Kristina Somolyar

Client: Thomson Media | EU | CFLI
Project Challenge:
Misinformation during the COVID-19 crisis endangered lives and eroded public trust in health messaging.

The Design Approach:
Launch an agile media response unit trained in mobile journalism and fact-checking. Focus on regional languages and digital reach.

The Solution:
Led a team of 10 reporters across Pakistan. Produced fact-checked content, coordinated with health authorities, and ensured accurate information dissemination through mobile and digital channels.

Focus Areas: Disinformation, Crisis Communication, Mobile Journalism
Outcome:
Helped correct public misconceptions, trained local reporters, and strengthened community-level trust in verified sources.

Client: Thomson Media | German Foreign Office
Project Challenge:
Increased polarization and bias in media coverage, especially around election periods, called for renewed focus on ethical, inclusive journalism.

The Design Approach:
Use a training-of-trainers model to enhance skills in conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive, and solutions-based reporting.

The Solution:
Delivered 8 journalist trainings and 8 focus group discussions across regions. Oversaw production of 200+ multimedia stories highlighting democratic accountability and marginalized voices.

Focus Areas: Ethical Journalism, Media Inclusion, Capacity Development
Outcome:
Journalists produced content aligned with international standards. Many went on to train peers and publish stories on women’s rights and minority issues.

Client: Internews Network
Project Challenge:
Disasters like the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods left communities without access to critical and timely information.

The Design Approach:
Establish emergency radio and mobile communication platforms in local languages to reach vulnerable populations directly.

The Solution:
Launched Earthquake Relief Radio and flood recovery campaigns across Punjab, KP, and Sindh. Trained journalists in humanitarian reporting and developed IEC materials with UN and NGO partners.

Focus Areas: Humanitarian Communication, Radio Journalism, Public Awareness
Outcome:
Enabled rapid response communication in disaster-hit areas. Programs were praised for transparency and lifesaving information delivery.

The Design Approach:
Train grassroots leaders—especially youth and minorities—as peace ambassadors equipped to educate and alert.

The Solution:
Trained 180+ individuals in Punjab and Sindh on basic human rights, crisis response, and community mobilization. Introduced Management Information Systems (MIS) for women protection.

Focus Areas: Human Rights Education, Community Advocacy, Early Warning
Outcome:
Ambassadors now serve as local defenders, connected to CSOs and formal protection systems.

Client: Bytes for All | EU (APC-IMPACT)

The Design Approach:
Conduct ground-level research through interviews, surveys, and case studies to build a compelling evidence base.

The Solution:
Co-authored a nationwide study with field data from journalists and HRDs. Highlighted cases of self-censorship, targeting, and state surveillance.

Focus Areas: Research, Privacy Rights, Advocacy Reporting
Outcome:
Published report influenced discussions at national and international levels around digital rights policy.

Client: Bytes for All Pakistan | USAID | Sida
Project Challenge:
Journalists and human rights defenders in Pakistan and Afghanistan face threats ranging from digital surveillance to targeted violence.

The Design Approach:
Conduct needs assessments and deliver modular safety programs—including digital security, psychosocial health, and advocacy strategies.

The Solution:
Trained over 250 journalists and HRDs. Designed regionally tailored training modules in Urdu, Pashto, and English. Delivered in-person and online workshops covering digital safety, misinformation response, and crisis communication.

Focus Areas: Holistic Security, Digital Rights, Resilience Training
Outcome:
Participants enhanced their safety protocols and reporting practices. A strong cross-border HRD network was formed.