• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, November 5, 2024

Journalists in the U.S. face increasing political bullying that could even lead to violence when carried to extremes, judging by a new study from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) 

Of the Americans polled, 27% have often seen or heard of a journalist being threatened or harassed online. And 34% think it is appropriate for senior politicians and officials to criticize journalists and news organizations. 

The belief that politicians should feel free to criticize the press is shared by 47% of Republicans and 22% of Democrats. 

In addition, it is favored by 37% of white-identifying respondents, versus 27% of people of color. And 39% of men approve of tough criticism, compared to 30% of women. 

The study concludes, perhaps unfairly, “It appears intolerance towards the press has a face – a predominantly white, male and Republican-voting face.”

Of course, politicians have every right to criticize the press. But there is a difference between criticism and demonization, and there are fears that former President Trump has been taking it too far. 

At a rally less than 48 hours before Election Day, Trump said that ”to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I don’t mind that so much,” he said.

And, Trump has referred to journalists as “enemies of the people,” and suggested jailing reporters and cancelling network broadcast licenses.

Worldwide, journalists have been jailed and slain for honest reporting. And Trump aside, there have been disturbing incidents involving reporters. 

In the most recent (and perhaps mildest case, given that journalists have been murdered in the U.S.), an Indian Time reporter named Issac White was arrested while covering a land-claim demonstration. However, the News/Media Alliance and numerous other organizations have called for charges to be dropped.

A guidance from the Department of Justice states that “even in circumstances where officers may be entitled to disperse protesters who break the law, they may not also disperse journalists or arrest them for not following orders to disperse.”

It's about time somebody said it.