Study sees threat of precarization in Swiss journalism
Swiss journalism is facing a threat of precarious working conditions. This is the conclusion reached by a study conducted by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. The study also shows that Swiss journalism lacks diversity.
For the study published on Thursday 1179 media professionals from all three language regions were surveyed. The results showed that women are underrepresented in management positions, despite holding 44% of the positions. At 60 percent, women are in the majority among 20 to 29-year-olds.
According to the study, the typical Swiss journalist is male, 43 years old, born in Switzerland, non-denominational, politically left of center and an academic. The authors of the study warn against assuming that political attitudes influence reporting. This would require a deeper analysis of the content. People in French-speaking Switzerland consider themselves more left-wing than those in German-speaking Switzerland, while those in Ticino consider themselves more right-wing.
Time pressure and less freedom
A "trend towards precarization" is also noted. Temporary employment has increased, from six percent in 2015 to 23 percent. Journalists' part-time jobs have also increased. 40 percent earned less than CHF 5601 per month. The median salary for the population is 6788 francs.
Time pressure is increasing and often several channels have to be used, such as online and print. Editorial freedom is therefore perceived as declining, according to the study.
Working conditions in journalism had become worse. 39 percent were worried about their mental health, 76 percent of those surveyed had experienced humiliating or hateful comments aimed at them, 67 percent perceived public discrediting of their work. Around half stated that they had been stressed often or very often in the last twelve months.
Inform and classify
When asked about their most important tasks, 85 percent stated that they convey information, enable people to form an opinion, 79 percent that they observe impartially and 78 percent each that they convey and classify current events and counteract disinformation.
At the other end of the scale are supporting government policy and conveying a positive image of the government, each with just over one percent. As many as 11 percent want to influence public policy with their work.
The survey was conducted for the third time and is part of the "Worlds of Journalism" project. Over 80 countries are involved. (SDA/swi)
