Journalists under attack: self-censorship as an unperceived method for avoiding hostility

This study investigates journalists’ self-censorship and introduces a phenomenon of unperceived collective that demands combination detection methods. We conducted content analysis media critique texts (N=156) discuss attacks on Estonian journalism. These results were combined with the journalistic roles in news (N=2409) survey journalists (N=99) completed semi-structured interviews (N=14). The findings showed accusations against frequently related to discourses regarding interventionist or watchdog roles. Juxtaposing these quantitative data, it became evident when aspects criticized texts, performance decreased news. However, self-assessment does not show perception this change. argue was created unknowingly within newsroom. External pressures – such as politically motivated journalism may promote self-censorship.