Prof. Dr. Cristina Lazar

Rybnik University Education Network

Prof. Dr. Cristina Lazar
Professor of Journalism & Communication Studies | PhD in Media and Cultural Communication
“Communication is more than transmitting information—it is the art of shaping meaning, inspiring understanding, and building community.”

I am a professor, researcher, and journalist with more than 18 years of experience in media studies, communication theory, and digital journalism. My academic and professional career bridges the worlds of practice and scholarship, combining newsroom experience with rigorous research in communication, media ethics, and audience behavior.

Currently serving as Professor of Journalism and Communication Studies, I also act as a media consultant and trainer for journalists and communication professionals across Europe. My research focuses on digital transformation in media, crisis communication, and ethical storytelling in the age of social platforms.

I believe journalism and communication education must cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and integrity. My classes encourage students not only to master communication tools, but to understand their social and ethical responsibility in shaping public discourse.

Contact & Connect
Email: Prof.Dr.CristinaLazar@RybnikUniversity.edu.pl
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/
Schedule Consultation: calendly.com/

Academic Credentials

PhD in Media and Cultural Communication
Dissertation: “Digital Narratives and the Transformation of Journalism in the 21st Century”
Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies
(2007)

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Communication
(2005)

Professional Certifications

Certificate in Digital Journalism – Reuters Institute, University of Oxford (2022)
Advanced Media Ethics and Responsibility – UNESCO (2021)
Strategic Communication and Crisis Management – European Communication Academy (2018)
Certified Trainer in Media Literacy – European Journalism Centre (2015)

Professional Experience

Professor of Journalism & Communication Studies
| 2017 – Present

Lectures in Media Ethics, Journalism Theory, and Digital Communication
Supervises 8 PhD candidates and 25+ master’s theses annually
Head of the Media, Culture, and Technology Research Group
Coordinator of the annual “Digital Media Futures” conference
Co-author of national media literacy curriculum for high schools

Associate Professor of Media and Communication
| 2010 – 2017

Taught courses in communication theory, new media, and public relations
Developed online learning platforms for journalism students
Conducted research on social media impact and audience trust

Journalist & Editorial Consultant
Various Media Outlets | 2002 – 2010

Worked as editor and investigative reporter for Adevărul and Europa FM
Covered topics related to education, culture, and European affairs
Produced award-winning radio documentaries on migration and identity
Later served as media consultant for communication campaigns and NGOs

Publications & Research Contributions

Conference Presentations:

“AI and the Future of Journalism Ethics” – European Media Research Forum, Berlin (2024)
“Women in Media Leadership” – UNESCO Conference, Paris (2023)
“Public Communication in Times of Crisis” – International Association for Media and Communication Research, Geneva (2022)

Teaching Experience

University Courses:

Journalism Theory and Practice
Media Ethics and Law
Public Relations and Strategic Communication
Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling
Research Methods in Communication Studies

Workshops & Training:

Investigative journalism and data storytelling
Crisis communication management
Media literacy and misinformation detection
Public speaking and persuasive communication

Mentorship:

Academic advisor for journalism and communication students
Trainer for young journalists and PR professionals
Mentor for EU-funded media education projects

What I Teach

1. Journalism & Media Studies (All Levels)

News writing, editing, and storytelling
Investigative and multimedia journalism
Media ethics and law
Critical media analysis

2. Strategic & Public Communication (Intermediate to Advanced)

Public relations and institutional communication
Political and crisis communication strategies
Reputation management and persuasion techniques

3. Digital Media & New Technologies (Intermediate)

Social media strategies and analytics
Multimedia content production
Emerging trends: AI in journalism, VR storytelling

4. Research in Communication (Advanced)

Qualitative and quantitative research methods
Discourse and content analysis
Communication theory and semiotics

5. Media Literacy & Civic Education (All Levels)

Understanding fake news and disinformation
Ethics of information sharing
The role of journalism in democracy

Teaching Philosophy & Methodology

My Approach:
Teaching communication means teaching responsibility. Every message has power—therefore, students must learn to combine truth, empathy, and clarity in everything they write or say.

Teaching Framework:

Theory & Context – Introduce concepts with historical and ethical grounding
Practice & Simulation – Real newsroom or PR case studies
Analysis & Reflection – Evaluate messages, ethics, and audience perception
Creation & Feedback – Produce original media content with constructive critique

Core Values in My Teaching:

Integrity: Truth above speed
Empathy: Understanding before judging
Clarity: Communicate ideas that matter
Courage: Challenge bias and injustice through informed speech

Student Testimonials

Testimonial 1:
“Professor Ionescu’s classes made me fall in love with journalism again. She connects theory with real practice in a way that makes every lecture feel alive.”
— Radu M., Master’s Student in Media Studies

Testimonial 2:
“Her mentorship shaped my career. I learned not only to write better but to think more critically about what truth and ethics mean in journalism.”
— Ana C., Investigative Journalist, Bucharest

Testimonial 3:
“Dr. Ionescu is an inspiring educator who blends academic depth with human warmth. Her guidance opened doors for me in both media and academia.”
— Marta S., PhD Candidate, Vienna

Rates & Scheduling

Private Mentoring & Academic Tutoring (Journalism, Communication, Media Studies)

Individual Sessions: 230 PLN/hour (€52/hour)
10-Session Package: 2,000 PLN (10% off)
20-Session Package: 3,700 PLN (18% off)

Group Workshops (2–6 participants):

380 PLN/hour total

Availability:

Weekdays: 17:00 – 21:00 CET
Saturdays: 09:00 – 14:00 CET
Sundays: By appointment

Booking Process:

Email describing your academic or professional goals
Free 20-minute consultation and plan proposal
Custom session schedule and learning materials

Cancellation Policy:

24h notice: no charge
<24h: 50% fee
No-show: full session fee

Languages

Romanian – Native
English – Fluent (C2 level)
French – Fluent (C1 level)
Spanish – Intermediate (B1 level)

Professional Memberships

European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA) – Member since 2012
International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) – Senior Member
UNESCO Media Literacy Network – Expert Member
International Journalists’ Union – Member

Additional Information

Work Environment: Dedicated digital teaching studio with video and podcast recording equipment; access to Adobe Creative Cloud and newsroom simulation software.
Student Requirements: Motivation, openness to dialogue, and curiosity about media’s impact on society.
Preferred Student Profile: Journalism, communication, or PR students; media professionals seeking academic mentorship.
Current Projects: Co-author of “AI and the Future of Journalism Education” (Routledge, forthcoming 2025) and leading a research project on “Digital Ethics and Media Literacy in Eastern Europe.”