How close is too close? Setting boundaries: a skill for resilience in journalism

Wednesday, 14 Oktober | 4.30–6.00 pm | Herrenhausen Palace

  • Christiane Löll, Journalist, HFMT Hamburg, Germany
  • Malte Werner, Netzwerk Recherche, Germany
  • Emma Thomasson, Journalist, Germany/UK

Science journalists must engage deeply with human sources, crises, trauma, and complex data — but blurred boundaries can threaten well-being and professional resilience. This interactive workshop explores how journalists can set and maintain professional boundaries when reporting on emotionally demanding topics, dealing with overwhelming data, facing online harassment, or navigating pressure and accusations.

Using anonymised and partly fictionalised case studies from science journalism, participants will reflect on warning signs, exchange strategies, and discuss practical approaches to boundary-setting in their daily work. The workshop also introduces psychosocial support offers for journalists, including the journalists’ Helpline.

Special attention will be paid to creating a respectful and low-risk environment: participants will never be expected to share personal experiences, and the session will not rely on confidential disclosures.

Emma Thomasson

Emma Thomasson is a journalist and newsroom leader. She has led diverse teams across countries at Reuters. Today, she advises organisations, executives and entrepreneurs, particularly in the news industry, and serves as a peer counsellor at Helpline.

Malte Werner

Malte Werner is project lead of Netzwerk Recherche’s „Helpline“ for journalists grappling with psychosocial problems. Used to cover global health topics as a freelance reporter before joining Netzwerk Recherche, the German association of investigative journalists.

Christiane Löll

Christiane Löll is a science journalist with medical background (WPK-member). She is currently working as a research associate at the Institut für Kultur- und Medienmanagement (HfMT Hamburg) and one of the evaluators of „Helpline“. She brings extensive experience across various media organizations, including leadership roles at Gruner + Jahr and RTL.

Photo: Andreas Pufal