Company Directory - National Geographic Society
Company Details - National Geographic Society
National Geographic Society
WebsiteWashington, D.C., United States
National Geographic Society is a science, exploration, and education organization known for its magazine, television, and digital media content focused on nature, science, and culture.
CCI Score
CCI Score: National Geographic Society
44.35
-0.03%
Latest Event
No Reported Political Lobbying or Outside Spending
According to data compiled by OpenSecrets, National Geographic Society did not report any lobbying activities or outside spending in the 2024 election cycle. This indicates a lack of corporate influence in political spending, reducing potential complicity in supporting authoritarian or far‐right agendas through financial leverage.
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DISSENTER
National Geographic Society is currently rated as a Dissenter.
Latest Events
- MAR312025
According to data compiled by OpenSecrets, National Geographic Society did not report any lobbying activities or outside spending in the 2024 election cycle. This indicates a lack of corporate influence in political spending, reducing potential complicity in supporting authoritarian or far‐right agendas through financial leverage.
+70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 31
The absence of reported lobbying and outside spending in the 2024 cycle suggests that National Geographic Society is not engaging in political financial influence that could bolster authoritarian policies. From an anti-fascist perspective, this non-engagement is viewed positively as it minimizes corporate involvement in partisan power dynamics.
- FEB192025
OpenSecrets has published a lobbying profile detailing National Geographic Society's political lobbying activities. The profile provides transparency into its efforts without clear evidence of support for partisan or authoritarian agendas.
+0
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 31
The lobbying profile indicates that National Geographic Society engages in political lobbying, a form of public and political behavior. However, there is no indication from the profile that these activities support far‑right or authoritarian causes. In the absence of evidence suggesting misuse of political influence, the action is rated neutral.
- JAN202025
National Geographic and five U.S. government agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally adopt geotourism principles. The agreement emphasizes sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage protection to enhance public land stewardship and support local communities.
+50
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
The MOU demonstrates active public and political engagement as National Geographic collaborates with multiple U.S. agencies to promote sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. This progressive partnership supports public land conservation and community involvement, aligning with anti-authoritarian and democratic values.
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The agreement reflects National Geographic's commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices by advancing geotourism, which safeguards cultural heritage and supports local community economies. Such initiatives highlight responsible governance and positive corporate social responsibility.
- JAN012024
An OpenSecrets profile indicates that National Geographic Society has not reported lobbying on specific bills in 2024, suggesting a minimal level of direct political lobbying activity that avoids leveraging corporate power to influence legislation.
+30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 31
By not reporting lobbying on specific bills in 2024, National Geographic Society demonstrates a restrained approach to political influence. This absence of active lobbying minimizes the risk of channeling corporate resources toward potentially authoritarian outcomes, aligning with anti-fascist principles of democratic accountability.
- OCT202023
On October 20, 2023, National Geographic updated its sustainability guidelines to ensure that all collaborators, service providers, and suppliers demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental principles. The guidelines emphasize evaluating the differential impacts of its operations on underrepresented and minoritized communities, ensuring that all activities support sustainable development and mitigate adverse effects on cultural, environmental, and community wellbeing.
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The updated guidelines demonstrate a proactive commitment to ethical business practices by requiring that all partners and suppliers undergo evaluation based on their social and environmental impacts. This initiative aligns with principles of sustainable development and equity, ensuring that potential negative impacts on historically marginalized communities are addressed. Such commitments strengthen corporate accountability and transparency, which are positive indicators in the fight against systems that can enable authoritarian practices.
- OCT202023
On October 20, 2023, National Geographic Society updated its Corporate Responsibility Policy. The policy reaffirms the Society's commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices, outlining clear standards for its employees and business collaborators including suppliers, licensees, and affiliates. By setting these guidelines, the organization aims to ensure that National Geographic-branded products and services are produced and distributed ethically.
+70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 31
The policy demonstrates a proactive commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability by setting standards for both internal operations and external business collaborators. This aligns with progressive, anti-authoritarian values, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and responsibility in business conduct.
Corporate Responsibility Policy - National Geographic Society
- OCT202023
On October 20, 2023, National Geographic Society updated its Corporate Responsibility Policy. The policy reaffirms the organization’s commitment to sustainability, efficient energy use, safer workplaces, and high ethical standards among its business collaborators, including affiliates like NGP/Disney.
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The revised policy emphasizes sustainable operations and improved workplace safety, demonstrating a commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility. By mandating high standards for energy efficiency and collaboration with partners, the update represents a progressive step in corporate responsibility that aligns with anti-fascist and pro-worker values.
Corporate Responsibility Policy - National Geographic Society
- OCT202023
National Geographic Society published its sustainability guidelines outlining core principles for social and environmental responsibility in its operations and partner evaluations.
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 31
The sustainability guidelines reflect National Geographic Society's commitment to responsible business practices by emphasizing environmental and social values. By ensuring that suppliers and collaborators are evaluated based on their commitment to these principles, the organization promotes sustainable development and community welfare, aligning with progressive, anti-authoritarian ideals.
- APR202023
On April 20, 2023, the National Geographic Society announced a $5M investment aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders and planetary stewards. The initiative responds to a call from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to 'Invest in Nature', reflecting the Society’s commitment to progressive public engagement and ethical business practices.
+50
Public and Political Behavior
March 31
The Society’s decision to deploy $5M in response to a government call for nature investment underscores a proactive stance in aligning with progressive, anti-authoritarian public policy. This action bolsters civic engagement in scientific and environmental stewardship, framing the organization as a leader in public and political behavior.
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 31
The $5M investment reflects responsible and forward-thinking business practices, allocating significant resources towards educational and environmental initiatives. This demonstrates ethical responsibility and commitment to sustainable community development, reinforcing a stance that challenges authoritarian and exploitative practices.
- NOV012018
Following its high-profile 2018 Race Issue that acknowledged the magazine’s racist and colonial past, National Geographic has faced internal controversies and mixed editorial decisions. Despite public commitments to diversity and inclusion, staff reports of discriminatory treatment and choices such as a controversial cover image and an outsized reliance on white correspondents in sensitive international coverage have raised serious concerns about the company’s progress.
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
October 10
The article details internal accounts of racial insensitivity and discriminatory practices against staffers of color. Despite a public commitment to change via the Race Issue and subsequent DEI initiatives, the failure to address systemic mistreatment and tokenization of minority employees marks a significant ethical lapse in labor relations and human rights practices.
National Geographic faced up to its racist past. Did it actually get better?
-30
Media Influence and Propaganda
October 10
Editorial decisions continue to mirror a colonial legacy. The publication’s choice of a white, cowboy-themed cover for a story on the American West and the use of an outsider to report on Sri Lanka have reinforced racist stereotypes. These actions undermine National Geographic’s public pledge to move beyond its biased, colonial past and convey a contradictory message through its media influence.
National Geographic faced up to its racist past. Did it actually get better?
- MAR122018
National Geographic's editor-in-chief authored an essay in the magazine's April issue, acknowledging and apologizing for historical instances of racist coverage—including exclusion of African-Americans from membership and demeaning portrayals of Indigenous peoples. The piece also notes progress in more recent coverage that challenges these past biases.
+40
Public and Political Behavior
April 4
By publicly acknowledging and apologizing for its historical racist coverage, National Geographic takes a step toward transparency and accountability. This action contributes to countering harmful, exclusionary narratives and promotes a commitment to fostering progressive and anti-authoritarian values.
National Geographic Just Acknowledged That Its Past Coverage Was Racist
+30
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 4
The acknowledgment serves as an initial corrective measure toward remedying past unethical practices. By confronting its history of racist reporting and stereotypical portrayals, the organization aligns itself more closely with principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, essential for ethical business conduct.
National Geographic Just Acknowledged That Its Past Coverage Was Racist
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