In a recent interview given to a US publication, sports journalist Liz Habib opened up about the rampant exploitation in sports journalism and the undue pressure women sports journalists have to face to survive in the industry. The issues she touched upon ranged from questionable job security to the objectification of women journalists working in the field. Her interview highlighted that issues in sports journalism, especially against women journalists, are structural and deep seated. They require urgent redressal, the Coalition For Women In Journalism believes.

Several protests have erupted in Los Angeles by right wing political organizers ranging from issues like trans rights to covid vaccination programs. However, one thing has remained common: members of the press are unsafe during their coverage. Particularly journalists belonging from socially vulnerable groups find themselves being repeatedly and violently targeted by participants in these rallies.

The Guardian reporter Lois Beckett was assaulted by protesters while covering an anti-transgender rally outside a spa in Los Angeles. The journalist posted a video of the attackers against her on social media. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the vicious attack against Lois. We demand the U.S. authorities identify and appeal necessary criminal sanctions to the attackers. Journalists must do their jobs freely and safely.

Alanna Rizzo, after parting ways with SportsNet LA, opened up about the sexual harassment women sports reporters experience. Her statement shed light on the behaviour of players, as well as the ways newsrooms enable this culture.

KPCC reporter Josie Huang was arrested with brutal police violence on September 13 while she was covering the arrest of a protester outside St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, where two LA County Sheriff’s deputies were being treated after being shot in their squad car by an as yet unidentified assailant.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is saddened by the news of the death of 39 years old journalist and screenwriter Jasmine Waters (Jas Fly) on June 10th.