A comprehensive study released on 21 May 2025 reveals that sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in media workplaces across 21 countries, with 29% of 2,800 surveyed employees reporting experiences of harassment. Conducted by WAN-IFRA Women in News, City St George’s, University of London, and BBC Media Action, the research underscores systemic challenges in addressing workplace misconduct, including underreporting, inadequate institutional responses, and regional disparities in prevalence.
The survey, the largest of its kind in media sectors, gathered insights from professionals in journalism, administration, production, and leadership roles. Findings highlight that 69% of those who faced harassment did not report it, citing fears of retaliation, lack of confidence in reporting systems, and insufficient support mechanisms. When incidents were disclosed, only 65% of organizations took formal or structured action, often limited to informal resolutions. Dr. Lindsey Blumell of City St George’s, University of London, emphasized that such patterns reflect “a lack of trust in reporting systems and an overall acceptance of violence in newsrooms,” exacerbating the psychological and professional toll on survivors.
Gender disparities persist, with women experiencing verbal harassment at 2.4 times the rate of men and online harassment at 1.8 times the rate. Physical harassment affected 25% of respondents, while 5% of women and 4% of men reported surviving rape. Despite these figures, the study notes a broader cultural perception of harassment as a “women’s issue,” discouraging men from coming forward and perpetuating inequities in reporting and support.
Regional data reveals stark contrasts: 33% of respondents in Sub-Saharan Africa and 31% in the Arab region reported harassment, compared to 19% in Southeast Asia and 12% in Ukraine, which was included for the first time. The research expands on earlier studies from 2018 and 2020, incorporating nations such as Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, and South Sudan, where previous data was limited. These findings reinforce the need for targeted interventions in regions with higher prevalence rates.
Experts stress that addressing harassment requires more than policy updates. Valeria Perasso of BBC Media Action linked unsafe workplace cultures to “structural barriers” that deter diverse participation in journalism, warning that such environments compromise editorial integrity. Susan Makore of WAN-IFRA Women in News called for sustained investment in training, awareness campaigns, and accountability measures to shift entrenched norms. “Safer workplaces are essential to building resilient journalism,” she said.
The study’s interactive platform, launched alongside the report, provides region-specific data, visualizations, and resources to guide organizational and sector-wide reforms. As media institutions grapple with these findings, the call for systemic change remains urgent, with advocates urging leaders to prioritize transparency, support for survivors, and cultural transformation to foster equitable newsrooms.
