View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
January 4, 2019updated 30 Sep 2022 7:18am

94 journalists and media workers killed on the job in 2018, says International Federation of Journalists

By James Walker

The International Federation of Journalists has found that 94 journalists and media staff were killed in work-related incidents last year, the highest total figure for 2018 so far.

The organisation, which represents some 600,000 media professionals worldwide, said of the total, 84 were journalists, cameramen, fixers and technicians killed in targeted attacks or by crossfire and bombings.

A further ten media workers – drivers, security officers, one sales assistant and a set decorator – were also killed. 

Earlier figures published by Reporters without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists, put the death toll of journalists and media workers last year at 80 and 83 respectively. 

The discrepancy is likely down to a difference in definitions of media workers and the fact that both the CPJ and RSF put their figures out in early December, with any deaths that follow their release not included.

IFJ President Philippe Leruth said: “These brazen acts of violence in utter disregard to human life have brought to an abrupt end the short-lived decrease in journalists’ killings recorded over the last three years.

“Once again, the IFJ is asking United Nations’ Member States to adopt at their general assembly the convention on the security and protection of journalists which the IFJ presented to diplomatic missions at the UN in New York last October.

“This convention, supported by the profession as a whole, is a concrete response to crimes committed against journalists in full impunity.”

Five media workers gunned down at Capital Gazette in Maryland and murdered Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi (pictured) feature on the list.

The IFJ recorded that the Asia Pacific had the highest number of media worker deaths, closely followed by the Americas.

Afghanistan was found to be the single most dangerous country, with 16 media works dying in the country.

Picture: AP Photo/Hasan Jamali/File

Topics in this article : ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly dose of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network