New charter promotes mental health support for journalists

A new charter focused on the mental wellbeing of journalists will debut at Stormont next month. Created by former journalist Leona O’Neill, the MediaStrong Newsroom Wellbeing Charter invites newsrooms across the UK and Ireland to commit to supporting journalists through the challenges of their work.

O’Neill, now a journalism lecturer at Ulster University, highlighted that mental health often receives minimal attention in the high-pressure environment of newsrooms. She described traditional newsroom culture as often masculine and uncompromising, where journalists are expected to cover traumatic events without showing vulnerability. “They are often thrust into tragic or hostile situations, tasked with gathering distressing details and processing trauma without adequate support,” O’Neill stated. “This relentless cycle can lead to burnout and mental health struggles.”

The charter aims to initiate discussions about the mental health challenges faced by journalists. Many newsrooms are adopting it to acknowledge the difficulties of the profession and signal their commitment to mental wellbeing. Séamus Dooley, the Assistant General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), praised the initiative as a progressive move towards prioritizing health and welfare in the media industry. He noted that while external threats to press freedom—such as harassment and restrictive legislation—exist, internal health and safety also require attention.

Chris Sherrard, editor of the Irish News and a signatory of the charter, emphasized the importance of formal structures to support journalists. He stated, “Journalists frequently encounter distressing events as part of their job. Until now, finding effective mechanisms to safeguard their mental health has been challenging. The MediaStrong Charter offers a practical framework for newsrooms like ours to better support our editorial staff.”

Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin, co-sponsoring the launch at Stormont, asserted that the charter is essential for embedding care within media culture. “Journalists are the frontline of truth and accountability, yet they often lack support for the emotional toll of their responsibilities,” she said. “The MediaStrong Charter provides a necessary framework to protect journalists and ensure they are respected for their public service.”

The formal launch of the MediaStrong Newsroom Wellbeing Charter is scheduled for June 4 at Stormont, with additional events planned at Westminster in July and Leinster House in September.