A PersVeilig study reveals that 91% of Dutch photographers and cameramen have faced aggression or intimidation while working, with most cases occurring during live sports coverage and public events.
AMSTERDAM | By ASJF Reporter
A new study by PersVeilig shows that 91 percent of photographers and cameramen in the Netherlands have faced aggression or intimidation while working, highlighting growing safety risks for media professionals.
The research, conducted by Ipsos I&O and presented on October 9 at Galgenwaard Stadium in Utrecht, surveyed 267 photographers and camera operators, with support from the Dutch Sports Press Association (NSP). Most reported verbal aggression (74%), while 27% experienced physical attacks and 14% received online threats.
“Anyone covering sports events knows the dangers,” said Gerard den Elt, General Secretary of the Dutch Sports Press. “Reporters and photographers are being attacked by supporters or hit by fireworks around stadiums. Safety in and around arenas deserves the highest priority.”
According to the study, 40% of respondents have taken personal safety measures, such as avoiding certain areas or events, while only 27% believe their employers provide adequate protection.
Aggression against journalists in the Netherlands has increased steadily in recent years. Earlier PersVeilig studies found 80% of journalists faced intimidation in 2022, compared to 60% in 2017. The latest findings underscore that photo and video journalists, particularly those covering live sports, remain among the most vulnerable in the field.