Journalists, harassment, and emotional labor: The case of women in on-air roles at US local television stations

At a time of growing threats to the press worldwide, including in supposedly 'safe' developed democracies, this article explores the nature of harassment perpetrated by strangers, one-time sources, and viewers against women broadcast journalists working at US local television stations. The study investigates the emotional labor - the work of managing one's emotions to keep others happy - that is required for journalists negotiating such harassment. Through qualitative interviews, our research shows that women in such roles face four main types of harassment: (1) disruptive in-person harassment, (2) physical and abrasive in-person harassment, (3) online harassment as unwanted sexual advances, and (4) online harassment as threats and criticisms. We find that women perform a significant degree of emotional labor as they regularly deal with harassment and simultaneously attempt to mitigate or prevent further harassment.

Automated summary

In the face of growing threats to the press worldwide, this article explores the nature of harassment experienced by women broadcast journalists at US local television stations. Through qualitative interviews, the research reveals that these women face disruptive and physical harassment in person, as well as online harassment in the form of unwanted sexual advances and threats/criticisms. The study highlights the significant emotional labor performed by these journalists as they navigate and attempt to prevent further harassment.