A longitudinal analysis from 2008 to 2023: What you always wanted to know about journalists in Switzerland

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive overview of journalists in Switzerland based on the most recent wave of the Worlds of Journalism (WoJ) survey conducted in 2023. The study investigates the demographics, working conditions, role perceptions, and safety concerns of Swiss journalists. Building on past survey waves from 2008 and 2015, this study extends the analysis to 1 179 journalists across all three language regions. The findings highlight trends, including an increase in female journalists and higher levels of academic qualifications. Notably, the study also identifies persistent challenges, including gender disparities in management roles and specific journalistic beats, increasing economic pressures, the growth of part-time work, and declining job satisfaction. Additionally, the article addresses the risks journalists face, including workplace bullying and threats, which influence their likelihood of remaining in or endorsing the profession. This research underscores the importance of understanding the evolving professional landscape of journalism, informing both academic discourse and practical measures to support the industry.