This column is by Sean Tucker, an assistant professor of occupational health safety at the University of Regina and Heather Persson, former editor-in chief of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix as well as the Regina Leader-Post.
How long could you survive in a job where threats and angry exclamations were a daily reality?
“Welcome journalism in 2022,” tweeted one reporter after relaying a story about a profanity-laced attack during street reporting. Reporters are encouraged to use social media. Messages are frequently targetedFilled with racial and gender slurs, homophobia, and misogyny Other forms of hatred.
In the current reality of journalists being fired, Don’t Shoot the Messenger takes on a new meaning. Threatened with violenceSome people are even told they should face execution. This is happening right now in Canada.
The freedom of the press is a key indicator of democracy’s health. Media hold governments, businesses, public institutions, and other groups accountable. Journalists are hindered by a toxic and abusive environment.
The Canadian Association of Journalists responded to the protests in Ottawa. Noted“Efforts by dehumanizing and intimidating journalists to tell stories in public interest are antithetical the very notions ‘freedom’ being sought through this protest. Safety measures recommended by the CAJ included working in pairs or small teams and assigning reporters who have previous experience covering conflict zones.
Last week, the editor of The Prince George Citizen went even further. Statement: “It’s simply too unsafe for me to send my staff to these events anymore. The shop steward representing our unionized workers has made it clear that he believes that those events are unsafe, and I agree with him.”
In October 2021 19 media outlets and companies, including the Globe and Mail and Postmedia, joined forces to create an interactive platform. Solidarity act. It said that while criticism is an integral component of journalism and democracy it cannot be tolerated for hate and harassment journalists or incitement to attacks journalists for doing their jobs.” “These attacks inordinately target women journalists and racialized journalists speaks volumes about the motivation of those who engage in such behavior.”
The rise in hostility has been dramatic
Journalists are used being unpopular. Powerful people and advocacy groups can be angry when journalists ask tough questions. Recently, psychological cruelty and hostility have increased, fuelled by baseless rhetoric about fake media and “mainstream media.”
There is a common myth that journalists are puppets of the government or establishment actors, conspiring to mislead the public. In reality, most reporters are dedicated professionals who strive to find compelling stories for the public.
We have lost sight that journalists are workers, and are protected from harassment or violence under occupational safety and health law. The Canada Labour Code“Harassment” is defined as “any action, conduct, or comment, even of a sexual character, that can reasonably cause offence, humiliation, or other psychological injury or illness to an employer.”
Psychologically, repeated abuse or one serious incident can have a negative impact on your mental health. A 2021 IPSOS pollOne in four journalists subject to online harassment suffered from sleeplessness and other mental health problems. One in five felt unsafe for their safety.
Individuals and groups can feel that journalists are a target for abuse and this behavior becomes normalized and journalists are dehumanized. This is unacceptable. Journalists can be considered human beings. Reporting on death, illness, and mental health in the wake of the pandemic and protests across Canada has had its repercussions.
There are several avenues of complaint available
Journalists are human and imperfect.
You have options to complain if you feel a journalist or media outlet is biased or unfairly working. You can write a letter of complaint to the editor. The National NewsMedia Council has an official complaints process that facilitates communication between the media and the public. The CBC has an independent ombudsman who handles complaints from the public, and enforces journalistic standards. The Toronto Star and other outlets have a public editor, or a similar position that accepts feedback. You can also submit a Canadian Broadcast Standards Council.
Do not be a spectator if a journalist is being harassed. Speak out. Report the incident to the police or protest organizers. When you hear or see balanced reporting, thank the journalist.
Even though the sector is facing significant financial challenges, the media still has great power. Media outlets are well aware of the responsibilities associated with this privilege and are reluctant to use their platform for their own issues. Canadians must speak out to defend the safety and integrity of journalists whose work is essential to our democracy.
It is becoming more common and necessary to acknowledge and challenge the vitriol and abuse that health-care professionals and all public-facing workers suffer. It is time to demand that journalists work in a safe environment.
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