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”.
Viviane Schönbächler
Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Hamburg
journalists' safety and security feminist media studies media & conflict intersectionality digital technologies
Our research project examines the awareness and practices in digital security of German journalists when working on sensitive topics online. Moreover, I conducted research on broader related topics such as conflict coverage and intersectional perspectives in journalism, including on harassment and self-censorship.
Definition of journalists' safety
To me, journalists' safety represents a holistic approach to creating and sustaining conditions in which journalists can thrive and contribute actively to social change and peaceful societies.Future plans for research on journalists' safety
Apart from the research project on digital security in journalistic reporting based in Germany, I am interested in examining digital media and conflict in the Sahel as well as intersectional perspectives on digital interaction between journalists, their sources and audiences.- Research focuses:
- Digital, intersectionality
- Methods used in research:
- Surveys, Interviews, Qualitative content analysis, Audio diaries
- Countries of research focus:
- Germany, Burkina Faso