ECREA WEEKLY digest ARTICLES

September 25-26, 2025

University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca

Deadline: May 26, 2025

ECREA Digital Games Research Section symposium  

As games become more deeply integrated into everyday life, their cultural, societal, and political significance continues to evolve. Recent shifts in the game industry—including AI-generated content and the rise of platform monopolies—are reshaping how games are designed, distributed, and played. At the same time, societal debates around digital cultures, inclusivity, and the ethics of play highlight the need for critical engagement with games as a force beyond entertainment.  

We invite researchers, academics, and experts from diverse disciplines (e.g., Media and Communication, Media Psychology, Education, Sociology etc.) to submit their original contributions related to the evolving role of games in society. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:  

• Games as tools for education and game-based learning  
  
• E-sports and competitive gaming  
  
• Exploring the positive and negative impacts of games on mental health and well-being  
  
• Unveiling the profound meaning of games as a form of eudaimonic entertainment  
  
• Investigating the social benefits and challenges arising from online gaming  
  
• Examining toxicity and extremism within gaming cultures and their impact on society and individuals  
  
• Understanding the power of games for information dissemination and persuasion  
  
• The cultural and political impact of games  
  
• Possible negative effects of gaming on individuals (e.g., aggressiveness, addiction, social isolation)  
  
• Platformization in the game industry  
  
• Emerging technologies in game design  
  
• The role of games in shaping public discourse  
  
• Diversity and inclusion in game design and game communities  
  
• Environmental sustainability and ecological impact of game production and consumption  
  
• Analysing games as art and cultural heritage, and their representation of cultural legacies  
  
• Unpacking the applications of games in museums and exhibitions  
  
• Delving into the theory and philosophy of meaningfulness in gaming contexts  
  

We additionally welcome submissions on any other aspect of game studies or the intersection of game studies with the broader field of communication and media science. We welcome theoretical contributions, literature reviews, work-in-progress submissions, as well as qualitative and quantitative empirical studies. The submission of panel proposals consisting of 4 presentations is also possible.  

PhD panel  

The conference will feature a PhD panel for young scholars to give them the opportunity to present their (PhD-) projects and receive feedback from experienced researchers. Presentations of projects at any stage and on any topic related to game studies are welcome.  

Application process  

Abstracts should be max. 300 words + bibliography. To apply for the PhD panel, add “PhD panel:” to the title of your submission.  

Panel proposals should include 1) a 300-word rationale for the panel, 2) a 150-word abstract describing each participant's contribution.  

Submission should be made through the online form available here: https://forms.gle/XQnMFEGFCFZfKkir6  

The submission deadline is 26th May 2025.  

Decisions on the proposals will be made by the middle of June 2025.  

The conference will be held at University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The conference fee is 70 Euros (50 Euros for PhD students) and will include catering for lunch and coffee breaks. Each participant should cover their travel and accommodation costs.  

For further information  

ECREA Digital Games Research Section management team:

• Felix Reer, felix.reer@uni-muenster.de  
  
• Teresa de la Hera, delahera@eshcc.eur.nl  
  
• Salvador Gómez-García, salvadorgomez@hmca.uva.es  
  

Local conference team: 

• Júlia Vilasís-Pamos, julia.vilasis@uib.es  
  
• Jorge Oceja, jorge.oceja@uib.es
  

Arab Media & Society (Issue 39, Winter/Spring)

Deadline: July 30, 2025

The media landscape in the Arab World is undergoing a rapid and profound transformation, shaped by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and evolving business models. Digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and content creators are redefining the media ecosystem, influencing economic structures, managerial strategies, and regulatory frameworks. As media organizations, content producers, and digital platforms adapt to this changing environment, new challenges and opportunities emerge for sustainable business models, ethical considerations, and innovative revenue streams.
This call for papers seeks to explore the dynamic intersections of media management, economics, and digital transformation in the Arab World. We invite contributions that critically examine how traditional and digital media industries are responding to these shifts and what strategies are being employed to sustain media operations in an era marked by algorithm-driven content distribution, influencer economies, and platformized communication.

Key Themes:

We encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Economic and Managerial Strategies in the Digital Media Environment
  

• Business models of digital media companies, streaming platforms, and content creators.

• Monetization strategies in platform economies (e.g., subscriptions, advertising, influencer marketing).

• Sustainability and financial resilience of media organizations in the Arab World.

• The Role of Social Media and Content Creators in Media Economies

• The economic impact of influencers, micro-entrepreneurs, and independent content producers.

• Social media monetization and its implications for traditional media businesses.

• Algorithm-driven visibility and its effect on content distribution and economic viability.
  AI, Automation, and the Future of Media Management

• The role of artificial intelligence in newsroom operations, advertising, and audience analytics.

• Ethical concerns and regulatory challenges surrounding AI-driven content moderation and personalization.

• AI’s impact on labor structures in media industries.
  Regulation, Policy, and Media Sustainability

• Media policies and regulations affecting digital media and platform governance in the region.

• The role of governments and regulatory bodies in shaping digital economies.

• Strategies for ensuring content diversity and safeguarding media pluralism in the digital age.
  Audience Behavior, Consumption Patterns, and Market Trends

• Changing media consumption habits across different demographic segments.

• The role of mobile-first and on-demand media consumption in shaping business strategies.

• The effects of disinformation, trust erosion, and audience fragmentation on media sustainability.
  Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and New Business Models

• Media startups, digital entrepreneurs, and emerging players in the Arab Worldern media industry.

• Case studies of innovative digital ventures in content production and distribution.

• The intersection of technology, creativity, and economic models in media entrepreneurship.
  The Global and Local Dynamics of Media Markets

• Internationalization and localization strategies of global media players in the region.

• Cross-cultural influences on media management and content strategies.

• Economic implications of media collaborations and mergers in the Arab World.

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 July 30, 2025. Other submissions, including book and conference reviews, shorter (non-peer reviewed) research papers, and columns, should be submitted by August 15, 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.

May 28, 2025

Online

The coffee gathering of the Children, Youth & Media Section of ECREA will take place virtually on 28 May at 5 pm (CET).

Read more: https://cymecrea.wordpress.com/2025/04/09/how-can-we-give-science-back-to-the-community/

December 5, 2025

Online

Continuing our series of research meetings focused on specific issues in mediatization research — chaired in past years by eminent experts such as Göran Bolin (2017), Johan Fornäs (2018), Andreas Hepp (2019), Mark Deuze (2020), André Jansson (2021), Andrew Hoskins (2022), Kirsten Frandsen (2023), and Carlos A. Scolari (2024) — this year’s workshop will be held online on 5 December 2025.

It will be led by Michael Skey from Loughborough University.
The title of this year’s edition is: Youth, Sports, and Media.
We invite researchers who wish to discuss their current projects within a focused and closed group of media scholars, under the guidance of an expert.

Important dates:

• 27 October 2025 – Submission of abstracts
  
• 5 December 2025 – Closed online workshop
  

Details and registration form:
https://www.umcs.pl/pl/towards-development-of-mediatization-research-ix-youth-sports-and-media,32378.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ1eVpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYVmd3MVhPdXh2U0NDM1VVAR6n83CD81hTEs8jIjkc1w33VqH2zVxwWR3It2-6kgtBwj4oIKyUPWl12AoMZA_aem_yo4EG_k9V-m5jI6jjoWMbg

For any substantive questions about the workshop, please contact:
Katarzyna Kopecka-Piech
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin
 katarzyna.kopecka-piech@umcs.pl

Paderborn University

Paderborn University is a high-performance and internationally oriented university. Within interdisciplinary teams, we undertake forward-looking research, design innovative teaching concepts and actively transfer knowledge into society. As an important research and cooperation partner, the university also shapes regional development strategies. We offer our employees in research, teaching, technology and administration a lively, family-friendly and equal opportunity environment, a lean management structure and diverse opportunities. Join us to invent the future!

In the Faculty of Arts and Humanities the following position is to be filled by 1 April 2026:

W3-Professorship (f/m/d) of Media Pedagogy with a Focus on Empirical Media Research

The future incumbent of the position should conduct research and teaching in the realm of Media Pedagogy with a Focus on Empirical Media Research.

The tasks of the jobholder include:

• Teaching in the degree programmes offered by the Department of Media Studies and the Institute of Educational Science (50% each)

• Contribution to the development and design of degree programmes

• Research in the realm of Media Pedagogy and Empirical Media Research

• Involvement in joint research projects

• Participation in the University's self-administration

We expect:

• Research and teaching experience in Media Pedagogy

• Experience in the application and teaching of empirical research methods in the Social Sciences and Media Research

• Experience in the critical analysis of and critical reflection on the relationship of the media and education/pedagogy in the context of society, culture, and technology

• Doctorate and additional academic achievements that go beyond a doctorate (such as habilitation or habilitation-equivalent achievements)

We favour:

• Interdisciplinary research in relevant areas of society such as critical political education, education for democracy, or education for sustainable development

• A critical engagement with Media Pedagogy-concepts and practices such as media literacy, media criticism/critical media education/critical media pedagogy, digital education, digital & data literacy, AI literacy

• An international academic orientation

• Ability to teach also in English

Recruitment requirements:
§ 36 Abs. 1 Ziff. 1 to 4 HG NRW (University law of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia) (completed university degree, pedagogical aptitude, Ph.D. degree and additional academic achievements).

Applications from women are particularly welcome and, in case of equal qualifications and experiences, will receive preferential treatment according to state law (LGG), unless there are preponderant reasons to give preference to another applicant. Applications from disabled people with appropriate suitability are explicitly welcome. This also applies to people with equal opportunities in accordance with the German social law SGB IX.

Paderborn University is certified as a family-friendly university. With our Dual Career Service, we support your partner with career orientation in the region if required. We will be happy to provide you with information about living and working in Paderborn and help you to find childcare options. If you are coming to us from abroad, our Welcome Services will support you on your arrival in Germany.

Please submit your application consisting of the following documents using the Ref. No. 6862 until 5 June 2025 in English or German electronically via the job portal of Paderborn University here:

• A cover letter of no more than three pages in length, in which the motivation, suitability for the professorship (structured discussion of the application criteria) and the planned profile of the professorship in the context of the Department, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and Paderborn University are outlined

• CV

• Certificates

• Publication list (the 5 publications most relevant to the professorship are to be marked)

• Overview of the courses held and the supervision of dissertations

• Three course evaluations

• If applicable, information on severely disabled status

Please submit only the requested documents in full. A more detailed research and teaching concept, along with relevant publications, should only be submitted at the second stage of the application process if requested.

The status of the appointment process can be followed on the Appointment Monitor: here

Information regarding the processing of your personal data can be located at: www.uni-paderborn.de/zv/personaldatenschutz

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Paderborn University
Warburger Straße 100
33098 Paderborn, Germany

October 9-10, 2025

Budapest, Hungary

This interdisciplinary symposium will explore the evolving intersection of mediatization, technology, and society, focusing on how automation, algorithmic culture, and AI systems transform media, communication, institutions, and everyday life. Under the thematic triad of truth, trust, and transformation, we invite contributions that critically examine how technological mediation reshapes epistemic authority, social imaginaries, public discourse, science communication or journalism while also interrogating the shifting boundaries between humans, technologies, and institutions.

We welcome theoretical and empirical work from scholars in media and communication studies, science and technology studies (STS), sociology, political science, digital humanities, and related fields of interdisciplinary research. The event aims to foster dialogue on the role of mediatization in reinforcing or disrupting trust, navigating post-truth conditions, and envisioning new pathways for democratic and ethical transformation in technologically saturated societies.

As part of this initiative, the organizing committee will submit a proposal for a Special Issue in a Q-ranked journal. The highest-rated papers from the symposium will be considered for publication, especially those developed through open discussion/workshop-based collaboration.

Apply HERE.

University of the Arts London (UAL)

We invite applications for a PhD studentship at University of the Arts London (UAL) to work on a project on “Understanding social media disinformation and war propaganda through the historical archive”, supervised by Dr. Felipe Soares.

This project aims to understand contemporary practices of disinformation and war propaganda on social media through comparison with war propaganda from historical archives linked to the First and Second World Wars. This project will broadly explore the following question: How can we better understand and contextualise contemporary practices of war propaganda on social media through the investigation of WWI and WWII historical archives?

The PhD student will be based at London College of Communication and work in partnership with the Imperial War Museum Institute.

The studentships cover fees at the UK Home rate and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate for three years full time or six years part time, pro rata for part-time (2025/26 full time rate £22,780). Students with an ‘overseas’ fee status can apply but will need to cover the difference between the UK and overseas fees rate (2025/26 home rate £6620/overseas £26310), and will be required to reside in the UK until completion of the PhD.

Please review the following link for more information about the project and how to apply: https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/fees-and-funding/phd-and-mphil-funding/ual-post-graduate-research-studentships. The deadline for applications is 12 May 2025.

April 29, 2025 (1:30 PM)

The British Association of Comparative Law warmly invite you to a discussion of Dr Irini Katsirea’s book, Press Freedom and Regulation in a Digital Era: A Comparative Study (2024), from 12.30-2pm.

This book examines the challenges for press freedom in the nascent digital news ecosystem. Drawing upon decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union, as well as from German, UK and US case law, this comparative work explores the regulation of the press in the digital era and the impact of the proliferating media laws, policies, and jurisprudence on press freedom.

Professor Jacob Rowbottom (University of Oxford) will chair the discussion between Dr Irini Katsirea (University of Sheffield), Dr Peter Coe (University of Birmingham), Emeritus Professor Thomas Gibbons (University of Manchester), and Emeritus Professor Bernd Holznagel (University of Münster). There will be time for Q&A.

Register HERE.

University of Fribourg, Switzerland

The Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, offers an International Visiting Scholarship for communication scientists in the postdoctoral phase, financed by a fund raised by the department’s founding fathers Dr. Max Gressly and Dr. Florian Fleck. The remuneration consists of CHF 5.000, permitting a stay of two to three months. The full call for applications for a stay in Fribourg in 2026 is available here: https://www.unifr.ch/dcm/en/assets/public/files/flyers/Gressly-Fleck2026.pdf. Application deadline is 30 September 2025.

October 30-31, 2025

Södertörn University, Stockholm, Sweden 

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Social media platforms have dramatically changed the ways that people of all ages encounter and engage with news and information, as well as manage vital aspects of everyday life. The algorithmically governed media landscape of today, likewise, not only situates media users in a ‘world of information plenty’ but shapes our daily practices and impacts on how we think, learn, and socialise. This entanglement of media technologies and everyday life is challenging for a variety of reasons, not least as the structure of platforms is ephemeral and fluctuating. This conference brings together scholars to discuss media users’ tactics to navigate news and information, time and space, relations, and identities in an increasingly ephemeral algorithmic landscape.

https://www.sh.se/english/sodertorn-university/calendar/events/2025-10-30-ecrea-audience-and-reception-studies-2025