uniontown, a majority-Black community, has frequently complained of thick, pungent air that causing their eyes to burn. Aside from this, the area is blanketed with a white, ash-like substance on some days, giving the appearance of a rare snow. Ben Eaton, a Uniontown commissioner and president of Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health and Justice, is leading the local push to close the facility due to its detrimental effects on the residents.
Besides the noticeable air quality issues, residents of Uniontown have reported high rates of kidney failure and neuropathy, likely due to coal ash exposure. Containing toxic byproducts like mercury and arsenic, coal ash is causing significant health issues for the community. This controversy has been the subject of local and national news outlets, including a civil rights case that Eaton’s group filed – and lost – in an attempt to shut down the landfill.
The landfill in Uniontown contains coal ash and has not been adequately addressed by two news outlets with financial ties to Alabama Power. The residents of Uniontown also do not see news of an Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tentative denial of a state clean-up proposal for waste coming, in part, from its largest electricity provider – Alabama Power – in the Birmingham Times, a historic African American newspaper, or on the online-only Alabama News Center. This oversight has raised concerns about the influence of Alabama Power on the news landscape in the state.
Alabama Power’s influence has extended to the news media, the Birmingham Times, and the Alabama News Center. Both outlets have financial ties to Alabama Power, affecting their coverage of the utility’s activities. Thousands of residents live close to Alabama Power’s Miller Plant in West Jefferson, Ala. However, these news outlets have neglected to report important stories, such as Alabama Power’s consecutive electric rate increases in 2022, despite the significant impact on residents.
The Alabama News Center was launched to promote “the good news of this state,” representing electric industry interests as news stories. It is entirely paid for by electricity customers. Alabama Power’s dominance in the news landscape is significant, given its ability to influence the news coverage through its digital and broadcast advertising purchasing power. Moreover, the company has displayed an aggressive stance toward reporters and outlets that publish critical stories, further cementing its control over the media.
Alabama Power’s influence over the news media has raised concerns about the lack of independent reporting on the actions of the state’s largest electricity provider. With a significant number of layoffs in newsrooms across Alabama in recent years, the company has capitalized on the diminishing influence of mainstream newsrooms to control the narrative around its activities.
Overall, the investigation highlights the influence of Alabama Power on the state’s media landscape and the potential consequences for independent reporting.
