Call for Papers 2008

The End of Journalism? Technology, Education and Ethics

International Journalism Conference 2008

Centre for International Media Analysis, Research and Consultancy
University of Bedfordshire
Luton, UK

17th-18th October 2008

The last few years have witnessed a fresh wave of claims for the potential of internet-based technologies to widen participation in the public sphere. This period has also witnessed a steady stream of jeremiads about the impact of user-generated content on professional journalism. This wide-reaching cultural debate takes places against the backdrop of the ongoing restructuring of the global news industries. In some quarters these changes are regarded with deep suspicion whilst others see a bright future for the media. Central to arguments presented by both sides in this debate is the value of ‘journalistic’ function to wider society.

The End of Journalism conference at the University of Bedfordshire will provide a timely opportunity to re-assess the status and purpose(s) of journalism. It will also provides an opportunity to question the role played by formal institutions (governmental, media, economic and educational), informal institutions and technologies in (re)structuring the ‘journalistic’ function for the twenty-first century.

The conference organizers welcome contributions on relevant topics including (but not exclusively):-

The Impact of New Media Technologies on Journalism
Professionalism, Amateurism and Citizen Journalism
Journalism, Democracy and the Public Sphere
New Journalism in a non-Western context
The Economics and Sociology of Contemporary Journalism
Employment and employability of Journalists
The Methodologies and Tools of Contemporary Journalism
The Ethics of Practice
The Education of Journalists
Academia and Journalism

The conference organizers aim to encourage a dialogue between various stakeholders involved (e.g. practitioners, owners, legislators, technologists, educators etc.) and would welcome contributions, papers and panels from professional journalists. They also welcome a variety of methodological approaches - including theoretical analysis, case studies and practical experiences from journalists – that can provide insights into the global complexities of contemporary journalism.

The End of Journalism conference is organised in collaboration with Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies. Papers delivered at the conference will be considered for publication in the journal (see http://www.beds.ac.uk/convergence for further details).

An abstract of 250 words, accompanied by contact details and a brief biography - to be received by 10th August 2008 to be sent to:

The End of Journalism?
International Journalism Conference 2008
C/o Dr Gavin Stewart, Rm C101
School of Media, Art & Design
University of Bedfordshire
Park Square

Luton LU1 3JU

E-mail ku.ca.sdeb|ecnerefnoc.msilanruoj#ku.ca.sdeb|ecnerefnoc.msilanruoj

Website http://www.beds.ac.uk/research/rimad/journalismconference

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