A groundbreaking platform, the Journalist Safety Tracker, has been launched to address harassment against journalists.
- This tool allows both freelance and staff journalists to report incidents of harassment, abuse, and intimidation confidentially.
- Media Minister Stephanie Peacock emphasises the necessity of journalist safety for free press to thrive without threats.
- The National Union of Journalists champions the tool, aiming to systematically address abuse, particularly against women and ethnic minorities.
- The Tracker aims to inform strategic responses to harassment, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
A new online reporting platform has been introduced to help journalists report harassment, abuse, and ‘lawfare’—a term for using legal actions to intimidate—safely and confidentially. The Journalist Safety Tracker is accessible to both freelance journalists and those employed by organisations, allowing them to share their troubling experiences anonymously.
As highlighted by Media Minister Stephanie Peacock, the protection of journalists is crucial for maintaining a free press, enabling reporters to fulfil their roles without fear of attack or intimidation. This initiative forms a key part of the National Plan for the Safety of Journalists.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) applauds the Tracker as a significant advancement in monitoring abuse patterns faced by journalists. Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary, notes that the tool will gather data on sexist and racist language often directed toward women journalists and those from minority ethnic groups, as well as other forms of physical and online harassment. Stanistreet explains that this systematic data collection will help illustrate the extent of abuse journalists endure simply for performing their duties.
The tool functions by prompting journalists to answer a series of questions regarding threats encountered on social media, impersonation through malicious emails, use of spyware, and incidents of physical violence. Journalists can also report their experiences with Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), including information on potential perpetrators.
Data compiled through these reports will aid the NUJ in building a comprehensive understanding of the threats faced by journalists, heavily relying on funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to improve reporting and inform protective measures. This project represents a collaborative effort to ensure journalists can work in an environment free from intimidation and risk.
The Journalist Safety Tracker marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the wellbeing of journalists against rising threats.
