UNESCO is the lead UN Agency for promoting freedom of expression and safety of journalists as part of its mandate to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image”.
Ben O'Loughlin
Professor of International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London
Media War Conflict Security Communication Narrative
I am a founder and co-editor of the journal Media, War and Conflict (Sage, launched 2008). We regularly publish research on this topic. I am also connected to scholars who research this topic.
Definition of journalists' safety
While there are the practical, legal and other dimensions, I am interested in how journalists balance ontological security with a sense of professional role or duty. From previous engagement with foreign correspondents, there was a blurred mix of personal and vocational, private commitment with public responsibility and outcomes that may contribute to public awareness, knowledge and even action. Despite technological and geopolitical changes, I am curious if the safety of this identity or role-conception is still at the centre of, or even prior to, any thoughts about safety.Future plans for research on journalists' safety
My plans are following what my colleagues will do on this question, and how the field develops. After 15 years with this journal, my co-editors and I are not sure the field has developed.- Research focuses:
- Digital, Financial, Legal, Physical, Psychological
- Methods used in research:
- As a journal editor my role is more to survey the field.
- Countries of research focus:
- Global
