Scott Abel

Scott Abel is an American lecturer and junior researcher at Estonian Business School, specializing in journalism, media studies, and strategic communication. He has been affiliated with Estonian Business School since 2016 and has previously taught at Tallinn University, Baltic Film and Media School, and other Estonian educational institutions.

Dr. Abel's educational background includes:

• Master's of Science in Journalism from Kansas State University (1993-1995)
• B.A. in Communications from Wichita State University (1990-1992), with emphasis in radio/television, Cum Laude honors, and minor in history

His research focuses on journalistic practices and various factors influencing news production, especially in the post-Soviet context. Dr. Abel is particularly interested in innovation and management strategies in media organizations, with a specific emphasis on Estonian journalists' views and attitudes toward their profession. His work spans comparative media research, media typology, strategic communication, risk management, crisis communication, digital journalism, journalistic practices and ethics, and media in the former Soviet republics, with special attention to the Baltic States and Central Asia.

Dr. Abel's scholarly contributions reveal a consistent focus on media representation during crises, journalistic professionalism, and the evolving media landscape. His work particularly examines how journalists navigate ethical challenges and construct narratives around significant events like the 9/11 attacks and boycott campaigns in post-Soviet contexts.

Among his recognitions is the 2022-2023 EBS Microlearning Excellence Award, which he received as Coordinator of the Strategic Communication module team.

Dr. Abel currently serves as a member of the Talent and Education Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Estonia. He teaches courses including Public Relations and Media Communications, Crisis Communication, Media Literacy, and Media Relations. He is also pursuing his doctoral studies at Estonian Business School under the supervision of Katri Kerem, with his dissertation focusing on "Professional identity and the Estonian journalist."

His current research project, MOCCA (Multi-level regimes of corruption in Central Asia), focuses specifically on Kyrgyzstan, examining media's role in corruption regimes.