May 28, 2021, Toronto - Reporter for CBC News, covering the coronavirus pandemic received online abuse in her email inbox, accusing her of fear mongering. Lauren has extensively covered the global impact of the virus on human lives and state policies as well as the vaccination process that is now underway. Journalists like Lauren are putting their lives on the line to ensure minimum misinformation regarding the online health crisis, and any abuse levelled against them is reprehensible.

Earlier today, CBC News reporter, Lauren Pelley, shared a screenshot of the abuse she received through email because of her extensive reporting of the coronavirus pandemic. As is often the case with women journalists, the message was gendered in nature accusing Lauren of spreading fear among audiences. Being on the frontline of reporting on the current health crisis has taken a toll on the mental health of several reporters, when it has not outrightly put their lives in danger, however they continue on in the spirit of professional responsibility. At a time like this, when they are already facing personal and professional stresses, abusing them for basically doing their job well is shameful.

The gendered undertones of the abuse Lauren received serves as a reminder of not just the perils of being a journalist in these times, but also of being a woman in the field. Women journalists have to confront the double edged sword of misogyny and the professional hazards of being a news media professional. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends to Lauren our complete support. This moment in our lifetimes and the abuse that is coming to light should force the news media industry to introspect and work towards a healthier environment, specially for its more vulnerable members, who are exhibiting immense professionalism yet being targeted with abuse.