Switzerland

The Swiss research team is very satisfied with securing an excellent place in the overall ranking of the Global index on journalists' safety. Nonetheless, potential risks are taken seriously by the media industry and journalists' professional associations, and are subject to ongoing public discussion. In line with a Council of Europe resolution, the regulatory authority OFCOM has developed a National Action Plan (NAP) (https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/en/homepage/electronic-media/media-policy/national-action-plan.html) on the safety of journalists in Switzerland, working in close collaboration with media stakeholders. The NAP outlines concrete measures across areas such as awareness-raising, prevention, protection, and support in cases of violence or threats. It also includes a review of the legal framework.

One key factor contributing to Switzerland’s strong performance is the continued reliability of its legal system. However, journalists in Switzerland still face hostility and hate speech—particularly via digital channels. While no recent cases of journalists being killed or imprisoned have been reported, and physical attacks are extremely rare, challenges remain. For instance, only 6% of the 1,179 surveyed journalists reported damage to their equipment, yet 22% expressed concerns about their physical safety, and 34% fear that attacks against journalists may go unpunished. The greatest concern, cited by 39% of respondents, relates to their mental well-being. Verbal abuse and public discreditation are the most common forms of threat, affecting over two-thirds of journalists.

Investigative journalists in particular are disproportionately exposed to legal pressure, surveillance, and public hostility. Concerns about job insecurity—especially among freelancers and those on temporary contracts—are also notable, with 12% fearing job loss. Digital threats remain relatively uncommon: 90% of journalists report never having experienced hacking or account blocking, although around one in five has encountered some form of surveillance. On a positive note, 79% of journalists report enjoying a high degree of editorial freedom.

Understanding Journalist Safety in Switzerland

Safety Dimensions

Gender Safety Gap

Physical Safety

Journalist Killings (35% weight in physical dimension)

Responses to: "I am concerned about my physical wellbeing" (20% weight in physical dimension)

Responses to: "In the last five years, how often have you experienced any of the following actions related to your work as a journalist?"

Arrests, detentions or imprisonment (15% weight in physical dimension)

Sexual assault or sexual harassment (15% weight in physical dimension)

Other physical attacks (15% weight in physical dimension)

Abductions (did not contribute to calculation)

Office raids or seizures or damage of equipment (did not contribute to calculation)

Being required to work in an environment where COVID-19 had easily spread (did not contribute to calculation)

Psychological Safety

Responses to: "I am concerned about my emotional wellbeing" (20% weight in psychological dimension)

Responses to: "In the last five years, how often have you experienced any of the following actions related to your work as a journalist?"

Demeaning or hateful speech directed at you (16% weight in psychological dimension)

Public discrediting of your work (16% weight in psychological dimension)

Legal actions against you because of your work (16% weight in psychological dimension)

Stalking (16% weight in psychological dimension)

Other threats or intimidation directed at you (16% weight in psychological dimension)

Coercion (did not contribute to calculation)

Questioning of your personal morality (did not contribute to calculation)

Workplace bullying (did not contribute to calculation)

Intimidation that targets your family or close associates (did not contribute to calculation)

Digital Safety

Responses to: "In the last five years, how often have you experienced any of the following actions related to your work as a journalist?"

Surveillance (50% weight in digital dimension)

Hacking or blocking of social media accounts or websites (50% weight in digital dimension)

Others using your byline for fabricated or manipulated stories (did not contribute to calculation)

Others disseminating your personal information (did not contribute to calculation)

Financial Safety

Responses to: "I am worried about losing my job in journalism within the next 12 months" (20% weight in financial dimension)

Responses to: "Which of the following categories best describes your current working situation as a journalist?" (20% weight in financial dimension)

Responses to "Approximately what percentage of your overall work-related income comes from your work as a journalist?" (20% weight in financial dimension)

Responses to: "How many hours a week on average do you work as a journalist?" (20% weight in financial dimension)

Responses to: "In which of the following categories does your salary as a journalist fall?" (20% weight in financial dimension)

Demographics

Coming soon