In the crosshairs: The perils of environmental journalism

Abstract

Journalists covering environmental issues around the globe are at heightened risk of murder, arrest, assault, threats, self-exile, lawsuits, and harassment because environmental controversies often involve influential business and economic interests, political power battles, criminal activities, and corruption, plus politically, culturally, and economically sensitive issues concerning Indigenous rights to land and natural resources. This study uses in-depth interviews with journalists and other experts to explore such situations, including the psychological effects on these journalists’ sense of mission and professional practices. Interviewees generally did not seek therapy or counseling after their adverse experiences. Those experiences led some journalists to change their careers but strengthened the professional commitment that other journalists feel.

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Notes on contributors

Eric Freedman

Eric Freedman, J.D., is a professor of journalism and Knight Chair in Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University. A winner of the Pulitzer Prize, he has taught journalism as a Fulbright Scholar in Uzbekistan, Lithuania, and the Republic of Georgia. His international research focuses on obstacles to press rights and freedom of expression.