Terje S. Skjerdal

Terje S. Skjerdal is a Professor of Journalism, Media, and Communication at NLA University College (Gimlekollen School of Journalism and Communication) in Kristiansand, Norway. His research bridges global journalism practices, political communication, and media ethics, with a regional focus on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. He has published extensively on topics such as development journalism, social media dynamics, and ethical challenges in African media.

• Education: Diploma in Journalism (1992), BA in General Communication (1994), MA in Cultural and Media Studies (2001), PhD in Media Studies and Journalism (2013)

Research Interests: Skjerdal’s work examines the tension between journalistic ideals and practical realities in politically constrained environments, particularly Ethiopia. His scholarship highlights the role of digital media in democratization, the persistence of development journalism frameworks, and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in the Global South. He also explores intercultural communication and the political economy of media industries.

Publications: His recent articles analyze social media’s impact on ethnic discourse, gender dynamics in African journalism, and the evolution of media ethics in authoritarian contexts. These works reflect his broader interests in media democratization and the professional identity of journalists in transitional democracies.

Projects: Skjerdal coordinates international academic collaborations, including the NORHED project (2013–18) with universities in Uganda and South Africa, and the NORPART project (2017–21) with Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar Universities in Ethiopia. These initiatives focus on journalism education and media development in African contexts.

Teaching: He teaches courses on global journalism, media ethics, research methodology, and the political economy of media industries, drawing on his fieldwork in Ethiopia and broader African media landscapes.