Journalists’ victimization experiences and fear of crime at the workplace: Results of a questionnaire survey from Greece and Cyprus

Abstract

Using a representative sample of 635 active professional journalists, this study is one of the first to examine the prevalence of non-lethal workplace victimization experiences and the extent of fear of crime among journalists. The results indicated a relatively high prevalence of physical victimization, an exceptionally high prevalence of psychological abuse and an average prevalence of property victimization among professional journalists. Additionally, it was found that journalists overall had relatively low levels of fear of crime at work. The analysis also revealed the sociodemographic and employment characteristics of professional journalists who were more closely associated with different types of victimization and fear of crime at work.

Intimidation, Assault, and Violence Against Media Practitioners in Ghana

“…Journalists attacked by security officials and other groups were often betrayed by the very instruments they work with such as audio and video recorders. This is consistent with other studies that showed that media roles, which involve news gathering and camera handling, have a high chance of being attacked physically, verbally, or their property vandalized (Keita, 2011; Kodellas et al, 2014; VonDoepp & Young, 2013). For instance, in Uganda, journalist Joshua Mutale who works for Radio Simba was attacked by the police while interviewing women protesting against increased police assault.…”

“…(p. 40) The position of Bridge reiterates the experience of Chris Ayres of The Times when he found himself entangled with the Marines during the 2003 Iraq Invasion and commented, "I found myself in a circumstance where I was absolutely terrified beyond belief since I just thought that there was a fair chance that we'd die, or get captured" (Tumber & Webster, 2006, p. 19). Kodellas, Papastavron, Giannakoulopoulos, and Koutsompolis (2014) examined victimization at the workplace and the degree of fear of crime among media practitioners using a sample of 635 practicing media professionals. Their findings showed that physical victimization is common in the workplace and journalists whose roles are "news sourcing" and "photography" experienced higher fears of physical and verbal attacks, threats, and stolen or damaged property.…”

Experiences of External Interference Among Finnish Journalists: Prevalence, methods and implications

“…(e.g. Kodellas et al, 2014;Nerone, 1994). The indirect consequences of interference and harassment can have a cumulative effect, fostering a culture of anxiety and self-censorship and producing a chilling effect on public discourse (see Clark & Grech, 2017;Landsverk-Hagen, 2015;Löfgren Nilsson & Örnebring, 2016).…”

Fear of Crime in the Sanctuary: Comparing American and Ghanaian University Students’ Fearfulness

“…While there has been a recent upsurge in studies on fear of crime in communities (Brunton-Smith & Sturgis, 2011; DuBow, McCabe, & Kaplan, 1979; Kodellas, Papastavron, Giannakoulopoulos, & Koutsompolis, 2014; Kort-Butler & Hartshorn, 2011; S. Moore & Shepherd, 2007; Rader, 2004; Rader, Cossman, & Porter, 2012; Renauer, 2007; Roh, Kwak, & Kim, 2013; Vieno, Roccato, & Russo, 2013; Vilalta, 2012; Williamson, Ashby, & Webber, 2006), there has been far less emphasis on fear of crime on university campuses (Brantingham, Brantingham, & Seagrave, 1995; Cubbage & Smith, 2009; Fisher, 1995; Fisher, Sloan, & Wilkins, 1995; Fisher & Smith, 2009; Jennings, Gover, & Pudrzynska, 2007; Stretesky & Hogan, 2001; Woolnough, 2009).…”