The conference is hosted by the OsloMet Research group MEKK (Media, War and Conflict). We are excited to present this year´s program.
This 11th annual conference on the Safety of Journalists addresses two converging Threats: Blurring Lines Between Democratic Backsliding and Authoritarian Façades
We are currently seeing two parallel and concerning developments. On the one hand, some established democracies are gradually taking into use techniques often linked to authoritarian systems. These include surveillance technologies, SLAPP lawsuits, manipulation of media ownership, and regulatory restrictions limiting press freedom.
On the other hand, authoritarian regimes increasingly adopt superficial democratic elements such as controlled elections or managed civil society organisations to appear more legitimate while keeping strict control. This conference explores these developments through two connected research themes.
Theme One: Eroding from Within – The Updated Authoritarian Playbook in Democracies
This theme explores how established democracies are undermining press freedom from within. Governments are using legal, economic, and technological tools to slowly weaken the protections that have traditionally supported journalism.
Rather than using direct repression, these governments apply more subtle but very effective methods to control or reduce the influence of independent media.
Theme Two: Democratic Façades – Working in Authoritarian Systems That Use Democratic Language
This theme examines how journalists carry out their work in countries that use the appearance of democracy while functioning in authoritarian ways. These regimes often allow some opposition and media space, but within tight boundaries designed to maintain control and avoid true accountability.
Special Focus – Vulnerable Communities and Press Freedom
This year’s conference pays particular attention to how violations of press freedom affect vulnerable groups. Journalists who belong to or report on these communities often face extra risks.
Programme
Programme Monday
- 08:30: Registration and coffee
- 09:00: Conference opening
- Welcome by Professors Kristin Skare Orgeret & Roy Krøvel, from the MEKK research group, OsloMet
- Opening by OsloMet Rector Christen Krogh
- Introduction, by Andrea Cairola, Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, UNESCO
- Music by Svein Amund Skara
- 09:30: Opening Key Note: Jodie Ginsberg, Director of the Committee to Protect Journalist
- 10:00: Dr. Zahera Harb, City St George’s, University of London: “Rethinking Impartiality in times of Human Tragedies
- 10:30: Q&A
- 10:50: Break
- 11:10: Panel: Norwegian media’s reactions to the War on Gaza. Speakers TBC
- 12:00: Lunch
- 13:00: Coping with threats
- Gard Steiro, VG, Norway
- Rolf Widerøe, VG. Norway
- Leandro Demori, The Intercept, Brazil
- Professor Elana Newman, Tulsa University, USA.
- 14:15–16:30: Paper sessions
Programme Tuesday
- 09:00: Key Note: Emilia Díaz-Struck (Global Investigative Journalism Network): «Safety and Investigative Journalism».
- 09:30: Panel: «The safety of journalists in times of increased influencing campaigns»
- Introduction by Dr. Paul M. H. Buvarp, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment
- Neena Kapur, Senior Director of Information Security at The New York Times.
- Lothar Fritch, Professor of Applied Cybersecurity at OsloMet.
- 10:30: Break
- 11:00: Dr. Vera Slavtcheva-Petkova, University of Liverpool: « Introducing the Global Safety of Journalism Index."
- 11:30: Panel: «Notes on Exil».
- Professor Claudia Tazreiter in conversation with journalist, filmmaker, writer, human rights defender Behrouz Boochan
- A discussion with Cherine Abdelazim Ahmed Alsanea and Noha Lamlom, Egyptian journalists and safety trainers working with exiled journalists.
- 12:30: Lunch
- 13:30: Dr. Julie Posetti, City University, London, ICFJ: «The Chilling: Online Violence in the Age of AI.» Presenting the top line findings, released on November 3rd, of a large study with UN Women.
- 14:00: William Bird, Media Monitoring Africa: Introducing the Joburg Declaration – an independent initiative for media integrity and healthy information ecosystems launched at the Media20 ahead of the upcoming G20 in South Africa.
- 14:30: Oscar Westlund, Professor at OsloMet: «Public Knowledge and Expertise Under Authoritarian Siege: A Defense of Academic Freedom».
- 15:15–17:00: Paper sessions
