Conference Dates: 9–10 April 2026
Location: Centre for Media and Journalism Studies, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
The ECREA Journalism Studies Section invites scholars to submit abstracts for its 2026 biennial conference, themed “The Threads Behind the Trends in Journalism Studies.” As journalism continues to evolve in response to technological innovation, shifting media ecosystems, and political, economic, and societal transformations, this conference aims to delve beneath surface-level change to understand the deeper dynamics shaping the future of journalism.
Rethinking Journalism’s Future: From Fads to Foundations
Modern journalism has often been caught in a whirlwind of buzzwords—AI, disinformation, platformization—but what underpins these transformations? The conference theme challenges scholars to examine what drives change beneath the trends, from societal values to newsroom epistemologies, and from audience datafication to emotional labor in digital journalism.
As Carlson and Lewis (2019) note, the field’s fixation with novelty can obscure the structural shifts underway. This conference seeks to unpack those forces and create a space for critical inquiry that goes beyond headlines.
Submission Categories
1. Thematic Submissions
Submissions aligning with the conference theme are encouraged in areas such as:
- Digital innovation and adaptation in journalism
- Algorithmic culture and news curation
- Journalism in platform societies
- Hybrid and alternative storytelling formats
- News avoidance, misinformation, and media trust
- Business models and sustainability in digital journalism
- Emotions, subjectivity, and journalist wellbeing
- Peripheral journalism and anti-media populism
- Online threats and press safety
- Innovative research methodologies in journalism studies
Both theoretical and empirical papers are welcome. Abstracts should clarify how the research addresses “the threads behind the trends.”
2. Open Submissions
In addition to themed panels, the conference will host open sessions to showcase a broader range of scholarship within journalism studies—offering flexibility for scholars to contribute their latest work, regardless of thematic alignment.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract limit: Max. 500 words (excluding references, tables, and figures)
- Submission deadline: 22 August 2025
- Submission platform: Via the designated online form
- Presentation formats (choose one):
- Research paper presentation
- Pre-constituted panel proposal
- Roundtable participation
- High-density pitch sessions
Each presenter is expected to review 2–3 abstracts as part of the peer-review process. Only one submission per first author will be accepted.
Notifications of acceptance will be sent out in early November 2025.
Please submit the proposal thorough this form: https://edu.nl/tcqmd
PhD Colloquium – April 8, 2026
On the eve of the main event, the 6th ECREA Journalism Studies Section PhD Colloquium will be held at the University of Groningen. It will be led by Dr. Sandra Banjac, Dr. Marilia Gehrke, and YECREA representative Dr. Bissie Anderson. Doctoral researchers are encouraged to engage in this dedicated space for mentorship and scholarly exchange.
About the Host
The Centre for Media and Journalism Studies at the University of Groningen will serve as the host. The organizing committee includes Dr. Joëlle Swart, Dr. Frank Harbers, Dr. Marilia Gehrke, Dr. Sandra Banjac, and Dr. Scott Eldridge. Groningen is easily accessible by public transport—just two hours from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
Please note: The conference is in-person only. Virtual presentations will not be accommodated.
Key Dates
- 12 May 2025 – Call for submissions opens
- 22 August 2025 – Abstract submission deadline
- Early November 2025 – Notification of acceptance and registration begins
- Before Christmas 2025 – First draft of the programme released
- 27 February 2026 – Registration deadline for delegates
- 8 April 2026 – PhD Colloquium
- 9–10 April 2026 – Main Conference
📌 For more details and submission
https://www.rug.nl/research/icog/research/research-centres/centre-for-journalism-and-mediastudies/events/
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