Sports Journalist Barometer 2024
UAOA Barometer Reports
Sports Journalist Barometer Report 2024
The Sports Journalist Barometer Report 2024 is the first global, data-driven study focusing on the scale, impact, and personal toll of online abuse targeting sports journalists.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT
This pioneering research, supported by the FIA Foundation and coordinated by FIA University, uncovers the pressing challenges faced by sports journalists worldwide and offers actionable recommendations to address this pervasive issue. The significant findings and recommendations are based on a major survey of global sports journalists conducted in Autumn 2024.
Key findings
A heavy toll on mental health and professional lives: the 2024 Sports Journalists Barometer reveals the scale and intensity of online abuse faced by sports journalists worldwide.
95%
of respondents reported
that online abuse targeting sports journalists is either “very” or “fairly widespread.
75%
of respondents reported
an increase in the severity of online abuse in the past year, over 40% noting a “significant” rise.
85%
of respondents said
that online abuse may influence their willingness to pursue certain stories, threatening press freedom.
Misogyny
emerged as
the most prevalent form of abuse, followed by sectarianism, racism, and personal attacks on physical appearance.
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.
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.
Key recommendations
Recommendations for change
The report calls for urgent, collaborative, and solutions-focused action across the sports, political, and media sectors.
-
Establishing a working group
of journalists, sports organisations, and technology platforms to develop frameworks that ensure safe working environments for media professionals.
-
Promoting zero-tolerance policies
against online abuse within sports federations and media organisations.
-
Launching public awareness campaigns
to highlight the critical role of journalists and foster respectful online behaviour.
-
Strengthening collaboration
with social media platforms to enhance abuse detection, reporting, and removal mechanisms.
Journalist Barometer 2024
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
Explore the full findings and actionable recommendations in the Sports Journalist Barometer Report 2024.