Newsroom Policy Guide to Fight Online Harassment

2025-04-04. As journalism increasingly shifts to digital platforms, online harassment has become one of the most pressing threats to journalists worldwide. The impact extends beyond individual reporters – it threatens press freedom, diversity in media, and the public’s right to information.

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by Vincent Peyrègne vincent.peyregne@wan-ifra.org | April 5, 2025

To help media organisations respond effectively, WAN-IFRA WIN has developed a Newsroom Policy Guide to Fight Online Harassment, offering a structured approach to protecting journalists and ensuring a safe working environment.

Key Recommendations for Newsrooms

The guide outlines a proactive newsroom-wide approach to tackling online harassment. Key recommendations include:

  • Digital Safety Practices: Establish clear security measures for staff and freelancers.
  • Online Behaviour Guidelines: Define ethical engagement policies to prevent harassment.
  • Sexual Harassment Policies: Reinforce zero-tolerance policies and offer training.
  • Comment Moderation: Use human and AI moderation to prevent hate speech.
  • Trauma-Informed Peer Support: Provide psychological support and training for affected journalists.

Author: Mariona Sanz Cortell Revision: Dr. Rebecca Whittington, Melanie Walker, Jane Godia, and Susan MakoreImmediate Response Guide & Risk Matrix: Dr. Rebecca Whittington

The guide is available here. For additional support, please reach out to info@womeninnews.org.

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Vincent Peyrègne

Vincent Peyrègne took up duties as Chief Executive Officer of WAN-IFRA in 2012. Prior to joining WAN-IFRA, he was Head of Development at Edipresse in Switzerland (now Tamedia) with responsibility for audience insights, editorial marketing research and product development, before joining the office of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.

vincent.peyregne@wan-ifra.org