Stand up against hate

In an upcoming issue, we will explore misogyny and attack speech that has become ‘the norm’ for many of the journalists in our industry. If you have an account you would like to relate to us, please email me ... or comment on our website. We’d love to hear from you.”

Robin Blinder, editor-in-chief, Editor & Publisher

Welcome to December and the end of 2025. It’s definitely been a year to remember — the year that I survived breast cancer. I was one of the lucky ones who was diagnosed and treated early, giving me the best-case scenario and making me a big fan of early detection. Thank you to all who sent messages, prayers and well-wishes. It meant more than you know and made this journey bearable.

Many of my fellow survivors have told me that cancer is “the gift that keeps on giving.” If you know, you know.

You know what else is the gift that keeps on giving? This administration. I’m writing my editorial the week after our president told a Bloomberg White House reporter, Catherine Lucey, to “Quiet. Quiet, Piggy.” This isn’t the first time that DJT has spoken to a reporter in such an abusive way. It’s become typical — almost a sport for this president and his administration.

Within days, Mary Bruce, the chief White House correspondent for ABC News, was verbally attacked after doing her job of holding power to account. She asked Saudi Arabia’s crown prince about the 2018 death of Jamal Khasshogi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Not only did Trump insult the journalist asking the question, he also disrespected the deceased columnist by minimizing his murder with the comment, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about.”

Both incidents garnered widespread condemnation and outrage across our industry. But is that enough? I applaud Bloomberg, ABC News, The Washington Post and others for standing up with their journalists against this nasty barrage. In my opinion, we need to do more.

When things like this happen, other journalists in the room need to walk out in solidarity. Trump feeds on publicity. Stop feeding him. I believe that he and this administration are the U.S.’s number-one threat to press freedom. We must stop capitulating. This vile, hateful, vitriolic culture is bleeding into the very fiber of our society.

In an upcoming issue, we will explore misogyny and attack speech that has become “the norm” for many of the journalists in our industry. If you have an account you would like to relate to us, please email me at robin@editorandpublisher.com or comment on our website. We’d love to hear from you.

And Mr. President, you told Mary Bruce, “You ought to go back and learn how to be a reporter.” Well, you need to go back and learn how to be a respectable president. However, after five years of practice, I don’t believe you have the capacity.

In 2026, I urge us all to stand up against hate, attacks and the nasty culture that our president and his administration have normalized. Press freedom and our very democracy depend on it.

Finally, whatever holiday you celebrate, I wish you blessings and a peaceful and joyous season. My other wish is that you get your check-ups. It could save your life.

Robin Blinder is E&P's editor-in-chief. She has been with E&P for six years. She can be reached at robin@editorandpublisher.com.