How to Tell Powerful Climate Stories: PR, Solar Energy & Local News with Kate Laursen, Melanie Kelly & Dillon Thomas

In this episode of the PR Pace Podcast, guest host Kate Laursen, Senior Director at Pace Public Relations, sits down with two leaders at the intersection of media, climate, and communications: Dillon Thomas, multi-Emmy Award-winning reporter for CBS Colorado (CBS Denver), and Melanie Kelly, Vice President of Marketing and Client Partnerships at Pivot Energy.First, Dillon shares how he approaches storytelling as a local TV journalist—from breaking news and presidential interviews to an Emmy-nominated segment on a Colorado agrivoltaics project featuring sheep grazing under solar panels. He explains what makes a pitch stand out, why strong visuals and “real people” matter, and how local journalism delivers the accountability and community-focused reporting national outlets often miss.See Dillon's piece here: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/sheep-some-lamb-scaping-solar-panel-farms-nearly-eliminating-mowing/Then, Melanie joins Kate to explore how renewable energy companies and sustainability-focused brands can communicate more effectively in a polarized environment. She breaks down shifting consumer sentiment, why today’s audiences demand evidence-based impact (not vague green claims), and how Pivot Energy frames solar around American energy, local economic benefits, and community partnerships—including agrivoltaics and donations to local nonprofits.Whether you’re a PR professional, marketer, journalist, or climate communicator, you’ll learn how to:Craft climate and clean energy stories that resonate across the political spectrumBuild authentic relationships with reporters and newsroomsUse PR and broadcast coverage to prove your company’s impactTailor messaging for local communities, landowners, and corporate buyersTune in for practical insights on renewable energy storytelling, climate communications, and making your message break through.