The rise of authoritarianism and conflict is driving journalists into exile, threatening their lives, careers, and freedom of the press
The increase in global conflicts, civil wars, and authoritarianism worldwide makes journalism one of the most dangerous professions. Hanan Badr, professor and chair of the Division of Public Spheres and Inequalities at the University of Salzburg, is researching exiled journalists and the complicated conditions that they face. She also conducts research on comparing media systems, activism, and digital public spheres, de-westernizing communication research on how globalization and digitization transform journalism.
“There is a rise of exiled media workers and journalists worldwide,” Hanan noted. She defined exile as people who are persecuted because of their political views, religion, or ethnicity; as their lives may be under threat, they often have no choice but to flee.
“The exile of journalists has led to significant restrictions on freedom of expression. This trend is often accompanied by targeted killings or imprisonment, shrinking freedoms, and mob harassment.” These acts further reduce the space for free and open discourse in society by stifling independent reporting and fostering an environment of fear.
Hanan stressed that “journalism is deeply rooted in its cultural and linguistic context, necessitating trusted connections within the community”. Consequently, exiled journalists face significant challenges as their displacement disrupts these essential ties. That hinders their ability to gather information, build rapport with sources, and produce impactful reporting, ultimately affecting the quality and authenticity of their work.
She categorized the challenges faced by exiled journalists into several areas. First, structural challenges include the lack of legitimacy in the eyes of their home audiences. Similarly, exiled journalists often struggle to establish credibility with new audiences in their host countries, leading to adversarial perceptions. Another category is political challenges, which include the high costs of working abroad, constant monitoring, and repression of their families and friends back home.
These individuals face a unique situation, as “exiled journalists are not economic migrants, which leads to financial instability. Unlike economic migrants who move in search of better financial opportunities, exiled journalists are often forced to leave their countries due to threats and persecution, making their financial situation even more precarious”, elaborated Hanan.
Highlighting the complex and multifaceted struggles that exiled journalists endure, she added that “psychologically, the mental health of exiled journalists is severely impacted by their experiences of persecution, harassment, and existential threats". Female journalists face additional challenges; beyond the difficulties of exile, they may also encounter gender-based violence like sexual harassment.
Using a case study on exiled Egyptian journalists as a case study, Hanan illuminated the multifaceted struggles of exiled journalists, highlighting their remarkable resilience. It underscores the urgent need for supportive measures to safeguard their vital work.
Hanan suggested that the most effective solution would be establishing agencies that provide financial support and psychological counseling to exiled journalists. She identified several international organizations already working towards this goal, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters without Borders, and JX Fund, to name a few. Their missions recognize the urgent need to protect and assist those forced into exile due to their journalistic endeavors. This support is crucial in ensuring that these journalists can continue their important work despite the challenges they face.
Hanan Badr is a professor at the Department of Communication Studies and head of the Division of Public Spheres and Inequalities at the University of Salzburg in Austria. She previously held positions at Freie Universität Berlin, Cairo University, Gulf University for Sciences and Technology, and Orient-Institut Beirut/Max Weber Foundation. She is associate editor of the Journal of Communication and serves on the Editorial Boards of International Journal of Communication, Digital Journalism, and Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication.
Hanan served as a faculty member in the Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change in July 2024.
