Paul Bjerke

Paul Bjerke is a Professor at Høgskulen i Volda (Volda University College) in the Faculty of Media and Journalism, Department of Journalism and Media Studies. With a PhD in Sociology of Journalism from the University of Oslo (2009), he has established himself as a prominent scholar in media studies and journalism ethics in Norway.

His educational background includes a Mag.art. in Sociology from the University of Oslo (1982) and a PhD focusing on journalistic professional ethics. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding the evolving relationship between media, society, and professional practices.

Professor Bjerke's research primarily focuses on journalism ethics, media sociology, digital transformation of news media, and Norwegian literary policy. His work examines the shifting foundations of media fields, professional norms in journalism, and the impact of economic pressures on media institutions. He has conducted extensive content analyses of various Norwegian media outlets, exploring their roles within the broader media ecosystem. His recent publications demonstrate continued focus on contemporary challenges in journalism, including ethical dilemmas in the digital age, the role of niche media in news ecosystems, quality assessment in journalism, and the evolving relationship between media subsidies and media convergence.

Among his notable achievements are numerous publications including books such as 'Fagpressen 125 år' (2023), 'Pressestøtten' (2023), and 'De vanskeligste årene' (2022), along with many scholarly articles addressing critical issues in contemporary media studies.

• Evaluating literary support schemes for Kulturrådet
• Examining the role of media agencies in digitalization of news media
• Studying media, professions, and trust in collaboration with Metropolitan University in Prague

Professor Bjerke currently teaches courses including MMP302 Media Professions and Society, MMP309 Professional Media Practice, MMP313 and 314 Master's Thesis, SAJ101 Social Sciences, and JOU201, JOU203, JOU204 Journalism courses. His research methodology combines theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, particularly content analysis of media output, providing valuable insights into media sustainability in the digital age.