Inside newsrooms, many describe backlash against reporters who speak out
In February, journalist Ginella Massa stood by a cluster of candles illuminating a banner while, one after another, the names of the journalists killed since the start of Israel’s bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip were read out. She was one of four organizers of a vigil on the campus of Toronto Metropolitan University that aimed to shine a light on mainstream Canadian media’s failure to hold Israel accountable.
As one of the organizers, she reached out to numerous colleagues across the city, asking for solidarity. Massa said many told her that they wanted to attend, but feared backlash from their newsroom editors. “It is such a shame, and a bit of an indictment on the industry, that journalists would be afraid to attend a vigil for their fallen colleagues.”
Since October 7, mainstream Canadian journalists have struggled to cover the war on Gaza. Many of those who have attempted to explain the Palestinian experience, provide historical context, or include Palestinian voices in stories report being silenced or intimidated.
Inside Canadian newsrooms, there’s been a backlash against those who have spoken up. Some journalists, particularly journalists of colour, have been targeted, harassed, and in some cases, had their jobs threatened. Others feel they’ve been pushed out of the industry. (more...)
We spoke to 10 Canadian journalists at mainstream media about what it’s been like covering Gaza
Absolutely heartbreaking to watch @Hind_Gaza report on the killing of her colleagues Ismail al-Ghoul and Rami al-Rifi in an Israeli strike. Solidarity with her, their families and everybody at Al Jazeera. pic.twitter.com/INL09fLkel
— Barry Malone (@malonebarry) July 31, 2024
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