June 24, 2017 - The National Geographic Channel will broadcast on 9 p.m. ET Sunday the documentary “From the Ashes” financed by Michael Bloomberg’s foundation and produced by RadicalMedia®. It will likely be highly critical of coal, will have limited theater engagement domestically but will air in 171 countries.

According to Courtney Monroe, National Geographic Global Network CEO: “The film explores the reality of coal’s role in climate change while offering insight into solutions that could help revive the struggling economies of dying mining towns and still safeguard the environment.”

Michael Bloomberg, a frequent critic of the coal industry, adds this description: “For over a century, mining and energy companies have been privatizing coal’s profits while socializing its costs. Coal plant pollution kills 7,500 Americans a year and causes many more serious illnesses. ‘From the Ashes’ shows the risks we face as a nation if we continue to rely on coal and examines how Americans in local communities, including in coal country, are helping to lead the transition toward cleaner air and stronger economies.”

It is our understanding that the National Mining Association was not contacted by the producers nor was its cooperation requested or opinion solicited in any way. The American Coal Council and the West Virginia Coal Association were contacted last year during production but after discussions with the producer declined to engage.

This information is provided so you can watch the documentary to see how our industry is portrayed without building awareness for the film and its views.