Feindbild Journalist; in 8 | European Centre for Press and Media Freedom

Feindbild Journalist:in 8 – Angst vor Selbstzensur

The number of physical attacks on journalists in Germany increased again last year compared to 2022. After 56 cases in 2022, there are 69 verified cases of physical attacks on journalists for 2023. For four years now, the annual number of attacks compared to pre-Corona pandemic – averaging around 23 cases per year between 2015 and 2019 – have been at a high level. The assumption that with the marginalization of the so called “Querdenker” movement and the associated decreasing assembly attendance, the number of attacks on journalists in Germany would also decrease, has not been confirmed.

In a closer analysis of the federal state of Saxony, which has accounted for a third of all registered cases since 2015, a previously underexposed phenomenon also emerges: self-censorship.  Local journalists who work in areas where the far-right’s territorial capture is highly pronounced and reaches into the so-called centrist part of society report that certain topics are omitted locally due to a perceived permanent threat situation.

Central figures of the study

• Attacks increased again:With 69 attacks, the number of cases in Germany is on the rise again.
• Demonstrations – the most dangerous workplace:77 percent of all cases occurred at demonstrations (53 out of 69 cases), 40 percent of them at pro-Palestinian assemblies (21 out of 53 cases).
• Precarious employment relationships:At least 59 percent of cases involved a freelance employment relationship (41 out of 69 cases).
• Local assaults:Seven physical and eight non-physical attacks on local journalists.
• Saxony – hotspot of far-right violence: 79 percent of attacks against media professionals since 2015 have come from the far-right spectrum (92 out of 117 cases).
• “Blind spots” in Saxony:In Saxony, there are signs of self-censorship and an increasing lack of reporting as a result of the extreme far-right capture of territory.
• Focus on Berlin:Berlin is the most affected federal state with 25 cases.

Key implications for publishers:

• Proximity as a security problem: Especially in villages and small towns, a complete separation between private and professional roles for local journalists is often not maintainable. This poses a particular challenge for critical journalism. Independence of reporting could be affected.
• Security: Media companies should consider developing concepts for protective measures. This is particularly relevant for journalists who attend critical events or demonstrations.
• Professional development: Increasing aggression can become a stress factor for employees. Targeted workshops or e-trainings on coping strategies can help employees deal with this new challenge.
• Psychological counseling: If media professionals experience physical or verbal attacks despite security measures, it can be very stressful for them. Psychosocial counseling services and legal support for affected employees should be available.