PEN America issues guide to help newsrooms protect journalists from online abuse

PEN America and the Coalition Against Online Violence has released a new guide for newsrooms and journalists facing escalating threats, from online harassment and doxing to physical violence.

It comes as four in ten US journalists have experienced job-related harassment, and one-third reported digital violence ahead of the 2024 election. Online abuse disproportionately affects women and journalists of colour, with 73 per cent of women journalists globally experiencing online violence and US journalists of colour up to five times more likely to be targeted.

The guide recommends that news organisations develop digital safety policies, invest in tools like password managers and data scrubbing services, and foster open conversations about safety. Managers are encouraged to check in regularly with staff, document incidents, and advocate for better resources and protocols.

PEN America’s guide also suggests that newsrooms collaborate and share resources, making safety support accessible even for smaller organisations. The full guide is available for download and includes examples of successful newsroom safety initiatives.

This article was drafted by an AI assistant before it was edited by a human