Jeannine Relly

Professor Relly’s research focuses on global and domestic influences on journalists and news media systems, democratic and autocratic institutions that often are in conflict, post-conflict, or in political or economic transition. Research studies collective action and the influence of global networks or social movements on safety, security, freedom of expression and access to public information. Other research has focused on formal and informal institutions related to democratic governance, including issues whistleblower protection and disinformation.

Definition of journalists' safety

After working for more than a decade on issues related to journalists' safety on projects around the world (Afghanistan, Iraq, Kurdistan, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Yemen), safety and security have evolved in my work to include cultural elements along with psycho-social and physical, digital, economic and legal protection and care for a wholistic approach.

Future plans for research on journalists' safety

I am currently working on a project in conflict zones in Yemen and hope to work on the implications and relationships between disinformation and journalists' safety and security, particularly amidst conflict, terror group activity and/or humanitarian crises. I also am in the midst of working on a related book project that includes this area along with longterm impacts of economic austerity, violence and lack of public support on journalists' safety and security.