Media Coalition Appeals to Police for Action Against Harassment of Female Journalists Launches Four Point Safety Strategy

In a landmark initiative, over 100 journalists alongside media industry veterans have rallied to urge UK police chiefs to intensify their efforts in eradicating the pervasive cycle of harassment that threatens to marginalize female journalists. This significant call to action, championed by influential entities such as Reach, Women in Journalism, and Reporters Without Borders, seeks to engage three pivotal police representatives from the Government’s National Committee for the Safety of Journalists. The coalition proposes a comprehensive four-point plan aimed at fostering a safer professional environment for women in the field of journalism across the UK.

This mobilization stems from mounting concerns over the discernible surge in online abuse targeting female journalists over the previous decade, a worrying trend that poses potential risks to the principles of media freedom and diversity by possibly driving women away from the profession.

A concerning study undertaken last year by Women in Journalism and Reach revealed that out of approximately 400 female journalists surveyed, 18% had pondered exiting the media industry entirely due to the onslaught of online abuse and threats they faced.

In a letter dispatched in observance of International Women’s Day, the coalition underscored the necessity of enhancing the documentation of crimes against journalists, particularly emphasizing the importance of identifying whether such attacks stem from their journalistic work. This approach aims to illuminate the magnitude of the issue, thereby enabling the formulation of effective strategies to counteract such abuses and ensure accountability for social media platforms.

Additionally, the letter advocates for the issuance of national guidance and specialized training for police forces to better comprehend the gendered nature of online violence, the potential linkage between online and physical violence, and the adoption of best practices in addressing these crimes.

The group further calls for an improvement in the dialogue between police forces and journalists to ensure that incidents of attacks are promptly reported, effectively addressed, and that perpetrators are brought to justice.

The plea has garnered backing from a wide array of media figures, including national newspaper editors like Alison Phillips, Caroline Waterston, and others from prominent publications, as well as broadcasters from major networks. This united front underscores the media industry’s resolve to combat the escalating issue of harassment against female journalists and to strive for a more secure and inclusive journalistic landscape.