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A 2026 global survey by the Paris-based investigative network Forbidden Stories finds that journalists facing threats are increasingly identifying coordinated international reporting as the most effective deterrent against those who target them, while also documenting widespread intimidation, weak legal protection, and underreporting of attacks on media workers.
The survey, which gathered responses from 204 journalists across 53 countries who had experienced threats or attacks due to their reporting, reveals a complex and escalating risk environment for press professionals. According to the findings, 68% of respondents said that perpetrators are most concerned about global journalistic investigations that continue stories across borders, while smaller proportions cited legal consequences or public statements by advocacy groups as deterrents.
The research also highlights the sources of threats. A majority of respondents reported that intimidation often came from individuals linked to public authorities, while a significant share also identified criminal groups as perpetrators. This reflects a dual-pressure environment in which both state and non-state actors contribute to risks faced by journalists.
One of the most notable findings concerns the reluctance to report incidents. A significant portion of journalists said they did not file formal complaints after being threatened, while others reported that complaints were either ineffective or failed to produce meaningful outcomes. This pattern suggests structural weaknesses in legal and institutional protections for media workers in many jurisdictions.
The survey underscores the role of cross-border investigative collaboration as both a protective mechanism and a strategic response to threats against journalists. Organizations such as Forbidden Stories, founded in 2017 with the mission of continuing the work of journalists who are killed, detained, or silenced, have become central to this approach by enabling investigations to continue even when original reporters are unable to proceed.
Beyond individual cases, the findings align with broader press freedom assessments showing increasing legal pressure, surveillance, and physical risk for journalists worldwide. Recent global monitoring reports indicate hundreds of journalists remain detained globally, while many more operate under sustained threats or censorship pressures.
Overall, the survey paints a picture of a shifting threat landscape in which intimidation is not only physical but increasingly procedural and systemic, while also highlighting the growing importance of international cooperation in sustaining investigative journalism under pressure.
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