ECREA WEEKLY digest ARTICLES

September 14-17, 2026

School of Journalism, Media and Culture, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales

Deadline: January 16, 2026

Organised by Cardiff University’s Centre for the Creative Economy, the Media Cymru Innovation Conference and Showcase will spotlight research and innovation in the media and creative industries, with a focus on making them greener, fairer, globally connected, and economically sustainable. Participants can look forward to an engaging and interdisciplinary programme featuring invited speakers from across academia, industry, and policy, including national and international experts in media and creative industries. A full list of keynote and featured contributors will be announced in due course. 

We invite all researchers and professionals to submit their academic work that explores approaches to and analysis of media and creative industries innovation in ways that can inform future practice and policy. We welcome a broad range of topics. 

Conference Themes and Topics 

Submissions should align with (at least one of) our four themes: Green, Fair, Global, and Growth. These themes reflect Media Cymru’s four strategic pillars, which serve as tracks for submissions:

• Green – Environmental Sustainability: Research on the media’s role in tackling the climate crisis. Topics include the role of media content in responding to the climate crisis, sustainable film/TV production, green broadcasting technologies and practices, energy-efficient infrastructure for creative studios, and case studies on carbon reduction in media and the wider creative industries. 
  
• Fair – Inclusive & Equitable Creative Industries: Research promoting a fair, equitable and diverse media sector. Topics include diversity and inclusion in media content and production, representation and accessibility in film, television and gaming, community media initiatives, minority language media production and consumption, and research that focuses on how to create greater equity in the creative industries. 
  
• Global – International Collaboration & Reach: Research on expanding the global impact and connections of small creative industries companies or regional ecosystems. Topics include international co-productions and partnerships, cross-cultural innovation in media, export of creative content, global audiences and markets, creative tourism, and comparisons of creative economy policies across regions. Work that highlights place-based innovation in the global creative landscape is especially welcome. 
  
• Growth – Creative Economy Development: Research driving economic growth and productivity through media R&D and innovation. Topics include creative entrepreneurship and startups, media business models and monetisation, creative hubs and regional cluster development, skill development and talent pipelines (linking education with industry), impacts of emerging technologies (AI, XR, gaming) on the creative economy, and evaluations of creative industry support programs or policy interventions.
  

The above list of topics is not exhaustive. We welcome proposals that explore media workforce development, particularly in-work training, upskilling, and professional development models that support fair work across the media

 and creative industries. The committee also welcomes submissions with a focus on R&D methodologies and practice-based research closely aligned with industry needs and engagement. If you are unsure whether your topic fits, please contact the organisers. 

We invite postgraduate and early career researchers to submit papers for a special session on the future of Creative Industries research. We welcome work that explores collaboration with industry, assesses partnership impact, or presents case studies bridging academia and practice. 

Submission Guidelines and Publication 

• Submission Format: Authors are invited to submit abstracts of up to 500 words  (excluding references) by 16th January 2026. 
  

Submissions should outline the research and contribution to the field or to creative industry development and policy. Submissions should also indicate the relevant conference theme or themes (Green, Fair, Global, Growth, Postgraduate Researcher session). All submissions will be subject to a peer review process. 

• How to Submit: Abstracts must be submitted in PDF format via the Frontiers in Communication submission portal. 

Frontiers | Media Cymru Innovation Conference and Showcase 2026: Call for Papers

All abstract submissions for the conference will be managed through the Frontiers in Communication Research Topic platform and should be submitted via this page. Please note that Frontiers refers to abstracts as ‘manuscript summaries.’ To submit your abstract, please click ‘Submit’ > ‘Submit your manuscript summary’ and follow the on-screen instructions. Any reference to manuscripts, manuscript submission, and publication fees on this page or within the submission portal should be ignored.

Conference Proceedings and Publication Opportunities 

Special Issue Opportunity: Selected authors will be invited to submit a full-length version of their research for publication consideration in a peer-reviewed special issue of Frontiers in Communication, within the journal’s Media, Creative and Cultural Industries section. Invitations for full paper submissions will be issued following the conference and will be subject to a separate peer review process. 

Attendance 

• Location: Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK (in-person) 
  
• Conference and Showcase Activities: Following the conference, a two-day showcase will highlight the innovations and impact of the Media Cymru programme. Attendees will be invited to explore the latest in sustainable and inclusive media innovation, from immersive storytelling to green production models. The showcase offers valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals, discover new collaborations, and engage with bold ideas shaping the future of media. 
• About Media Cymru: Media Cymru is working towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Welsh media sector. Backed by £49 million in funding, including £22 million from UKRI’s Strength in Places Fund and significant investment from government and industry, Media Cymru is a collaborative initiative led by 22 partner organisations. If you want to learn more about Media Cymru, click here.
• Bursary support: A limited number of registration fee waivers will be available for eligible presenters. 
  

Important Dates 

2025  

• 15 Oct – Call for Papers opens   
  

2026  

• 16 Jan – Submission deadline 
  
• 14–17 Sept – Conference and Showcase take place 
  

All deadlines are 23:59 Anywhere on Earth (AoE). Early submissions are appreciated.

Contact and Organisers 

The conference is organised by Media Cymru and the Centre for the Creative Economy at Cardiff University.  

Contact: mcconf@cardiff.ac.uk

Tilburg University

Apply here.

Tilburg University | Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences is seeking a full professor of Communication, Cognition, and Information 

Department: Communication and Cognition

Location: Tilburg  

Contract size: 0.8 – 1.0 FTE (32 – 40 hours per week)  

Full-time gross monthly salary: minimum €7,202 and maximum €10,441

Contract duration: 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment

Context

The Department of Communication and Cognition is highly multidisciplinary and combines communication and cognitive sciences with artificial intelligence (AI) and (computational) linguistics, human-computer interaction, psychology, and sociology. We conduct both fundamental and applied research, striving to contribute to today's major issues. For example, we study how we can improve communication about climate change, how we can use data to properly inform patients about treatment options, and how we can turn polarized online discussions into more constructive interactions. We also work on improving the understanding and the responsible use of AI and digital technologies. We use a wide range of methodologies, including experiments, surveys, corpus analysis, computational modeling, interviews, digital ethnography, and design research. In addition, we are responsible for a successful Bachelor's and Master's program in Communication and Information Sciences. Within these programs, students can follow three tracks: Bedrijfscommunicatie and Digitale Media, Communication and Cognition, and New Media Design.

In the Department, we place great emphasis on sustainable research and education and attach great importance to academic freedom and scientific independence. We do also encourage team science and (interdisciplinary) collaboration (with colleagues within and outside the Department) because we believe this is essential to tackle the complex challenges we face. We see research as a steady and curiosity-driven process that requires careful reflection and attention. That is why we value slow science and prefer quality over quantity.

Description of the chair

Due to the departure of a colleague and the growth of our Department, we are looking to strengthen our team with a full professor who will conduct research and teach on the cognitive or social aspects of human communication (face-to-face or digital). In terms of content, you will align with and help shape one of the Department's priorities (e.g., climate communication, responsible and human-centered AI research, health communication, misinformation and polarization, and interpersonal and multimodal communication). You are also expected to be willing and able to take on administrative positions within the Department and to help shape education and research for the coming years, based on the values that are central to the Department.

Research

The research that you conduct is interdisciplinary and can be qualitative and descriptive as well as quantitative. You will help shape the Department's research program through the research and the broader initiatives you develop. To this end, you help set the research agenda, develop new research lines, and are committed to (methodological) innovation. You also take the lead in raising external funds for research, mentor and inspire colleagues, and actively seek collaboration with others, both within and outside the University. You critically reflect on your field and on the (social) consequences of your research and identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement where possible. You further develop and contribute to a sustainable and positive research climate in the Department, in which slow science and ethically responsible and open research are central.

Education

You will teach students in the Bachelor's and Master's programs in Communication and Information Sciences (CIW) and can also contribute to other programs if desired. You help create an environment in which high-quality, inspiring, and critical education is possible for both students and lecturers. You provide ideas and initiate new educational initiatives that contribute to a future-proof study program that is scientifically in-depth and socially relevant. In doing so, you also build bridges between the CIW study program and other degree programs within and outside the School. You have a clear vision on education and also critically reflect on the role of academic education in society and on our position and responsibility as a University and as lecturers to contribute to complex (social) issues.

Management

You take responsibility for the management of the Department. In this role, you help to formulate a sustainable and future-proof vision and research and education strategy. You also actively contribute to a value-driven, inclusive, and sustainable academic environment based on openness, integrity, trust, and solidarity. You take responsibility within the Department and beyond, setting an example for others. You are able to fulfill administrative roles elsewhere in the University as well and you reflect critically on academia in a broader sense. You also contribute to the positioning and profiling of the Department and the School within and outside the University.

Team spirit

You feel responsible and are committed to your colleagues, the Department, and the School. You are mindful of the common interest, actively seek cooperation with others, and share your knowledge and experiences. You are open to reflection and feedback and contribute to a positive culture and working environment. 

Impact

You initiate activities that influence or benefit society and the wider environment in the short and long term. Where possible and desirable, you seek collaboration with social partners and make efforts, for example, to involve society and underrepresented groups in your research. You share the results of your work with a wider audience, for example through public lectures, participation in panels, debates or advisory committees, professional publications, or media appearances.

Profile and requirements for the chair holder

The prospective chair holder has the following profile characteristics:

• Holds a PhD and conducts excellent, (methodologically) innovative, and in-depth research on one or more of the Department's core themes.
  
• Is an excellent lecturer who provides inspiring, high-quality, and critical education.
  
• Has an affinity for and a demonstrable ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner in both research and education.
  
• Has a clear vision of sustainable education and research and clearly promotes and demonstrates the importance of slow science and ethically responsible and open research.
  
• Has demonstrable leadership and administrative skills and is willing and able to take on administrative roles, both within the Department and beyond.
  
• Encourages research by others by taking on the role of leader and inspirer and has a team-oriented and connecting attitude towards colleagues and others (academic citizenship).
  
• Is able to build bridges (within the Department and beyond) between the themes and initiatives that are relevant to the Department and the University.
  
• Embodies the core values of the Department and embraces Tilburg's vision of Connected Leading, Recognition and Rewards, inclusivity, and diversity.
  
• Has experience in supervising young researchers (PhD researchers) and in applying for and leading research projects.
  
• Has excellent command, both in writing and orally, of the Dutch and the English language at CEFR C-2 level.
  
• Possesses a UTQ and excellent presentation and communication skills.

What we offer

Tilburg University offers excellent terms of employment in a pleasant working environment:  

• A position based on 0.8–1.0 FTE (32–40 hours per week).  
  
• A salary of at least €7,202 and at most €10,441 gross per month for full-time employment, based on the UFO profile for Full Professor 2. Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system for grading based on relevant education and work experience.  
  
• This is a vacancy for a position in accordance with Article 2.3(1) of the CLA NU (Collective Labor Agreement for University Professors). You will receive a temporary contract for a period of 18 months. If, in the opinion of the employer, you perform well, on the condition that there is continuity in the same position and that there are equal financial and organizational circumstances, you will receive a permanent contract thereafter.  
  
• A vacation allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  
  
• The option to work partly on campus and partly from home, with a working-from-home allowance of €2 per day and a monthly internet allowance of €25.  
  
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport.  
  
• An Options Model in which you can exchange employment conditions for, for example, additional leave, more pension, a bicycle, or personal training at our Sports Center.  
  
• Relocation allowance (subject to conditions).
  
• Employees from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for the 30/20/10% tax facility.  
  
• Pension through the ABP.
  
• Wide range of training options: personal development, leadership, education, research, or language courses.
  
• A work culture in which we embrace differences, everyone is welcome, and everyone has equal opportunities.  
  
• A vibrant campus in a green environment that is easily accessible by public transport.  

For more information, visit our website and consult the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact the Head of Department, Prof. dr. Juliette Schaafsma, j.schaafsma@tilburgUniversity.edu or +31 (0)13-4663579. 

We cordially invite you to apply no later than November 10, 2025; applications can only be submitted online. 

As part of the application, we ask you to include the following documents:

• cover letter
  
• CV (maximum 10 pages)
  
• your vision on research and education (maximum 1 page each)
  
• at least two references (including their names, telephone numbers, and email addresses)

An assessment may be part of the selection process. 

Ideally, you will start in this position at Tilburg University on April 1, 2026.  

This vacancy has been published internally and externally simultaneously. 

About Tilburg University

Tilburg University is an academic, inclusive, and engaged community. Together with nearly 3,000 employees, we are committed to broad prosperity, sustainability, for everyone, and for current and future generations. We develop and share knowledge for the needs of people and our society. In this way, we contribute to solving complex societal issues and help society move forward.   

We educate our 19,500 students of 110 nationalities to become responsible leaders with knowledge, skills, and character. With our education and research into broad prosperity, we focus on themes such as mental and preventive care, an inclusive labor market, the energy transition, and digitalization.

About the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) has a unique focus on humans in the context of the globalizing digital society, on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, on their impact on communication, culture and society, and on moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of six departments: Communication and Cognition, Computational Cognitive Science, Intelligent Systems, Culture Studies, Philosophy, and the Tilburg Center of the Learning Sciences. The University College Tilburg is also part of the School. The School has approximately 3,100 students and around 270 employees. Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences | Tilburg University)

Recruitment code

Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP). 

Disclaimer

The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled.

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Description of the Position

The Department of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) invites applications for a doctoral position within the research project PID2024-160145NB-C21, funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI).

The selected candidate will join the research team and work in close collaboration with the PI and the research team, the doctoral researcher will:

• Develop a PhD thesis aligned with the objectives of the project.
  
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and advancement of the research.
  
• Present and publish findings derived from the project.
  
• Assist in organizing and participating in academic events such as conferences, workshops, and seminars related to the project.
  

About the Project

The project PID2024-160145NB-C21 seeks to understand how audiovisual production structures, professional roles, and creators’ lived experiences influence the production, circulation, and representation of LGBTIQ+ content, filling gaps in Media Production Studies and Queer Production Studies. It does so by examining differences between professional, independent, and grassroots creators; exploring how platforms, both traditional and social media, shape creative practices; and investigating how identities such as age, sexuality, gender, and ethnicity intersect with production routines, creative agency, and well-being.

In addition, it assesses the impact of emerging professional roles—including intimacy coordinators and trans consultants—on authenticity and representation, while also connecting producer perspectives with audience needs, particularly those of older audiences and queer subcultures.

Ultimately, the project aims to reveal how industrial contexts, cultural norms, and professional dynamics shape LGBTIQ+ portrayals, authenticity, and inclusivity in media.

Main Requirements

Academic Background

Master’s degree or advanced studies in Communication, Social Sciences, Psychology, Media Studies, or related fields.

Methodological Skills

• Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  
• Experience in data analysis and use of specialized software (e.g., ATLAS.ti, NVivo, SPSS, R, Python, SmartPLS, etc.).
  
• Ability to design and implement surveys and questionnaires (e.g., Qualtrics, LimeSurvey, Google Forms).
  

Languages

• Advanced proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
  
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan will be considered an asset.
  

Technological and Creative Skills

• Knowledge and experience in audiovisual production, including editing and the use of digital media tools.
  

Desirable Qualifications

• Research experience: Previous participation in academic or applied research projects.
  
• Publications: Contributions to journal articles, book chapters, or conference presentations.
  
• Project management: Strong organizational skills, ability to coordinate research tasks, and meet deadlines.
  
• Research interests: Alignment with topics such as communication, science, technology, digital media, gender, or social representation.
  

Personal Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  
• Excellent academic writing abilities in English.
  
• Capacity for autonomy, initiative, and teamwork.
  
• Adaptability to international and interdisciplinary research environments.
  

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted from October 29 to November 19 (both inclusive) through the UAB Research Portal at the following link:

https://tauler.seu-e.cat/detall?idEns=11&idEdicte=594087

Further Information

The contract terms and conditions document is available in three languages (Catalan, Spanish, and English) at the following link (same as for application procedure): https://tauler.seu-e.cat/detall?idEns=11&idEdicte=594087

For additional information about the position or the project, please contact:

Dr. Maite Soto-Sanfiel

Principal Investigator, PID2024-160145NB-C21

Department of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)

Email: mariateresa.soto@uab.es

We kindly invite you to participate in the 8th edition of the Young Media and Communication Scholars Mentoring Program of the Polish Communication Association. The Mentoring Program is addressed to Ph.D. and MA students who want to develop their research competencies under the guidance of renowned Polish researchers. Participation in the program is free of charge.

Applications (in Polish or English) will be accepted until December 3, 2025. Application form and detailed information about mentors are available here: https://www.ptks.pl/en/programs/pca-mentoring-program 

We encourage you to submit your application!

If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us via: mentoring.fmmik@gmail.com

Institute of Media and Journalism at USI Università della Svizzera italiana (Lugano, Switzerland)

100%, starting date 1 March 2026

The research group focusing on young people, the media and fan cultures led by Dr. Eleonora Benecchi at the Institute of Media and Journalism at USI Università della Svizzera italiana is seeking to fill a doctoral position. The position is primarily linked to the SNSF-funded research project «Swiss Fan Worlds and Social Exclusion». This project explores how children and young people engaged in fan worlds perceive and experience online risks, develop social and emotional capacities, and implement coping strategies in digital spaces.

The Institute for Media and Globalization (IMeG) provides an international, interdisciplinary, and intellectually stimulating environment that embraces diverse perspectives and methodologies while fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support. Within the Institute, scholars and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds work together to generate knowledge with meaningful societal impact. IMeG also offers outstanding opportunities for both national and international networking. 

Job description: 

• Conduct high-quality research in the field of media and digital culture
  
• Complete a dissertation in three to four years
  
• Excellent oral and written English skills
  
• Excellent oral and written German is an advantage
  
• Attend academic conferences and publish in academic journals in the field
  
• Handle organizational and administrative tasks
  
• Collaborate in existing projects and develop new projects with members of the research team related to media and fan cultures
  
• Cover the role of a teaching assistant for courses at Bachelor and Master levels   
  

Application deadline: 15 December 2025

For more information see: link

Department of English and Media, BCU

The Doctoral Landscape Awards is an AHRC-funded initiative hosted by Birmingham City University (BCU), supporting the development of a vibrant and inclusive doctoral research culture in the arts and humanities. 

The scheme provides combined research expertise for the professional and personal development of the next generation of arts and humanities doctoral researchers. It delivers excellence in all aspects of research supervision and training. It provides access to a wide range of facilities, cohort events, and development opportunities across the university and a regional Hub comprising seven universities across the East and West Midlands.

For 2026 entry, BCU will offer six fully funded PhD studentships to UK/Home Students eligible for Home Tuition Fees through an open competition. Each year, at least one studentship will be dedicated to a home fee status candidate from a Global Majority background, continuing the legacy of BCU’s That's Me! Project widening participation initiative and offering bespoke professional development.

The Department of English and Media at Birmingham City University is inviting applications from students whose research interests connect with our fields of expertise in:

• Creative Writing
  
• English Linguistics
  
• English Literature
  
• Media and Cultural Studies
  
• Journalism
  
• Cultural Activism 
  
• Creative Industries
  
• Equality and Diversity in the Media Industries
  
• Games Cultures
  
• Film
  
• Gender and Sexuality
  
• History, Heritage and Archives
  
• Popular Music Studies
  
• South Asian Media
  

Enquiries about PhDs in the Department of English and Media can be directed to yemisi.akinbobola@bcu.ac.uk

The deadline for Doctoral Landscape Award funding applications is 27 January 2026 - 12.00 hours (noon, UK Time). For full details of eligibility, funding, research supervision areas, and for dates of our November application writing workshop, please visit our BCU DLA webpage here: www.bcu.ac.uk/research/doctoral-landscape-awards

June 26-27, 2026

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Deadline: February 3, 2026

https://www.bledcom.com/

Leading theme is Disaster, Health, and Organizational Crisis Communication. BledCom invites abstracts between 500 and 800 words (including title, keywords, and references) and panel proposals. We welcome all papers related to public relations and strategic communication, not just those addressing the conference theme. Submission deadline is February 3, 2026.

In a world increasingly defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, crises are no longer exceptions.They have become the rule. Disasters—natural and man-made—continue to ravage communities. Global public health threats such as COVID-19 have revealed systemic vulnerabilities and communication breakdowns. Further, organizational crises—from product recalls to reputational scandals—threaten not only economic performance but also trust, legitimacy, and stakeholder relationships.

Crisis communication is at the heart of societal resilience. How organizations communicate before, during, and after, crises often determine whether trust in the organization is preserved or lost; whether harm is mitigated or exacerbated; and whether reputations survive or collapse. Managing crisis communication is also a defining function of modern public relations, whose practitioners increasingly operate at the intersection of strategy, ethics, and emergency response.  These reasons compelled BledCom  to again focus on this critical organizational function by selecting it as the theme.

Coombs defined organizational crisis as: "a perceived violation of salient stakeholder expectations that can create negative outcomes for stakeholders and/or the organization." This definition reminds us that crises are not only operational, but also social, perceptual, and relational. A modern crisis may be triggered by a cyberattack, a climate event, a health emergency, a viral tweet, or even an armed invasion (the nuclear threat is a clear and present danger in the 21st century). The responses must be equally complex, coordinated, and ethically grounded.

BledCom 2026 invites scholars, practitioners, and educators to explore the multifaceted world of crisis communication across domains including disaster response, public health, and organizational resilience. We encourage contributions that analyze crisis narratives, evaluate communication strategies, interrogate digital responses, or reflect on lessons learned across the three core crisis types as well as other types of crises as well

We therefore welcome presentations from scholars and practitioners focusing on the ongoing evolution of crisis communication.

Some topics relevant to the theme are:

• crisis communication management,
  
• internal communication in crisis management,
  
• social media and digital platforms and crisis communication,
  
• social listening and real-time feedback analysis,
  
• stakeholder activism and cancel culture,
  
• misinformation and disinformation challenges,
  
• ethics and equity in emergency messaging,
  
• cross-sector collaboration in crisis preparedness,
  
• comparative and international case studies,
  
• the influence of culture on crisis communication, and
  
• emotional, moral, and rational dimensions of stakeholder response.

As in previous years, BledCom welcomes all papers related to public relations and strategic communication, not just those addressing the conference theme. Panel proposals are also invited.

Guidelines for Submission

We invite abstracts between 500 and 800 words (including title, keywords, and references) and panel proposals.

Abstracts should include:

• Introduction and purpose of the study (including research question if applicable),
  
• Literature review (just long enough to situate the work in existing scholarship),
  
• Methodology (including data sources, rationale, and sample),
  
• Results and conclusions (highlighting implications and limitations),
  
• Practical and social implications.

Please provide 3–5 keywords that reflect your study. Use APA style (latest edition). Abstracts must be submitted anonymously, with identifying information included on a separate cover page. A list of references is optional but included in the word count.

Panel proposals should include:

• Title and focus of the panel,
  
• Name of the panel chair,
  
• Names of participants and titles or foci of their contributions.
  

Deadlines and Dates

Submission deadline: February 3, 2026

Notification of acceptance after peer review: March 3, 2026 

Full papers (up to 6,000 words): due September 15, 2026, for inclusion in conference proceedings 

Please send all submissions to: bledcom@fdv.uni-lj.si

Program Committee

• Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana & Herman & partnerji, Slovenia
  
• Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado Boulder, USA
  
•  Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb, Croatia
  

BledCom 2026 Advisory Committee

• Amela Duratović Konjević, Slovenian Cancer Registry, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana
  
• Maja Jančič, University of Ljubljana
  
• Urška Kolar, National Institute of Public Health
  
• Samo Kropivnik, University of Ljubljana
  
• Saška Terseglav, University of Ljubljana & Association of Health Institutions of Slovenia
  
• Mitja Vrdelja, National Institute of Public Health

BledCom 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), under project V5-24042.

June 22-23 2026

Bournemouth University, UK

Media School, MST 

Deadline: February 16, 2026

Academics, practitioners and research students are invited to submit competitive abstracts for presentation at the 14th International History of Public Relations Conference (IHPRC) which will again be held at Bournemouth University.

Since 2010, IHPRC has been the premier international conference addressing the history of public relations and related disciplines. It has attracted papers from around the world and led to a major expansion of publishing on the public relations history field in academic journals and research books.

Conference themes

Among the themes IHPRC continues to promote are:

• The history of public relations and its developing or diverging relationships with other disciplines such as marketing, HR, legal and corporate governance
  
• The historiography of public relations and the application of historical theories and interpretations to the history of PR; alternative and unheard histories and herstories; archaeological methodologies and theoretical analyses
  
• Seminal personalities or events that shaped the formation of public relations as a discipline (This can also include challenges to the “Great Man” or “Great Woman” approach)
  
• History of the PR/Communication departments of organisations (companies, associations, political organisations, NGOs, etc.)
  
• History of PR instruments (press releases, press conferences, campaigns, social media, etc.)
  
• Alternative approaches to the history of public relations, e.g. on the basis of culture (personal networks and influence) or via definitions of public relations
  
• The evolving naming of the field from propaganda and press agentry to corporate and strategic communications
  
• The evolution of public relations in nations, government and industry
  
• The history of public relations in specific sectors (for example, consultancy, education, health, and politics)
  
• The public relations of dissent and activism; historical analysis of public relations in activist and non-profit campaigns
  
• The evolution of public relations theory(ies) over time; the history of schools of thinking in public relations
  
• The formation of industry and professional bodies and their impact on public relations practice and education; professionalisation of public relations
  
• The ethics of public relations and its discussion over time
  
• Oral histories of public relations; discussion of this methodology

Papers for presentation at IHPRC 2026 will be selected, after peer review, on the basis of abstracts. Authors are invited to submit a single Word document. The first page of the word document should include the title of the paper, author(s) name(s) and affiliations. Page two onwards will include the abstract. The abstract will be of no more than two pages total length, including references. The abstract should express the purpose, methodology, findings and implications of the research. Author and affiliation details are to be presented only in first page and should not be identified in the abstract.

Abstracts must be presented in Word format, 12-point font size, single spacing with a 1-inch (25mm) margin on A4 page size. Submissions and enquiries should go to atheofilou@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Information on conference registration and conference hotels follows.

Given that the IHPRC will be taking place as from now on biennially (ie every second year rather than every year) the conference will be held in person rather than any other format.

Submissions – Deadline for consideration: 16 February 2026.

We look forward to welcoming PR scholars to Bournemouth in June 2026.

Follow the conference on @historyofpr and Facebook.com/IHPRC

November 6, 2025

Online conference

Visual Cultures Section

https://visualculturesecrea.wordpress.com/2025/10/15/conference-programme/

Scholars from 15 different countries will examine entanglements of visual cultures with memory, identity, gender, technology, and truth-making at this online conference. It will be a day to reflect on research objects, methods and interdisciplinarity in visual social research. How do visual cultures both reflect and challenge the deepening crisis of trust in democratic, scientific, and journalistic institutions? What roles do AI-generated images and deepfakes play in amplifying or destabilising collective perception? How do images, visual narratives, and aesthetic practices participate in shaping collective experiences, identities, and histories? In what ways do visual cultures and regimes (re)mediate but also disrupt collective memories, ideologies and identities? What methodological innovations are needed to “see through” complexity in our research?

Deadline: November 3, 2025

The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE) and the Huck Boyd National Center for Community Media at Kansas State University are seeking proposals for papers that provide insight and guidance on general issues and/or everyday problems that confront community newspapers and their newsrooms, with particular reference to weekly general-interest publications with circulations under 10,000.

This competition is an extension of the Center’s former “Newspapers and Community-Building Symposium,” co-sponsored for 20 years by the National Newspaper Association (NNA) and its foundation. The competition’s ultimate goal is to engage academicians and community newspaper journalists in productive “conversations about community journalism.”

Proposals will first be peer-reviewed by faculty with expertise in community journalism. Final selection of the papers to be written will be made by a panel of working and retired community journalists who will evaluate the proposals on the basis of their potential value to newsrooms.

Completed papers will undergo a final academic peer review prior to publication in an issue of ISWNE’s Grassroots Editor. The schedule has been set up to ensure publication of all accepted papers by January 2027 or sooner.

Proposals from graduate students are especially encouraged, as are proposals with an international focus, or reflecting an international perspective on community papers’ newsrooms.

One paper will be selected by the community journalists panel for presentation at the 2026 ISWNE conference tentatively scheduled forJuly 15-19 in Cardiff, Wales. ISWNE and the ISWNE Foundation will provide the author with a complimentary conference registration as well as $250 toward travel. The paper’s author will be expected to make whatever arrangements are necessary to attend this conference or to present on Zoom.

A second place paper also will be selected and the authors of both top papers will receive complimentary one-year memberships in ISWNE.

Focus: Papers should deal with topics relevant to the newsrooms of community weeklies, particularly those with small staffs and circulations under 10,000. The papers should provide useful guidance on general issues and/or everyday problems that such newsrooms may face.

Examples could include legal, political, or ethical issues; alternative print/digital integration models; or surveys to determine successful techniques for staff recruitment/retention, for boosting online presence or to elicit “best practices” for special editions. Roundups of how states handle Sunshine Law violations or how papers train young reporters to be alert for such violations would also be of interest. So would explorations of new ways to convey information to a local audience (e.g., using AI) and how to monetize them. These, of course, are only some of the many areas on which research could focus.

Note that ISWNE members have access to the organization’s Hotline, where topics of current interest to weekly newsrooms are regularly discussed. Non-members may request temporary access by contacting Executive Director Chad Stebbins at cstebbins@mopress.com. This is one way to focus Proposals and the resulting papers on issues of concern to community weekly newsrooms.

Most successful proposals will deal with applied research, although theoretical papers that provide the basis for further applied research also are acceptable, as are general research topics that establish a clear connection to newsroom issues.

Guidelines for Developing Proposals: Proposals should be limited to a maximum of two pages. These proposals should explain clearly and concisely how the final papers will be of practical use to community weekly newsrooms. They should note any prior work on which they will build or which they will assess critically.

Proposals will be evaluated on the relevance and importance of the topic and on its value to newsrooms. Other criteria include originality, clarity of the writing, appropriateness of the methodology to be used, the likelihood that valid conclusions will be reached and the choice of materials that will be used to document the paper’s conclusions/support its recommendations.

Suggested Length for the Paper: 2,500 to 6,000 words.

Logistics for submission: Proposals should be submitted electronically to Huck Boyd Center Director Sam C. Mwangi at scmwangi@ksu.edu. The proposal itself should contain nothing that would identify the author. It must be accompanied by a separate title page containing full author contact information (name, email-address, mailing address, university and/or professional affiliation and phone number). These two items must be emailed by Nov. 3, 2025.

Other Dates:

• Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by Dec. 1, 2025.
  
• Completed papers are due to scmwangi@ksu.edu no later than March 15, 2026.
  
• The author of the paper selected for presentation at the 2024 ISWNE conference will be notified by April 15, 2026; peer review comments will be provided as soon as possible.
  
• Changes suggested by the second peer review will be sent to all other authors by July 31, 2026 for use in preparing the final version of their papers.
  
• Final versions of the papers should be sent electronically to Chad Stebbins at cstebbins@mopress.com by Sept. 15, 2026.
  

ISWNE was founded in 1955 to promote high standards of editorial writing, facilitate the exchange of ideas and foster freedom of the press in all nations. It aims to help members of the weekly press improve their editorial writing and news reporting and to encourage strong, independent editorial voices. Chad Stebbins has been ISWNE’s executive director since 1999.

The mission of the Huck Boyd National Center for Community Media, established in 1990, is to serve and strengthen local newspapers, radio stations, online media and other outlets that play a key role in the survival and revitalization of small towns in the United States. Gloria Freeland was the Center’s director from 1998 until her retirement in 2020. Sam C. Mwangi is the new director.