Journalists stand on public exposure as first line of defense against attacks—survey

Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, a survey by Forbidden Stories showed that threatened journalists are increasingly turning to international visibility for protection, reflecting the persistent impunity on journalist attacks.

The 2026 survey of 204 journalists across 53 countries found that 68% believe individuals or groups under investigation fear global journalistic investigations more than judicial investigation or non-government organizations (NGO) press releases.

Only 17% of the respondents think that the use of legal action will be feared, while 15% on NGO releases.

Instead of turning to judicial investigation, journalists are making their work more visible through international attention to deter further threats and attacks. 

Findings show that 77% of threats are linked to public authorities, including public officials (52%), law enforcement (39%), and local elected officials (35%) highlighting state-related actors as the most frequently cited source of danger.

Intimidation from formal power structures and digital spaces are also identified as journalists recognize trolls (24%), unidentified entities (22%), and business actors (19%) as part of a widening threat.

According to the same survey, pressure/intimidation, threatening messages, and online harassment are the top three types of threats suffered by journalists, with 28% of them receiving them at least daily, weekly, or monthly.

However, 88% of respondents reported that they either did not file complaints or saw no results from legal action.

The survey further exhibits the influence of global scrutiny as 83% of journalists believe perpetrators fear international networks of journalists who investigate their assets and activities abroad. 

With this, 75% of journalists reported feeling more protected or less isolated while conducting investigations after collaborating with international networks such as Forbidden Stories through SafeBox.

SafeBox is an online mechanism ensuring investigations are publicized and are safely held by a global consortium of reporters even when facing threats to bury stories. 

“By protecting my investigations, Forbidden Stories ensures anyone watching me that ‘Killing the journalist will not kill the story,” said Bangladeshi journalist and SafeBox Network member Marzia Hasmi Momo.