Mija Bezgovšek

For many young journalists, entering the profession now includes navigating a landscape marked by online harassment, trolling, and coordinated disinformation attacks. Women, LGBTQ+ journalists, and reporters from marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted, especially when covering sensitive issues like politics, gender rights, or extremism.

Digital harassment poses ethical challenges for newsrooms as well: How can editors protect their staff while upholding freedom of expression? What responsibilities do media organizations have in establishing safety protocols? And how might fear of harassment influence story selection or limit diverse participation in public discourse?

Creating a safe environment requires a combination of digital security training, clear internal policies, mental health support, and solidarity within the profession. Newsrooms must openly acknowledge the emotional toll of online abuse and avoid dismissing it as “part of the job.” Ethical journalism is about protecting sources and also about protecting the people who tell the stories. When journalists feel safe, they are better equipped to hold power accountable and serve the public interest.