ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates how traditional newsroom cultures have conditioned many journalists to adopt a form of unhealthy coping, where admissions of vulnerability are discouraged, and toxic behaviour becomes a badge of honour passed from one generation of journalists to another. It explores the systemic issues that have reinforced these behaviours, preventing people from speaking out for fear that doing so will impact their reputation or career progression. The chapter demonstrates how those who are marginalised by macho media cultures face even more significant barriers, shows that mental health needs to be regarded in connection with cultural change, and highlights that as long as such cultures reinforce a negative form of coping, these environments will be detrimental to our journalists and our journalism.
