A UK study found that a third of journalists have changed their reporting due to safety concerns, particularly regarding rightwing protests, Donald Trump's administration, and trans issues. Newsrooms are accused of normalizing these risks, with female journalists facing disproportionate abuse.
The findings indicate a chilling effect on press freedom and the public's access to information, as journalists' safety concerns lead to self-censorship on critical societal issues.
A significant portion of UK journalists are altering their reporting due to fears for their personal safety, according to a government-backed investigation by Alma Economics. The study found that one-third of journalists have changed how or what they cover, with topics like rightwing anti-immigration protests, the Trump administration, and trans issues frequently cited as sources of intimidation and concern.
Hundreds of journalists anonymously disclosed increasing nervousness, with some avoiding or modifying coverage due to intimidation, leading to self-censorship and a "narrowing of the public conversation." The investigation highlighted that abuse linked to reporting has grown, particularly online, and criticized newsroom cultures for treating these risks as inevitable. Female journalists bore the brunt of abuse, facing gendered and sexualized harassment, explicit threats, and inappropriate messages.
The shift towards online and video journalism, requiring more public-facing roles like live streaming and social media content, has made journalists more identifiable and vulnerable. Despite acknowledging the UK remains relatively safe compared to other nations, reporters noted intensified risks driven by declining public trust, "fake news" narratives, and blurred boundaries with the public.
Laura Davison, the NUJ's general secretary, stated that abuse should not be considered part of a journalist's job and urged social media companies to take responsibility for preventing harassment. A government spokesperson confirmed efforts with the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists to address these issues, emphasizing the need for reporters to feel supported and protected.