Results of the survey for journalists
Taktak;Display Europe (2025), 9 pp.
"This report presents the main results of the surveys for journalists launched by the European cofunded project Taktak in collaboration with Display Europe in July and November 2024. The surveys aimed to have an overview of the working life of journalists in Europe, and gathered 436 replies. The two surveys were both translated in 13 languages (English, Spanish, German, Catalan, Galego, Greek, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, French, Italian, Portuguese, Serbo-Croatian and Romanian). This report does not claim to be a representation of the working conditions of journalists in Europe but nevertheless gives an important insight on the subject. The respondents of the Taktak survey come from 33 different European countries (21 from EU member states, 13 from European countries and 8 non-European countries). The majority of respondents are experienced journalists aged between 40 and 49 years old (29,13%), and almost half of them, 49,7%, have been working for more than 15 years as a journalist. Also, for 61% of them, their journalistic work represents about 80-100% of their income [...]
The survey results include a sample of various employment contracts of journalists: over half (51,67%) of respondents are freelancers or work under non-employment contracts, while 39,44% are full-time employees. Respondents were also asked to elaborate on their type of contracts and there, a distinction must be made between employed and freelance journalists. Freelancers face precarious working conditions: low pay, lack of social benefits and administrative burdens, which leads to financial instability and stress. On the other side, employed journalists benefit from job stability, social security, and consistent income. However, respondents also mentioned restrictive work environments, and limited professional growth. Regional differences are also important to take into account regarding labor laws and the war in Ukraine. Overall, 52.5% of respondents are satisfied with their contracts, while 29.55% expressed dissatisfaction. Satisfaction varies significantly between freelancers and employees, with freelancers often struggling to sustain themselves even though the passion for journalism remains high." (Pages 2-4)
The survey results include a sample of various employment contracts of journalists: over half (51,67%) of respondents are freelancers or work under non-employment contracts, while 39,44% are full-time employees. Respondents were also asked to elaborate on their type of contracts and there, a distinction must be made between employed and freelance journalists. Freelancers face precarious working conditions: low pay, lack of social benefits and administrative burdens, which leads to financial instability and stress. On the other side, employed journalists benefit from job stability, social security, and consistent income. However, respondents also mentioned restrictive work environments, and limited professional growth. Regional differences are also important to take into account regarding labor laws and the war in Ukraine. Overall, 52.5% of respondents are satisfied with their contracts, while 29.55% expressed dissatisfaction. Satisfaction varies significantly between freelancers and employees, with freelancers often struggling to sustain themselves even though the passion for journalism remains high." (Pages 2-4)
