Journalism is a profession increasingly marked by stress, time-sensitive job demands, and a rapidly changing environment. Increasing levels of burnout among journalists are becoming more common and many journalists decide to leave the profession altogether. Middle-aged and younger generations of journalists are more susceptible to burnout, therefore monitoring trends in the prevalence of burnout is important.
As part of this master’s thesis, a study among Slovenian journalists was conducted. Data were collected using two questionnaires (one intended for active journalists and the other for former journalists) and analysed using various statistical methods in Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Data collection took place between 22 January and 3 February 2026, with a total of 221 respondents participating. The results showed that, on average, a moderate level of burnout was present among Slovenian journalists.
The most frequently reported symptoms were forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and physical exhaustion. Both the symptoms and the level of burnout vary between individuals. A higher level of burnout is observed among journalists under the age of 40. Work-related burnout is more common among journalist over the age of 40 and with journalists working in privately owned media outlets.
The study found that burnout and stress are among the most common reasons for leaving the journalistic profession, although not the only ones. Several recommendations for improvement were formulated during research, particularly regarding the work environment and management practices. At the same time, the study contributes to the continuity of research in what is otherwise a relatively under-researched field.
|
