UK journalists ‘self-censoring stories about Trump and the right over safety fears’
A government-backed investigation in the UK reveals that journalists are increasingly self-censoring their work on sensitive topics like right-wing politics and trans issues due to safety concerns. The report highlights a culture of normalized abuse and intimidation, particularly affecting female reporters.
Why it matters
This trend suggests a narrowing of public discourse and a threat to press freedom caused by rising hostility toward media professionals.
Investigators found a widespread belief that abuse linked to reporting had increased, especially online. Composite: PA Images/Guardian Design / Alamy Investigators found a widespread belief that abuse linked to reporting had increased, especially online. Composite: PA Images/Guardian Design / Alamy Journalist safety UK journalists ‘self-censoring stories about Trump and the right over safety fears’ Government-backed investigation finds risks are normalised amid ‘a narrowing of the public conversation’
Prefer the Guardian on Google Journalists are self-censoring their reporting on rightwing protests, Donald Trump’s administration and trans issues because of growing concerns about their personal safety, with newsrooms accused of “normalising” the risks they face.
Hundreds of journalists from across the UK have anonymously disclosed increasing nervousness over their security. Some have reported avoiding or altering coverage on certain topics due to intimidation, leading to self-censorship and “a narrowing of the public conversation”.
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