Union says bullying is rife in media companies

Nine out of 10 journalists have been affected by bullying, according to new figures from the NUJ journalists’ union.

A recent NUJ web-based survey found that 74% of respondents had themselves been bullied while a further 18% had witnessed it happening in their workplace.

The survey backs up anecdotal evidence that indicates bullying is a major workplace problem in many media companies.

Lena Calvert, NUJ equality officer said: “Bullying can be enormously damaging to both the individuals and those who witness it.”

She also pointed out that: “Workplace bullying costs money and is unhealthy for the organisation which allows it to happen. It is demoralising for those who witness it and devastating to those who experience it.”

Last month the NUJ launched its bullying handbook in an attempt to halt the historic culture of bullying prevalent in the media.

The handbook can be downloaded from the NUJ website www.nuj.org.uk