This document provides information and advice for newsroom leaders on how to help shield journalists from online abuse. It discusses technical, practical, and psychological strategies, such as tracking abusive emails, closely monitoring comments, alerting security staff, offering support to victims, and being willing to bend rules to protect people from threats. The document also includes examples of specific abusive and threatening messages received by journalist Wendi C. Thomas and information on how to donate to her organization, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism.

1. Wendi C. Thomas
Online Threats
Aug. 9, 2017
National Association of Black Journalists

3. – Anonymous commenter online
“The people like Wendy who act like we still live
in the times of slavery are the ones who should
be lynched and hung. We have moved on
Wendy. So should you. Get a life you B****.”

7. Leo Lazarus
ihateniggers@yahoo.com
I looked up the word “nigger bitch” in the
dictionary and saw your face.

8. Nope.
Not there.

9. From: Leo Lazarus <Leolazarus@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 9, 2014 5:29 AM
To: Thomas, Wendi
Subject: Message
via the Web site
Wendi,
You are a nigger bitch. You really are. One day I
am going to grab you, rape you, fuck that burr
headed pussy of yours and then throw you out in
the street like the trash you are.
Praise King Jeebus!
Leo Lazarus
Mid South Trucking

10. – W. E. B. Dubois
“How does it feel to be a problem?”

11. 3 Ways Newsroom Leaders Can Help Shield
Journalists from Online Abuse
1. Technical
2. Practical
3. Psychological

12. Technical
Can you track emails?
Do staffers know how to/who to forward abusive
emails to?
Has IT put in place as many safeguards as
possible?

13. Practical
Has the security staff been alerted?
Does the digital desk know to closely monitor
comments?

14. Psychological
Support the victim
Circle the wagons
Marshal the outlet’s investigative resources
Offer to monitor the victim’s email/voice mail
Offer to go with the victim to the police
Ask what you can do to help
Don't rely on the victim to come up with a solution
Be willing to bend the rules to protect the person

15. MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
MLK50.com • @MLK50Memphis
wendicthomas@mlk50.com
@wendi_c_thomas

23. MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
MLK50.com • @MLK50Memphis
Donations are tax-deductible.
donatenow.networkforgood.org/mlk50