OVER 85% OF SPORT JOURNALISTS SAY ONLINE ABUSE IS THREATENING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS – LANDMARK RESEARCH SHOWS

A significant 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 today 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 may impact their ability to report freely.

Supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA has published this major report following an extensive, global survey of sports journalists across diverse sporting disciplines. The report’s powerful 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 challenge 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, resulting in 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 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, United Against Online Abuse 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 constructive forum, 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 United Against Online Abuse, said: 

“Journalists are the voices of our sports, connecting millions of fans worldwide to the passion, drama, and triumphs that make it so special. It is essential that they can carry out their invaluable work in a safe and supportive environment. This landmark report exposes the unacceptable abuse they’re facing and the chilling impact it has on press freedom.

“We must act decisively to address this issue, working together across the sporting, media, and political sectors to implement meaningful solutions that protect journalists and upholds the integrity of sports journalism.”

Darren Lewis, President of the Sports Journalists’ Association, 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.”

United Against Online Abuse urges governments, media organisations, sports federations, and technology platforms to collaborate on these critical recommendations. Together, we can safeguard the integrity of sports journalism, protect press freedom, and create a safer environment for all of those who dedicate their lives to covering the stories of sport.

The United Against Online Abuse campaign receives support from the FIA Foundation to enable its research projects. UAOA is a collaborative mission that convenes sporting organisations, national governments, regulatory institutions, and technology platforms, united as a global coalition to research and tackle online abuse within the sport ecosystem. They produce regular research reports and hold international events and forums as the leading global campaign in the fight against online abuse in sport.

To view the full report, please visit https://unitedagainstonlineabuse.com/2024-sports-journalist-barometer/

For further information about the campaign, please visit www.unitedagainstonlineabuse.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Omar Sharif – UAOA Communications Coordinator. Email: omar.sharif@unitedagainstonlineabuse.com