I am a nominee radio journalist recognized for my work as a producer, writer and presenter on my radio documentary - “Dangers of Journalism: The Cost of Truth”. The programme received nominations in three categories - ‘Radio Documentary of the Year’, ‘Podcast of the Year’, and ‘Radio Production of the Year – News and Current Affairs’ at 2026 National Student Media Awards (SMEDIA).
I came to Ireland from Poland four years ago to study. It took a lot of effort and self-determination to go abroad on my own, but it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. The journey it took me on, taught me a lot, both professionally and especially on a personal level. I had the chance to meet amazing people from around the world, learn how to “adult”, see things from different perspectives, and much more.
Dangers of Journalism: The Cost of Truth
‘Dangers of Journalism: the Cost of Truth’ is an audio documentary that explores dangers of professional journalism, particularly focusing on journalists being harassed, attacked or threatened simply for doing their job. This programme also explains why protecting them is not just about safeguarding a profession, but about defending democracy itself. There are far too many threats to press freedom still ongoing in today’s world and this documentary aims to investigate that issue by speaking to great guests:
- Bruce Shapiro, executive director of Global Centre for Journalism and Trauma
- Ed Carter, editor of the 2024 book titled "Journalists Under Attack: Global Perspectives on Threats, Violence and Impunity"
- Eamonn Farrell, photojournalist and editor-in-chief of RollingNews.ie
- Nick Stylianou, BAFTA-winning journalist and senior UK affairs producer at Sky News
- Katerina Sergatskova, executive director of Daily Humanity Foundation
- Arzu Geybulla, Azerbaijani freelance journalist
This documentary contributes to much-needed discussion about the safety of journalists in today’s world. ‘Dangers of Journalism: the Cost of Truth’ was nominated for ‘Radio Documentary of the Year’, ‘Podcast of the Year’, and ‘Radio Production of the Year – News and Current Affairs’ at the 2026 National Student Media Awards (SMEDIA) and is available to listen on Spotify and Soundcloud.
Online harassment of Irish male journalists and safety risks in the age of social media
This final-year dissertation examines the extent of online harassment faced by Irish male journalists and the safety risks associated with it in the age of social media. It also critically reviews their reactions and attitudes towards online abuse. A qualitative research method approach was used to examine the issue, and 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain insights into the online harassment of journalists. The semi-structured interviews with male journalists from Ireland - Hugh Farrelly, John Meagher, Michael O’Toole, Seán Dwyer, Kevin Palmer, Wayne O’Connor, Kevin Doyle, and Ralph Riegel - offer the first primary accounts from a male perspective into the prevalence, characteristics, and impacts of online harassment.
The findings indicate that Irish male journalists experience a wide range of online abuse, ranging from verbal attacks to more serious kinds of intimidation online, including attacks on journalists’ professional credibility, group harassment - also referred to as “pile-ons” - as well as misrepresentation and manipulation of content. Looking at the way victims handled the experienced harassment - mainly disengagement strategies - suggests that their emotional support systems are insufficient. Some also mentioned that their workplace is failing to deal with the issue on a structural level. Furthermore, the interviewees largely agree on the fact that women are subjected to both targeted and more harmful forms of harassment. This comparative approach makes male journalists downplay their own experiences of online abuse. This dissertation contributes to the already existing scholarship, while adding a male perspective that is currently under-researched.