This paper investigates the intersection of cultural cognition theory and news media’s influence on public attitudes toward climate change. It reveals that individuals align their opinions on politically charged issues with their cultural identities, seeking out news outlets that reinforce their preexisting beliefs. The findings indicate that those with strong cultural worldviews not only preferentially select media that offers culturally congruent arguments but also process these arguments selectively, highlighting the significant role of cultural cognition and media choices in fostering opinion polarization on climate change and other contentious scientific topics.