Dr Richard Fern's research looks at public relations within the wider field of state media-relations. He is a journalist and lecturer with a range of bylines to his name. Having worked in media campaigning for for organisations such as Oxfam and environmental groups he became interested in how police communications respond to protests, and how the police control information in the public sphere.
Richard's research addresses the role of public relations in policing and activism, addressing issues of climate change and sustainability, as well as the role of campaigning and the reporting of protest. His PhD looked at police public relations.