| In the digital age, community journalists face a lot of challenges both online and in the
field. This study explores the experiences of journalists in the four intermountain states of the
United States: Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. This study used surveys and in-depth
interviews as methods to collect data. It examined the nature of the challenges and their effects on
community journalists' well-being and their professional lives. The findings show that journalists
receive mostly negative and abusive comments on social media platforms, as well as face criticism,
harassment, and threats. These online challenges extend into their in-field work too, creating a
hostile work environment that has a negative impact on both their mental and physical health.
Furthermore, the study reveals that these negative experiences have prompted many journalists to
quit the profession altogether. One critical factor aggravating these challenges is a lack of
organizational support for journalists. Despite the critical role community journalists play in
informing the public and upholding democratic principles in these four states of the United States,
they frequently face challenges without any mentionable support from their employers. This study
emphasizes the desperate need to help community journalists navigate the online media landscape
and their in-field experiences effectively. Addressing online and in-field harassment and creating
a supportive organizational culture are crucial steps toward ensuring the mental health and
professional sustainability of community journalists in the intermountain region.
Keywords: Journalist, online, in-field, harassment, abuse, negativity. |