Exploring Online Harassment of Female Broadcast Journalists in Kenya During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the online harassment of female broadcast journalists in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was guided by three objectives: to examine the forms of online harassment experienced, to determine how journalists responded to such harassment, and to assess the effects of these experiences and responses on their careers. The scope focused on harassment experienced during the pandemic, a period that significantly heightened reliance on digital media platforms. The study drew upon three theoretical frameworks. The Spiral of Silence Theory was applied to explain how harassment contributed to silencing female journalists during heightened political and social tensions. Communication Privacy Management Theory provided insights into how journalists managed boundaries between private and public information online. A phenomenological qualitative research design was employed to capture the lived experiences of the participants. The study population consisted of female broadcast journalists in Kenya who were active during the pandemic, with the target population drawn from mainstream television, radio, and digital stations in urban areas. A purposive sample of 15–20 journalists was selected, supplemented by snowball sampling. This ensured the inclusion of diverse perspectives while focusing on those most affected. Data collection relied on semi-structured, in-depth interviews, using an interview guide with open-ended questions to elicit detailed narratives. Pretesting was conducted with two to three participants who were excluded from the final sample. Thematic analysis served as the main analytical approach. The research process adhered to ethical standards, emphasizing confidentiality, voluntary participation, and the cultivation of trust between the researcher and participants. The study found that female broadcast journalists in Kenya faced deeply gendered online harassment during the COVID-19 pandemic, including objectification, body shaming, sexualized abuse, stalking, and threats, all of which undermined their personal dignity, professional credibility, and safety. The harassment caused significant emotional harm, such as anxiety, depression, and loss of self-esteem, while also reshaping career paths through self-censorship, reduced online engagement, or avoidance of sensitive beats like politics. Conclusions drawn emphasized that online harassment was not merely individual hostility but a systemic, gendered attack exacerbated by institutional neglect and societal stereotypes that silence women in journalism. In response, the study recommended practical measures such as newsroom anti-harassment policies, counseling support, digital safety training, and career mentorship, alongside policy interventions including stronger cyber laws, regulatory frameworks, and subsidized wellness programs. Collectively, these measures aim to protect journalists’ safety, mental health, and career sustainability, while fostering institutional accountability and challenging cultural attitudes that normalize abuse.