A 2019 survey of journalists conducted by the Committee to Protect Journalists suggests worry about becoming an online target because of their need to use social media for work (Westcott, 2019; see Figure 8). Seven in ten Canadian journalists called online harassment, including threats of violence or harm, the biggest threat they face. Female journalists, in particular, face a range of harassment, including death threats and unsolicited sexual messages through social media. Male journalists interviewed for this study cited “nightmare stuff” they have heard from their female colleagues.
Figure 8. Biggest threats to Canadian journalists’ safety (Westcott, 2019)
Canada’s criminal code does not address online harassment of journalists specifically. To date, Canada’s legal system has not dealt with cases involving harassment or disinformation campaigns aimed at journalists. An Ontario case in 2016 found a man not guilty of using the Internet to harass a pair of feminist activists (Csanady, 2016).
Most of the journalists and newsroom leaders interviewed for this study expressed concern about online harassment and described it as a real problem. Yet, most also detailed ad hoc procedures aimed at protecting journalists who are targeted online. Some journalists described generic policies and training aimed at protecting them from online harassment, and a number of interviewees described newsroom bosses as being supportive and understanding when harassment occurs. Union officials representing Canadian journalists believe news organisations need to do more to protect journalists.
