[Commlist] Media impartiality symposium before ICA in Glasgow

*Call for Expressions of Interest: Pre-conference*
*Rethinking Media Impartiality: International Perspectives Ahead of ICA 
2027*
*University of Glasgow, 3 June 2027*


The concepts of impartiality, objectivity and political balance remain 
among the most contested issues in journalism scholarship, media 
regulation and public debate. Accusations of media bias are now 
routinely amplified through digital and social media, often through 
isolated clips or excerpts that circulate far beyond their original 
context. Yet despite the prominence of these debates, there remains 
limited conceptual clarity within scholarship and relatively little 
systematic evidence about how such principles are understood, measured 
and applied across different media systems and historical contexts.
As part of an AHRC-funded research project at Cardiff University 
examining media impartiality, we are organising a symposium at the 
University of Glasgow on 3 June 2027, immediately preceding the ICA 
conference. We invite papers that examine how impartiality, objectivity, 
balance, fairness and related concepts are conceptualised, theorised, 
operationalised, assessed and contested in journalism research and practice.
We welcome contributions from a wide range of disciplinary, 
methodological and international perspectives. Possible topics include, 
but are not limited to:

  * Theories and concepts of impartiality, objectivity, balance and 
fairness
  * Historical perspectives on journalistic impartiality
  * Measuring and evaluating news bias
  * Media regulation and impartiality standards
  * Public perceptions of media bias and trust
  * Impartiality in digital, platform and social media environments
  * Political communication, election coverage and balance
  * The challenges of impartiality in polarised media systems
  * Professional norms, newsroom practices and journalistic cultures

We are particularly keen to support early career researchers working in 
this area. A limited number of UK travel bursaries will be available to 
help ECRs attend. Participation is not dependent on attending ICA 2027, 
and we welcome contributions from scholars who wish to attend this event 
only.
We anticipate space for approximately 15-20 paper presentations, 
alongside wider attendance and discussion. Subject to the quality and 
volume of submissions, we will also explore opportunities for a special 
issue in a leading journalism journal based on papers presented at the 
event.
Formal registration and abstract submission will open in January 2027, 
when prospective participants are likely to have greater clarity about 
their conference plans. In the meantime, if you are interested in 
presenting, attending, or learning more about the event, please complete 
the expression-of-interest form below. This will help us gauge demand 
and plan accordingly.

For further information and to register your interest, please visit:
_https://www.enhancingimpartiality.com/blog/impartiality-symposium_

Or if you have any questions, please email us here: 
_https://www.enhancingimpartiality.com/contact_


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