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The University of Liverpool is one of the top UK universities, member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities.

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The Worlds of Journalism Study is a cross-national collaborative project assessing the state of journalism in the world through representative surveys with journalists.

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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”.

Thomas Atenga

Professor at DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF DOUALA

Press repression censorship freedom of expression journalist safety authoritarianism

I worked as journalist for 15 years. In 1999 I decide to return at University. In 2004, at University of Paris I Sorbonne, I defended a PhD Thesis in Political Science about power conservation and press repression in Cameroon and Gabon. Since, my research has focused on press repression in Central Africa; freedom of expression; media, politics and public opinion and relevant aspects of journalism studies.

Definition of journalists' safety

Journalist's safety refers to the possibility for them to be able to work in a safe environment (free from threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, physical abuse, etc.)

Future plans for research on journalists' safety

Criminal networks attacking the safety of journalists investigating sensitive issues in the Central African sub-region.
Research focuses:
Physical, Psychological, Financial, Legal
Methods used in research:
Surveys, Interviews, Qualitative content analysis, Quantitative content analysis, Ethnography
Countries of research focus:
Central Africa (Cameroon, Congo Brzzaville, Gabon, Central Africa Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Chad

Areas interested in collaborating with NGOs

Training in security issues in the coverage of events or sensitive topics