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Over 85% of sports journalists say online abuse is threatening press freedom

Landmark research reveals surge of online abuse facing sports journalists in the last year; Sports Journalist Barometer Report, produced by the United Against Online Abuse Campaign, supported by the SJA…

By the SJA

A new report published by the leading campaign to tackle online abuse in sport has revealed the alarming scale and severity of abuse targeting sports journalists.

The Sports Journalist Barometer Report, published by the United Against Online Abuse Campaign (UAOA), has recorded a disturbing rise in both the volume and toxicity of online abuse directed at sports journalists, to the extent that it is now threatening to their ability to report freely.

Supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA has published this report following a global survey of sports journalists across diverse sporting disciplines.

The report’s findings are set to galvanise the growing coalition against online abuse in sport, driving meaningful, decisive, and collective action to safeguard those who bring the stories of sport to life.

Key Findings

  • Widespread Abuse: 95% of respondents believe online abuse against sports journalists is widespread.
  • Escalating Severity: Over 75% reported that the severity of online abuse has increased in the last 12 months, with over 40% stating it has “significantly” worsened.
  • Threat to Press Freedom: More than 85% of respondents said fear of online abuse may impact their willingness to pursue certain stories, posing a significant threat to press freedom.
  • Forms of Abuse: Misogyny was identified as the most common form of abuse, followed by sectarianism, racism, and attacks on physical appearance.

The report also details the intense personal toll online abuse has on sports journalists.

Many respondents reported experiencing relentless harassment, pile-ons, and threats that have caused severe mental distress.

Female journalists highlighted a unique and pervasive form of abuse including misogyny, leading to many withdrawing from social media entirely.

The prevalence of anonymous accounts was also identified as a key contributor to the scale of abuse directed at journalists.

The survey, which has been supported and promoted by the Sports Journalists’ Association, captured perspectives from sports journalists across the world, reflecting the global nature of this escalating issue.

However, regardless of their location, the responses uncovered consistent and deeply concerning patterns with journalists describing the relentless and debilitating abuse received via social media and female sports journalists reporting the additional scrutiny they face because of their gender.

In response to the alarming findings, UAOA has committed to lead a unified, collaborative, and solutions-focused approach to address this critical issue by facilitating effective partnerships between the sports, political, and journalism sectors over the coming months.

The report outlines a series of actionable recommendations, including the establishment of a dedicated working group that convenes sports journalists, sporting organisations, and technology platforms.

It is proposed that this group will serve as a pivotal forum for developing and implementing robust frameworks designed to protect the safety and well-being of media professionals while safeguarding the integrity of sports journalism.

The campaign will also advocate for media organisations to establish and implement comprehensive codes of practice that clearly outline the online abuse reporting and support processes available to their journalists.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and Founder of UAOA, said: “Journalists are the voices of our sports, connecting millions of fans worldwide to the passion, drama, and triumphs that make sport so special.

“It is essential that sports journalists can carry out their invaluable work in a safe and supportive environment. However, this landmark report exposes the unacceptable abuse they’re facing and the chilling impact it has on press freedom.

“I would like to thank the Sports Journalists’ Association for their continued leadership and support in promoting this vital research. As FIA President, I commit to working with the SJA and the United Against Online Abuse campaign as you lead the way in developing the actionable solutions we need to safeguard those who dedicate their careers to sharing the stories of our sports with the world.”

Darren Lewis, President of the SJA, said: “Not a single journalist will be surprised by the numbers. Nor will they be shocked by the details. No matter how harmless the subject, how anodyne the story, writers find themselves in the crosshairs of anonymous social media users intent on directing abuse their way.

“Legislation with teeth, per the report, must also follow. The findings in the report are too important to delay action any further.”

AIPS president Gianni Merlo said: “Online abuse has become one of the most prevalent issues in our society today and it is also eroding the principles and values that sports and sports journalism stand for.

“This is unacceptable and we have continued to fight against this faceless beast that impacts our works and lives negatively.

“This report by The United Against Online Abuse (USOA) campaign is a crucial step towards combating this plague that has spread significantly and is trying to silence us. We will continue to work towards ensuring a safe working environment for sports journalists both online and offline.”

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