ECREA WEEKLY digest ARTICLES

Studies in Communication and Media (Special issue)

Deadline: April 1, 2025

Guest Editors: Alexander Godulla (University of Leipzig) Christian Pieter Hoffmann (University of Leipzig)

Ever since a Reddit user called “Deepfake” created a forum for publishing pornographic content based on deep learning technologies, synthetic media have attracted increasing interest in research and practice (Godulla et al., 2021). Deep learning technologies enable users to depict individuals in scenarios that never happened and have them say anything imaginable (Citron & Chesney, 2019; Vaccari & Chadwick, 2020). The rapid advances of these technologies result in synthetic media increasingly entering new social domains, such as entertainment, education, journalism, or politics (Seibert, 2023).

To date, research has focused primarily on the concept of deepfakes, while the term synthetic media has only recently gained popularity. Although both terms refer to the use of deep learning technologies in the creation of media content, the term “synthetic media” might be more suitable when discussing the benefits of synthetically generated content (e.g., WDR Innovation Hub, 2021), as the term “deepfake” is connotated with fake news and, thus, misinformation (Altuncu et al., 2022; Dan et al., 2021; Weikmann & Lecheler, 2023). Research into deepfakes is currently dominated by studies in the field of computer science, focusing on the development of tools for the automatic detection of deepfakes. In addition, studies in the field of law discuss legal frameworks to combat harmful effects of the novel technology (Godulla et al., 2021). Thus far, studies in the social sciences mostly focus on the implications of deepfakes for audiences (e.g. Dobber et al., 2020; Hameleers et al., 2024; Vaccari & Chadwick, 2020). Initial findings suggest that audiences have difficulties identifying deepfakes as such (Bray et al., 2023; Thaw et al., 2020) and that the mere awareness of the existence of deepfakes can create a sense of uncertainty, skepticism and even distrust towards online news and media in general (Ternovski et al., 2022; Vaccari & Chadwick, 2020; Hameleers & Marquart, 2023). From the audience's perspective, deepfakes and synthetic media increasingly blur the boundaries between reality and fiction (Bendahan Bitton et al., 2024).

The interdisciplinary nature of research into deepfakes and synthetic media is partly due to the technology’s diverse fields of application. However, research on the emergent technology from the perspective of communication and media studies is still in its infancy.

Therefore, the upcoming special issue of SCM aims at examining deepfakes and synthetic media specifically from the perspective of communication and media studies. We welcome qualitative, quantitative as well as theoretical and methodological contributions addressing challenges faced by the public, organizations and institutions as well as individual recipients in dealing with synthetic media and deepfakes. We define synthetic media as media content created using deep learning technologies with a wide range of potential applications, such as education, entertainment, journalism, or advertising. In contrast, we define “deepfakes” as a specific application of synthetic media, which primarily serves harmful purposes such as disinformation. Synthetic media can be used to generate audiovisual recordings that can be used in the context of corporate or organizational communication. Further, synthetic media hold the potential to create and enhance journalistic content, for example by illustrating real events or rendering the reception of news content more interesting through new forms of personalization (e.g. synthetic news anchors). Finally, synthetic media can be used in the creation of entertaining and satirical content, which can, however, mislead audiences if there is a lack of labelling or background information. Deepfakes can be used to expose individuals to risks (e.g. by means of nonconsensual pornographic content) or to defame public actors and spread disinformation. Politically motivated deepfakes may have the potential to influence political knowledge, attitudes or even voting intentions and thus challenge democracy. The public, in turn, could be deceived and manipulated by deepfakes if they do not dispose of the necessary digital skills to recognize them. The continuous improvement in the quality of deepfakes makes it increasingly difficult to determine the veracity of media content. Consequently, journalists and influencers could fall for a deepfake and accidentally share it with their audience.

Individual submissions could cover, but are not limited to, the following perspectives (or a combination thereof):

• Media Reception and Effects: How do synthetic media influence recipients' trust in media content? How do they affect recipients' attention and entertainment? What dispositions and boundary conditions influence these relationships? What interventions can reduce deepfake misinformation effects?

• Political Communication: What role do political deepfakes play in the context of elections? What persuasive effects do they have on voters? How are deepfakes employed in the context of political disinformation (e.g. Ukraine war)? To what extent are synthetic media used in the context of political campaigning?

• Journalism Studies: To what extent can standards of journalistic work be reconciled with the use of synthetic media? What specific labels should be introduced for synthetic media to ensure transparency for audiences? What skills do journalists need to be equipped to deal with deepfakes?

• Visual Communication: To what extent do the persuasiveness and credibility of audiovisual deepfakes differ from text-based content? Which factors favor or impede the credibility of audiovisual deepfakes (e.g. plausibility, background knowledge, attitude, psychological factors)? How do synthetic media and deepfakes change the definition and perception of authenticity of visual content?

• Media Education: What skills do audiences need to develop to critically question and recognize deepfakes and synthetic media? How can children and young people be protected from negative applications of deepfakes? Media Ethics: To what extent can generated content be used to depict real events? What ethical aspects should be considered when using synthetic media for the creation and distribution of audiovisual content, for example in the context of education or strategic communication?

• Media Law: What legal framework could prevent the misuse of deepfake technologies without unduly restricting the creative use of synthetic media and freedom of expression? What legal protections of personal rights and user privacy apply in connection with deepfakes and synthetic media? To what extent can the use of synthetic content depicting deceased individuals be justified?

• Communication History: How can deepfakes be placed in historical contexts of media manipulation (e.g. Photoshop) and propaganda? What role do the negative effects of this new technology on audience trust play against the background of the history and development of audiovisual media?

Submission Instructions SCM is an Open Access Journal of the German Communication Association (DGPuK) and Affiliate Journal of the International Communication Association (ICA). Accepted papers will be published as Open Access without additional costs.

We invite submissions that fit any of the SCM formats: Extended paper (50-60 pages), Full Paper (15-20 pages), and Research-in-brief (5-10 pages). Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with the SCM guidelines:

• https://www.nomos.de/en/journals/scm/#directions-for-authors (English)

• https://www.nomos.de/zeitschriften/scm/#autorenhinweise (German)

Manuscripts are to be submitted to christian.hoffmann@uni-leipzig.de.

Deadline for submissions will be April 1st, 2025. The special issue will be published in December 2025 (SCM issue 4/2025).

Øyvind Ihlen, Sine Nørholm Just, Jens E. Kjeldsen, Ragnhild Mølster, Truls Strand Offerdal, Joel Rasmussen, Eli Skogerbø

The book will be available for purchase on December 1.

During a pandemic, the advice issued by public health authorities undergoes significant scrutiny, potentially affecting public adherence to recommended measures. Trust and trustworthiness become key. This book analyses the rhetorical strategies of the Norwegian public health authorities as the COVID-19 pandemic moved through phases that presented different rhetorical problems and challenges. Many consider the Norwegian response successful, making it a particularly interesting case. Adopting an organisation-focused viewpoint, the analysis examines communication strategies through a dataset collected as the pandemic evolved. This included observations within communication departments of the main public health agencies during March and April 2020. The study offers five key insights: 1) A pandemic rhetorical situation has changing constraints and opportunities that influence the agency of the rhetor and necessitates bottom-up, continuing situational analysis and attention to perceptions; 2) The notion of “the rhetorical situation” conceptualises different phases that “bleed” into each other; 3) Trust and trustworthiness are negotiated through specific rhetorical strategies; 4) Transparency is the most crucial strategy; 5) Authorities used a combination of invitational rhetoric, providing a role for the citizens to willingly contribute to curbing the virus, and imperative form through simple directives that citizens were expected to follow. 

The primary audience for this book is scholars and practitioners within crisis communication. The book is written by a team from the “Pandemic Rhetoric” project, financed by the Research Council of Norway, consisting of Øyvind Ihlen (University of Oslo), Sine Nørholm Just (Roskilde University), Jens E. Kjeldsen (University of Bergen), Ragnhild Mølster (University of Bergen), Truls Strand Offerdal (University of Oslo), Joel Rasmussen (Örebro University), and Eli Skogerbø (University of Oslo). 

https://www.nordicom.gu.se/en/publications/navigating-pandemic-phases

Department for Media and Communication Studies Södertörn University, Stockholm, Sweden 

Deadline: January 31, 2025

The Department for Media and Communication Studies at Södertörn University offers a thriving and multidisciplinary research environment with a particular focus on contemporary datafied and media-saturated societies from a critical-cultural and often historical perspective. The research at the department shares a particular focus on the Baltic and East European region. The department is based at the School of Culture and Education and is a member of the Postgraduate School for Critical Cultural Theory. 

Current research projects conducted by faculty members at the department include among others: 

• Anticipating and mediating future classrooms (PI: Michael Forsman)
  
• A Sea of Data: Mediated temporalities of the Baltic Sea (PI: Lars Lundgren)
  
• Media trust and social imaginaries (PI: Fredrik Stiernstedt)
  
• Photographic Realism in the Age of Digital Media (PI: Patrik Åker)
  
• Post-migrant voices in the Baltic Sea region (Sweden, Germany, Estonia) (PI: Jessica Gustafsson
  
• Social Media Surveillance and Experiences of Authoritarianism (PI: Göran Bolin)
  
• The Digital Welfare State (PI: Anne Kaun)
  
• Vernacular fiction and digital publication platforms: An ethnography of contemporary Indian book worlds (PI: Per Ståhlberg)
  
• What is news? (PI: Sofia Johansson)

We are happy to offer several visiting research fellow positions for the academic year 2025/26. The fellows – holding a PhD – will each receive a one-time scholarship of 35.000 SEK contributing to travel and accommodation. The fellows can choose the length and timing of their stay during the academic year 2025/26 but should stay at least one month. Fellows are expected to present their current work during one higher seminar at the department. Södertörn University has a number of guest research apartments close to campus and we are happy to put fellows in touch with the housing unit at the university. However, we are not able to assist further in finding housing in Stockholm.

In order to apply please submit a short CV (max 2 pages) and a description of project that they will be working with during their stay (max 1 page) through this application form: https://forms.office.com/e/2Lqx90eTHT

Timeline:

• Deadline for applications: 31 January 2025
  
• Notification of applicants: 1 March 2025
  
• Start of the visiting fellowship period: September 2025 – June
  

International Centre for Ethics (IZEW), University of Tübingen

The professorship at the university of Tübingen is to be filled as soon as possible.

The Ethics Centre (IZEW) at the university of Tübingen is looking for an outstanding, highly motivated researcher to work on the ethics of scientific and technological innovation and to build a bridge between the various relevant disciplines. The professorship is to be filled as soon as possible.

The Ethics Centre (IZEW):

Ethical issues of technological innovation in research and development are one of the main topics that are investigated at the IZEW, always in close collaboration with the sciences. Research at the Ethics Centre generally is inter- and transdisciplinary (including third mission aspects) and not restricted to questions of applied issues within one single field. Therefore, we understand excellence in ethical research as a collaborative endeavour, encouraging scientists of various disciplines to reflect on concepts and methods of responsible research and innovation. The program of “Ethics in the Sciences” hence not only provides an excellent theoretical basis for interdisciplinarity but also for practical and collaborative research and teaching as well as capacity building. 

The position: 

The successful candidate should have expertise in application-oriented ethics with a focus on scientific and technological innovations. This includes the analysis of how culture, broadly understood as shared practices and knowledge, is affected by innovation while science and technology at the same time are shaped by their own cultures. A differentiated approach to methodologies of ethics in practice as well as insights into philosophy of science are expected. Furthermore, wide experience in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research including collaboration with the natural and life sciences, as well as with civil society, is required.

The preferred candidate is expected to conduct research on ethical questions related to innovative technologies, e.g., in areas of bionics, human-machine interactions, artificial intelligence and sustainability, in relation to issues of human autonomy, social accountability as well as personal, institutional and distributed responsibilities. A strong record in securing third-party funding for research projects as well as the willingness to participate in the executive committees and the lively working environment of the IZEW is expected. Interdisciplinary teaching in the field of ethics in the sciences at the Ethics Center as well as in cooperation with various departments and clusters of excellence is required. The position has a teaching load of nine hours per week during the semester.

The University is currently applying for Clusters of Excellence that cover a broad range of topics as part of the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments. The successful candidate is expected to be open to networking with existing clusters and new cluster initiatives currently being applied for. S/he is point of contact for questions on ethical and cultural aspects of innovative technologies and their implications for society.

Formal requirements: 

Required qualifications include a PhD or equivalent degree as well as postdoctoral qualifications and teaching experience equivalent to the requirements of a full professorship.

The University of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. Female scientists, in particular, are explicitly invited to apply, as are applicants from outside Germany. Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference.

General information on professorships, hiring processes, and the German academic system can be found here: https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/213700 

The following documents are required: curriculum vitae and description of academic career, copies of degree certificates, list of publications, overview of research focus and a research concept including proposals for the integration of ethical reflection on scientific and technological innovations at the University of Tübingen (max. 3 pages), a teaching portfolio incl. list of didactic training (max. 5 pages), and three relevant publications. Applications should be sent in electronic form (one PDF file) to the centers executive board, vorstand@izew.uni-tuebingen.de, by January 30th, 2025. Enquiries may also be directed to this address.

Download the job advertisement here.

Deadline: December 15, 2024

Dean Dr. Raquel V. Benitez Rojas from the University of Niagara Falls Canada, is looking for collaborators for her new book to be published by Taylor and Francis Group about Virtual Reality.

Please send your CV and chapter proposal, which should be chosen from the proposal. Attached you will find the abstract and the index of the same. Proposals must be sent before December 15 to raquelbenitezrojas@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

In an era where digital landscapes are becoming increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, the creation, and production of virtual media have emerged as essential components of contemporary culture. "Beyond the Screen: Unveiling the Art and Science of Virtual Content Creation" delves into the multifaceted world of virtual content creation, exploring the fusion of creativity and technology that shapes the virtual realms we inhabit.

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for both aspiring creators and seasoned professionals, offering insights into the intricate processes involved in bringing virtual experiences to life. Drawing upon the expertise of industry insiders and innovators, it navigates through the fundamental principles and advanced techniques that underpin the creation and production of virtual media.

At its core, "Beyond the Screen" emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between artistry and technology in the realm of virtual content creation. It explores how artists harness the power of digital tools to sculpt immersive environments, craft compelling narratives, and evoke emotional responses from audiences. From concept development to post-production, each stage of the creative process is dissected, providing readers with practical strategies for realizing their creative visions in a virtual space.

Moreover, this book illuminates the dynamic landscape of virtual media, encompassing a diverse range of formats and platforms. Whether it be virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR), each medium presents unique opportunities and challenges for creators. Through case studies and real-world examples, "Beyond the Screen" showcases the innovative ways in which creators leverage these technologies to engage with audiences and push the boundaries of storytelling.

In addition to exploring the artistic dimension of virtual content creation, this book delves into the technological innovations that drive the industry forward. From 3D modeling and animation to spatial audio and interactive design, it provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the tools and techniques at their disposal. Furthermore, it examines emerging trends such as procedural generation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology, offering insights into their potential impact on the future of virtual media.

However, "Beyond the Screen" also acknowledges the ethical considerations and societal implications inherent in the creation and consumption of virtual content. As virtual experiences become increasingly indistinguishable from reality, questions of authenticity, representation, and privacy come to the forefront. By fostering a critical dialogue on these issues, this book encourages readers to approach virtual content creation with mindfulness and responsibility.

In conclusion, "Beyond the Screen: Unveiling the Art and Science of Virtual Content Creation" offers a holistic exploration of the creative and technical processes that define the virtual media landscape. Whether you are a novice enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this book serves as an indispensable companion on your journey to unlock the boundless possibilities of virtual expression. Through its blend of theory, practical advice, and thought-provoking insights, it empowers readers to transcend the confines of the screen and embark on a voyage of creativity in the digital realm.

INDEX

1. Introduction to Virtual Content Creation

2. History of Virtual Content

3. Understanding Virtual Environments

4. The Art of Virtual Content Creation

5. The Science Behind Virtual Reality

6. Tools and Technologies for Virtual Content Creation-Wael

7. Virtual Content Design Principles

8. Virtual Storytelling Techniques

9. Virtual Content Distribution Channels

10. Challenges and Future Trends in Virtual Content Creation

11. Glossary of Terms

12. References and Further Reading

Audencia Business School

The school of engaged and innovative management

Audencia educates responsible leaders prepared to address today’s social and environmental challenges. Through Gaïa, its school for ecological and social transition, and its unique approach to skill hybridization, Audencia combines academic excellence with applied research to create tangible, and measurable, impact within partnerships and key organizations. Join an institution that promotes sustainable and inclusive management, for its own staff, dedicated to shared progress and meaningful actions, for the benefit of all.

Feb.1st Q - 2025

PROJECT – PODTRUST (36 months)

PI Karolina KOC-MICHALSKA and Odile VALLEE

Mandatory requirements:

•  Capacity to conduct: Literature review,  survey (experiment is a plus) and qualitative interviews
  
•  Advanced knowledge in statistical packages R or Stata (or equivalent)
  
•  Interest in trust in political elites’ communication
  
•  Scientific level proficiency in English (writing)
  

Desirables criteria:

•  Ability to work with deadlines
  
•  Strong organizational skills
  

Place of Work: The hired candidate should reside (6 mths.) in France, with duties primarily online but required attendance at key meetings and workshops at Audiencia’s Paris Campus.

JOB - Description

By joining, along the project duration, our international team within the Trans-Atlantic Partnership for Democracy, Governance, and Trust; you will discover how digital communication impacts trust between citizens and political elites, focusing on marginalized communities. Using a multimethod comparative approach, the project combines elite interviews and survey experiments across Canada, France, Poland, and the UK to reveal strategies that enhance trust and address inequalities in political engagement.  Your missions:

• Review of scientific and non-scientific literature and survey meta-analysis 
  
• Help develop and implement methods for data collection and analysis 
  
• Process statistical analyses
  
• Prepare (co-author) conference presentations, high-quality peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and reports
  
• Administrative help for Project Management
  
• Research Assistant supervision
  
• No teaching
  
• Engage in other projects run by the Lab
  

SALARY (13 MONTHS)

~60 K Annual gross

~2.4 K Monthly net

MORE INFOS (HR BONUSES)

Executive staff status

+ Company health insurance

PROCESS

Submit a single PDF file with the email subject line "Postdoc position: PODTRUST." PDF should include a cover letter (max 1000 words on relevant research interests), your short CV, and 2-3 examples of scientific work (e.g., articles, chapters). 

Title your PDF package: PODTRUST_POSTDOC_YourName

 To: kkocmichalska@audencia.com

Deadline: December 17, 2024

Deadline: October 1, 2025

All submitted and accepted articles will be considered for inclusion in a special issue “Internet Histories Early Career Researchers”

Do you study the past? Perhaps you even do historical research and know the difference between the Internet and the Web, and even how to historically and technically explain them? Chances are this Call for Articles may be of interest to you...

Read more about previous awards at https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rint20/collections/best-paper-prize-early-career-internet-histories

Please see the full call for papers here: https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/early-career-researcher-award-2026/

Kind regards of behalf of

The Editors of Internet Histories

Asger Harlung,

Editorial Assistant, Internet Histories

Communications: The European Journal of Communication Research

Deadline: March 30, 2025

Twitter: @commejcr

Guest edited by: Christian Pentzold, Leipzig University, Germany; Anne Kaun, Södertörn University, Sweden; Stine Lomborg & Sille Obelitz Søe, both Copenhagen University, Denmark.

Much is at stake: The welfare sector across the EU faces growing demands and dwindling resources, with automation expected to bring about significant changes. Automated decisionmaking (ADM) is being proposed as a solution to improve efficiency in the provision of public goods and services by leveraging data-driven processes and reallocating resources to better support citizens’ well-being. Recent academic work, especially within the humanities and social sciences, has critically examined algorithms, datafication, and AI. These studies often emphasize the need for accountability in technical systems, focusing on data ethics, transparency, and regulatory oversight to safeguard human justice within ADM systems. Yet, real-world examples abound of human rights violations, including privacy breaches, biases in automated systems, and discriminatory outcomes. Cases such as the use of data for fraud detection, welfare distribution, and profiling vulnerable populations illustrate these issues globally. Consequently, concerns about the potential adverse effects of automation on various aspects of life—healthcare, welfare, labor, and the functioning of public spheres—have been raised by researchers, public figures, and the general public.

Stories about the implications of ADM for the welfare of citizens sometimes come to public scrutiny, such as a recent WIRED piece on the Danish welfare system turning into a ‘surveillance nightmare’. When these stories surface, they relay ADM as extraordinary and scandalous. But in fact, ADM for welfare provision is becoming ordinary, widespread, and is fundamentally changing the nature of public goods provision and public services, and thus the conditions for human flourishing. Some argue that ADM is critically altering European welfare states from being based on trust, equity and solidarity to being based on efficiency, control, and discrimination of vulnerable populations. This transformation is largely happening under the public radar. As governments try to ride the waves of automation and drive the exploitation of technological potentials and vast registers of data on citizens, we argue that it is urgent to have a critical and informed debate to shape the use of ADM in the interest of public values, and for the people. Indeed, this call comes at a moment when automation is changing the very notion of what communication and information is. Rather than being mainly about the rights and processes of creating and distributing messages, of speaking and being heard, data streams become significant assets and objects of interest no matter what they contain.

This Special Issue seeks to explore the impact of ADM on welfare and well-being from European perspectives. It starts from the position of those directly involved: the engineers and designers, the case workers who collaborate with these systems in welfare and service provision decisions, and the people whose data fuel the systems and are affected by automation efforts. The Special Issue aims to address the digital transformation of the citizen–state relationship by examining the development, data work, and human-machine collaboration within ADM, alongside the technological, social, and cultural dynamics that either facilitate or impede progress in automating welfare for the public good.

A people-centered approach builds on the idea that welfare in societies is fundamentally about fostering the conditions for the flourishing of everybody. Hence public goods and services provision becomes a question of justice and equity. When welfare is increasingly automated this consequently has implications for social justice for the people more generally and must be addressed through the lens of the people implicated in the process of automation.

The Special Issue is open to theoretical and empirical approaches. It invites senior as well as emerging scholars. Contributions can address, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

• Conceptualizations of automation, datafication, and communication
  
• Reflections on human flourishing in datafied and automated citizen–state relationships
  
• Public communication and discourses around datafication and automation for the public good
  
• Communicative and media practices around automation, datafication and artificial intelligence
  
• Case studies of ADM implementation in public administration and public service provision, including public service broadcasting
  
• ADM’s and AI-powered tools in newsrooms and their implications for journalistic practices and the public’s right to information
  
• Policies, norms, and regulations of ADM deployment and development
  
• Human rights perspectives on automation and public goods
  
• Resistance and civic actions against automated processes
  
• Impacts of ADM on employability in the media sector and beyond, and the shifting roles of human labor
  
• Environmental and climate impacts of ADM and AI deployment for public service provision and media production

There will be no publication fee.

Timeline and procedure

500 to 700 word abstracts should be sent to (christian.pentzold@uni-leipzig.de) by March 30, 2025. The abstract should articulate: 1) the issue or research question to be discussed, 2) the methodological or critical framework used, and 3) the expected findings or conclusions. Feel free to consult with the Special Issue Editors about your article ideas and potential angles or approaches.

Decisions will be communicated to the authors by April 30, 2025. Invited paper submissions will be due August 31, 2025 and will be submitted to christian.pentzold@uni-leipzig.de. They will then undergo peer review through Communications: The European Journal of Communication Research following the journal’s standard double-blind procedures. The invitation to submit a full article does not guarantee acceptance into the Special Issue. The Special Issue is scheduled for publication in summer 2026.

This call for abstracts is also accessible HERE.

Contact

Prof Christian Pentzold

Email: christian.pentzold@uni-leipzig.de

September 11-12, 2025

Cardiff University, UK

Deadline: February 14, 2025

Cardiff University invites submissions of abstracts of papers on all aspects of journalism to be considered for presentations at the 10th biennial Future of Journalism conference.

The event is hosted by the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC), and it takes place at Cardiff University on the 11th & 12th of September, 2025.

The organisers especially encourage contributions addressing the theme of “Conflicting Journalisms: Resistance, Struggle, and Prospects.”

This includes, but is not limited to, papers addressing themes such as:

• The role of journalists and journalism in covering conflict, including war, repression, and political violence
  
• New forms of journalism used in covering conflict, such as open source intelligence
  
• The challenges created in reporting on authoritarian and populist political movements
  
• The difficulties of covering elections in polarised news environments
  
• Conflict in journalism created by the development and introduction of generative artificial intelligence
  
• The threat to journalism’s standards, normative behaviours, and the compromises to journalistic values in covering populism/authoritarianism
  
• Conflict as a news value
  
• The aesthetic of conflict in photojournalism
  
• The challenges created by reporting on and/or for minority communities
  
• The challenges of reporting systemic or existential changes, such as climate change
  
• The accommodations made by legacy news institutions under pressure and the impact on ideals of journalistic objectivity, quality, and fairness
  
• The impact of both online and physical abuse and threat to journalistic challenge to authority
  
• Journalists work environment: conflicts in the newsroom
  
• Ongoing conflict around the gendering of journalism and news
  
• Conflicting ethical frameworks
  
• The struggle between opposing forces as a rhetorical trope in journalism
  
• Beyond blame: using compassion and empathy to address conflicts
  
• The future of the field of journalism studies and conflicts over its value and values
  
• The implications for improving journalism education associated with these developments
  

Confirmed keynote speakers include Professor Seth Lewis, the Shirley Papé Chair in Emerging Media at the University of Oregon, and Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive of the Committee for the Protection of Journalists.

The deadline for abstracts (300 words maximum) is Friday, 14th February, 2025. Abstracts should be submitted online via the link HERE.

Queries can be emailed to foj2025@cardiff.ac.uk.

Arab Media & Society

Deadline: January 15, 2025

Arab Media & Society, the biannual journal of the Kamal Adham Center for Television and Digital Journalism in the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo, is seeking submissions for our next issue on “Media & Conflict”.

The Arab world has been deeply affected by conflict and war. This complicated history positions the region as a crucial case study to examine the intricate relationship between media and conflict. Throughout the Arab world, the media landscape significantly shapes public opinion, controls narratives, and propagates ideological messages during times of conflict. This system of mediation includes state-controlled outlets, independent voices, alternative platforms, and other media outlets. Whether covering long-standing geopolitical struggles—like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—or more recent conflicts involving Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Algeria, and Morocco, the media plays a central role in constructing and broadcasting narratives surrounding these conflicts, which shapes our conception of these momentous events.

In recent years, the proliferation of digital media has infused novel complexity into the media-conflict dynamic. The rise of social media platforms, the ubiquity of smart devices, as well as the ease and instantaneous speed that content can be shared has fundamentally altered how conflicts are reported, perceived, and engaged with by both local and global audiences. Digital media has empowered grassroot movements, introduced novel forms of mis/disinformation, and altered the relationship between the public, the media, and state institutions. In a region where narratives are tightly controlled, digital media has disrupted traditional hierarchies while enabling new actors the capacity to reinforce or challenge established conflict narratives.

Issue 38 of Arab Media & Society aims to examine the role of media—both traditional and digital—through the lens of conflict in the Arab world. As such, we seek to explore the intersections of traditional and digital media with technology, ideology, and geopolitics by encouraging submissions that address how various forms of media (re)shape conflict narratives, media practices, and public engagement with war and conflict.

Media and Conflict in the Arab World

Media and conflict are inseparable in the Arab world. Traditional media outlets—television, radio, and newspapers—are longstanding tools used by state and non-state actors to shape public opinion and construct ideological narratives during times of conflict. While these remain potent means of producing and disseminating narratives, the advent of digital media has drastically altered this formerly entrenched media landscape. The proliferation of social media platforms, online news outlets, and digital forums allow for faster, more diverse, and often unfiltered dissemination of information. As a result, conflicts are no longer simply reported in this new media environment, they are experienced, shared, and amplified through digital networks in real-time.

The rapid proliferation of digital media has established new mechanisms—for both state and non-state actors—that exert tremendous influence upon conflict dynamics in the Arab world. Governments increasingly rely on digital media as a tool to disseminate propaganda, psychological warfare, and engender domestic and/or international support. Simultaneously, grassroots movements, citizen journalists, and alternative media outlets utilize digital platforms to challenge official narratives, document human rights abuses, and mobilize resistance to state violence.

The widespread availability of smartphones, in combination with the power of social media, has transformed previously voiceless citizens into potential content producers. These novel digital networks have precipitated an unprecedented level of public engagement with both war and conflict. Images and videos depicting violence, suffering, and resistance circulate online and (re)shape how conflicts are perceived within the Arab world and globally. However, these platforms also provide a fertile breeding ground for disinformation, deepfakes, and the manipulation of public opinion, which may exacerbate existing tensions and fuel conflict. Given these developments, it is imperative to critically examine the role of all media—traditional, broadcast, and digital—in the (re)construction of conflict narratives, the mobilization of actors, and the transformation of media practices in the Arab world.

This issue seeks contributions that engage both theoretical and/or empirical approaches to better understand how media is transforming conflict dynamics, media practices, and public perceptions in the region. We invite scholars to explore the complex and evolving relationship between media and conflict in the Arab world.

Themes and Topics of Interest

Submissions may address the following themes, which aims to provide a broad framework for investigating media and conflict in the Arab world. Please note, this list of suggestions is not exhaustive. Submissions may be qualitative or quantitative as we encourage interdisciplinary approaches and critical analyses.

• The role of media in (re)framing conflict narratives: How do different media platforms shape narratives involving war and conflict in the Arab world? What are the dominant frames and how do they influence public opinion and/or policy decisions?
  
• Propaganda and disinformation in the media: How are state and non-state actors exploiting media to disseminate disinformation, propaganda, and psychological warfare? What tools are employed to manipulate public opinion and fuel conflict through traditional and/or digital platforms?
  
• Citizen journalism and grassroots media in conflict zones: What role do citizen journalists and alternative media outlets play in documenting and reporting conflicts? How do they challenge or reinforce official narratives and what impact do they have on the public’s perception of conflict?
  
• Ethical and legal challenges of reporting conflict: What are the ethical considerations for journalists, activists, ordinary citizens, and media outlets when documenting conflict? How do legal frameworks in the Arab world impact the ability of media to report on conflicts freely and accurately?
  
• The visual economy of war: How do images of violence, suffering, and resistance circulate through various media platforms? What are their psychological, cultural, and political impacts on audiences? How does the visual representation of war differ between traditional and digital media?
  
• Social media and the mobilization of conflict actors: How are social media platforms used by conflict actors to mobilize support, recruit fighters, and spread ideological messages? What role do digital networks play in (re)shaping the strategies of both state and non-state actors in conflict zones?
  
• Media coverage of humanitarian crises in conflict: How do media platforms cover the humanitarian aspects of conflict, such as displacement, refugee crises, and human rights violations? How do these platforms contribute to or detract from international humanitarian interventions?
  
• Safety in conflict zones: How has the rise of digital media impacted the safety and security of journalists, citizens, activists, and media workers in conflict zones? What new risks do digital platforms pose and what strategies can be employed to mitigate these risks?
  
• Media, public trust, and conflict: How do media platforms influence public trust in media outlets during times of conflict? How do audiences navigate misinformation and disinformation? What strategies can be employed to restore trust in conflict reporting?
  
• Gender and conflict reporting through media: How is the gendered dimension of conflict represented in media? What challenges do female journalists and activists face in reporting on conflict? How is the impact of conflict on women and marginalized groups portrayed?
  

Suggested Areas of Research:

• The role of media in shaping narratives of war and conflict.
  
• The authority of official/alternative narratives in conflict reporting.
  
• The circulation of propaganda and disinformation via media during conflict.
  
• The role of citizen journalism and alternative media in conflict zones.
  
• The ethical dilemmas in reporting conflict.
  
• The visual representation of war and violence across media platforms.
  
• The use of media for the mobilization of conflict actors.
  
• Humanitarian crises and the coverage of atrocities by media.
  
• The impact of digital media on journalistic safety in conflict zones.
  
• Public relations and crisis/conflict news management.
  
• The public trust/distrust in media during times of conflict.
  
• Gendered reporting of conflict across media.
  
• Censorship and media freedom in Arab conflict zones.
  
• The role of media in post-conflict peacebuilding efforts.
  
• The use of dehumanizing language or demonizing adversaries via media.
  
• The role of media as it pertains to inciting conflict and fostering peace and reconciliation.
  
• The role of diaspora and exile communities in shaping media narratives.
  
• The rise of disinformation and its impact on conflict resolution.
  
• Comparative analysis of traditional versus digital media in covering Arab conflicts.
  
• The intersection of media, ethics, and law in conflict reporting.
  

The above list is a non-exhaustive set for suggested areas of research. We welcome contributions that explore other dimensions related to media and conflict in the Arab region.

Deadline for Submissions

Authors interested in submitting their research for peer-review consideration must submit manuscripts by January 15, 2025.

Other submissions, including book and conference reviews, shorter (non-peer reviewed) research papers, and columns, should be submitted by January 31, 2025.

Submission Guidelines

All submissions must be in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx), adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style, and have a maximum length of 10,000 words (including footnotes and citations).

Please include the author's name (as it should be published), their affiliation, and a brief abstract of no more than 150 words.

Please email all submissions to: editor@arabmediasociety.com

For further information regarding our publishing policies, kindly visit: www.arabmediasociety.com/publishing-policies/

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding the call for papers, please contact: editor@arabmediasociety.com.

Thank you for your interest and support of Arab Media & Society. We look forward to your contributions to this timely and important issue.