Many media professionals in Germany perceive their work in reporting on the Middle East conflict as restricted. This is the finding of a new survey conducted by Freie Universität Berlin. Two-thirds of the journalists surveyed stated that press freedom in this area had deteriorated since 7 October 2023. Almost three-quarters feel an increased threat. From the respondents’ perspective, not only external pressure but also conflicts and hierarchies within newsrooms play a significant role.
For the study, FU communications researcher Prof. Dr Carola Richter and conflict researchers Dr Jannis Julien Grimm (FU) and Nina Moya Schreieder from the INTERACT Centre for Interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Research, surveyed journalists in May and June 2026 who report for German media on the Middle East region and related topics. The planning of the study was supported by Reporters Without Borders e. V. Of nearly 600 systematically selected media professionals, around 30 per cent took part in the anonymous online survey – a comparatively high response rate. “There was clearly a great need among journalists dealing with this topic to have their say,” says Prof. Dr Carola Richter.
The researchers emphasise that, due to possible self-selection, the results are not representative of German journalism as a whole; however, they provide, for the first time, reliable data on the perceived pressure in Middle East reporting and shed light on an issue that, until now, had only been examined qualitatively. The study’s findings are accordingly worrying: 35 per cent of respondents state that they feel a need for self-censorship when dealing with issues relating to the Middle East, whilst a further 19 per cent answer ‘to some extent’. This urge is particularly pronounced among freelance journalists (52 per cent) and media professionals with a migrant background (47 per cent).
Among the reasons cited by respondents are concerns about public hostility, potential misunderstandings, but above all the fear of professional repercussions. As many as 71 per cent of respondents have personally experienced threats in connection with their reporting on the Middle East. “A discourse climate within newsrooms that is at times toxic, as well as between media professionals with differing political views, can also be seen as a trigger for self-censorship. We consider this lack of internal press freedom to be a cause for concern,” said Carola Richter.
At the same time, the attitudes of those surveyed cannot be reduced to simply supporting or opposing one side in the conflict, but rather demonstrate a broad commitment to the principles of the rule of law: 92 per cent support the media taking a clear stance on human rights violations. There is broad support for both the protection of Jewish lives and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Researchers see a need for action in newsrooms
Based on the findings, the authors of the study have drawn up several recommendations for media organisations and newsrooms. “Editorial decisions on topics, sources and wording should be professionally justified and transparent. Journalists must be able to question decisions without fear of professional repercussions. External interventions should be documented internally so that their potential impact on editorial decisions remains apparent,” emphasises Dr Jannis Grimm.
The researchers also recommend better support services for media professionals affected by threats and defamation. Freelance journalists in particular, and those with a migrant background, should have access to confidential support services as well as legal and psychosocial support.
At the same time, the researchers highlight the limitations of their study. The subjective assessments measured do not allow for representative conclusions about the German journalism sector as a whole. Nor can it be inferred from the data that certain employment arrangements or other characteristics cause self-censorship. However, the study offers important insights into where further research into internal press freedom and editorial decision-making processes could focus.
Source: FU Berlin | Additional information: Interview with Carola Richter and Jannis Grimm (both in German)