September Branch meeting – Cyberbullying and the media

Our first NUJ meeting of the autumn will be in two weeks’ time when we’ll have a special discussion on Cyberbullying and the Media.

When ? Monday 21st September @ 7pm

Where ? Film Guild Room, Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9BZ. You get to the Film Guild room via the corridor to the left of the bar/restaurant. Be aware there may be films showing, so please keep conversation to a minimum until you’re in the room.

On the panel will be:

• John Matthews, Chair, NUJ Glasgow Branch
• Fiona Davidson, a journalist and lawyer who compiled a recent survey of the problem
• Paul Holleran, Scottish Organiser, NUJ (tbc)

We’re also hoping to be joined by Tim Dawson, the NUJ vice president (also tbc).

Here is some background about the discussion from John Matthews:

“You may be aware that the Glasgow branch funded a preliminary study to assess, in conjunction with the University of Strathclyde, the extent of the problem of cyberbullying suffered by journalists.  The findings revealed some areas of concern and also flagged up the need to obtain additional information to further determine the extent of the problem and suggest measures that can be put in place to alleviate the problem.

“Feedback from the study revealed that a number of journalists at the very least suffered from stress and anxiety as a result of online abuse received.   The results of the study were revealed in May this year. However, we are keen to delve deeper and identify all concerns of journalists which may not have been disclosed in the short survey.

“Myself as chair of the Glasgow branch (and a member of the Scottish Executive Council and National Executive Council) and branch activist Fiona Davidson, a journalist and lawyer who compiled the study,would like to visit your branch area and meet with members to discuss the survey and the problem of cyberbullying in your area and in general with a view to moving towards a more in-depth study into the problem of cyberbullying.

“Our intention is to engage with members throughout Scotland.  To that end Fiona and I wish to attend a branch meeting or meet with branch members in a more informal setting to discuss problems relating to members’ experiences of cyberbullying and to exchange information.”