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Survey data unveils high levels of harassment and physical violence against reporters nationally
[October 17, 2024 – WASHINGTON, DC] — New data released today by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) reveal the staggering threats journalists in the United States face to their safety and well-being – much of it while on assignment covering political campaign events or protests. Derived from a survey of and interviews with 610 reporters who attended 26 IWMF Newsroom Safety Across America safety trainings in 19 cities across 11 states throughout 2024, the report details threats journalists face on the job and the support available to them.
The report, “Journalists Under Fire: U.S. Media Report Daily Threats, Harassment and Attacks at Home,” examines dangers ranging from physical violence and harassment at political protests and campaign rallies to threats of gun violence, verbal attacks and sexual harassment while on assignment and in the workplace. Key findings include:
- 36% (of 597) respondents reported being threatened with or experiencing physical violence while working as a journalist
- 33% (of 566) respondents reported being threatened with or experiencing digital violence while working as a journalist
- 28% (of 568) respondents reported legal threats or action against them while working as a journalist
- Approximately 24 percent (of 582) respondents experienced sexual harassment and an additional 6 percent (of 582) were threatened with sexual violence
A commonality across participant interviews was experience with, or concern about, physical violence from law enforcement, including attacks, detention and arrest while reporting, particularly at protests or when reporting on or investigating law enforcement. This concern was not unfounded: police officers were the perpetrators of some reported threats, violence, or excessive force against respondents — incidents which occurred most often at rallies for former president and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump.
President Trump’s anti-press rhetoric was frequently cited as stirring vitriol against the media; at one rally in Pennsylvania that a respondent covered, a man “stormed into the press area” following Trump’s criticism of major media outlets for “unfavorable coverage.” Members of the press reported feeling at high risk while covering Trump rallies and “Stop the Steal” protests, especially when some Trump supporters and protestors openly carry weapons.
More than 140 of the surveyed journalists reported experiencing sexual harassment on the job. Among those who answered more detailed questions about the nature of the sexual harassment, almost all (96 percent) cited unwanted comments about their appearance, and 60 percent reported unwanted physical contact.
“I’m proud that the IWMF’s Newsroom Safety Across America training reached so many journalists ahead of the 2024 election, but the numbers show that the industry at-large is leaving reporters ill-prepared for the physical dangers of their jobs,” said Elisa Lees Muñoz, executive director of the IWMF. “Many newsrooms are not providing the type of training, protective gear, and support necessary, leaving journalists to navigate perilous environments alone. If we want to see a thriving news industry, we must shift the culture on journalist safety.”
The report provides actionable steps newsrooms can take to improve safety for their staff journalists. Preventative measures include implementing identity-informed risk assessments, investing in mental health resources, and prioritizing regular training. On an ongoing basis, the IWMF recommends newsrooms enact check-in protocols and security debriefs to take the sole burden of security off the journalist; and ensure that staff have access to quality physical and mental healthcare.
Participants in the survey included staff and freelance journalists, photojournalists and editors from more than 198 media outlets, including metro daily newspapers, local radio and TV stations, and regional nonprofit newsrooms. The Newsroom Safety Across America initiative was funded by Craig Newmark Philanthropies, with additional support from The Knight Foundation, Microsoft and The MacArthur Foundation. More information about the IWMF’s safety work is available at
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