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NUJ presents books of


condolences for Lyra


Michelle Stanistreet, General Secretary, presented books of condolences from the NUJ for murdered journalist Lyra McKee to Lyra’s partner, Sara Canning, at the Biennial Delegates Conference in Dublin in November. Michelle said “the NUJ family”, following Lyra’s


death, should consider what circumstances are necessary for more journalists like Lyra McKee to thrive. “Journalism and the NUJ absolutely need more


Lyras,” the General Secretary said. “So as her NUJ family at her death promises to do one thing, it should be to consider what circumstances are necessary for more like her to thrive,” Michelle said. “Journalism and the NUJ absolutely need more Lyras.” In accepting the books, Sara thanked the NUJ and its members for their support for Lyra over the years. “I’m massively appreciative of the support that she was given,” Sara said. “I know it really helped in some


Sara Canning at BDC. Photo: Derek Speirs.


of the most troubling and challenging times that she faced as a journalist and just as a person. Because the bullying and the online backlash that you can receive when your views are put out there quite openly can be overwhelming and it can be terrifying.” The support Lyra received from the NUJ was amazing, Sara said, calling it a great reflection “of the value of the NUJ and of the family that you receive as an extension of being a member”.


Dealing with hate speech: The BDC panel


Dr Karlin Lillington, contributor to The Irish Times, told the Biennial Delegate Conference that some solutions proposed to deal with online hate speech could affect journalists’ work. She pointed to suggestions that social media


users should have to provide identification, rather than hiding behind anonymity. The primary and most vulnerable targets of hate speech internationally tend to be journalists, trade unionists, human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists, she said. “The very activists who are often attacked need


anonymity, especially outside of western democracies,” she said. Journalists need anonymity, she said. Dr Lillington was on a panel at Conference on hate speech with Sara Canning, partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee; and General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet. RTÉ’s Fran McNulty hosted the discussion, which also involved questions and comments from members in the audience. Dr Lillington also said she believed social media companies should be taxed, with proceeds going to public service broadcasting and other news


organisations. Sara Canning said Lyra had been subject to a


“sustained bullying campaign on social media”, in what she described as “a really, really traumatic time for her”.


She said, “It’s frightening for anyone, but when the police don’t really take it seriously because it’s online that’s when things get really scary.” Michelle Stanistreet said the very nature of journalists’ jobs today means there is an expectation from employers that they will be active on social media. This has added a different type of stress in many ways, whether from online bullying or anxiety, she said.


The General Secretary said: “I think as a union it’s


very much about trying to approach it in a problem- solving way.” She said it was important that the NUJ raise awareness of the issue but also to make employers take on their responsibilities on the matter.


She said the NUJ was also working on things like a


“digital safety tool kit”, involving practical things people can do to protect themselves.


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