‘I’ve described it sometimes like a combination of being a lab rat and a punch bag. You know, it's just all awful. It's misogynistic. Sexist. It's classist,’ is how a senior broadcast editor with a prominent profile on Twitter described their experience of working with social media.

Online harassment of journalists, particularly on social media, seems to have become ubiquitous. The study of the British National Union of Journalists in 2020 revealed that every other journalist experienced online abuse, with 55% of respondents reporting this having an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

Join us for this roundtable in which the key stakeholders will discuss the issue, focusing on possible ways forwards for journalists, the industry, and society at large.

Speakers include:

• Florence Hainaut, journalist and director of documentary #FatUglySlut addressing online abuse
• Camille Petit, European Federation of Journalists' Communications & Project Officer
• Rebecca Whittington, the first British online safety editor (Reach)

The roundtable is hosted by former BBC Special Correspondent, now Professor of Journalism at Middlesex University, Kurt Barling.

The event can be attended in person at Middlesex University London, or virtually over Zoom. Room/Zoom details are sent in email upon registration.