Harnessing the power of the press with three indices of sustainable development

► Describes the results of research exploring the reporting of three indices in the UK national press. ► Indices were; Corruption Perception Index, Human Development Index and Ecological Footprint. ► EF received more exposure than did the CPI and HDI. ► CPI and HDI used to provide authoritative backing. ► CPI and HDI applied to distant others while EF was linked to ownership ('my footprint').