Navigating Challenges Together: Doctoral Pre-Conference as a Space for Sharing, Learning, and Belonging
Deadlines in the holidays, parental duties, papers piling up – how much is enough? Doctoral researchers at the Nordmedia2025 pre-conference discussed the realities of academic life while presenting their own work. As described by the participants, the pre-conference is experienced as a safe environment to train academic skills in an international setting.
SEK 40 Million Donation to Film and Theatre Research
The research fields of cinema and theatre studies at Stockholm University have received a donation of SEK 40 million from the Anders Sandrew Foundation. A significant portion of the donation will fund doctoral positions in both disciplines.
Schibsted’s Success Factor Vanished. Can It Return?
In many ways, the new Schibsted has put all its eggs in one media basket – making the company more vulnerable, argues Professor Ole J. Mjøs, author of the new book Schibsted: The Digital Transformation of a Nordic Media Giant.
Beyond the Mainstream – Niche Influencers and the Search for Authenticity
From beauty tips to financial advice and political commentary, influencers increasingly shape how we communicate, connect, and consume information. A new issue of Nordic Journal of Media Studies examines the role of influencers as cultural, economic, and political actors.
Upcoming Special Issue to Explore Visual Political Communication
An upcoming special issue of Nordicom Review will explore the evolving landscape of visual political communication in the Nordic countries. A Call has been issued for contributions addressing not only the content, strategies, and effects of visual political communication, but also accounting for their broader impact on society. A particular focus is on how visual strategies interact with core Nordic democratic values, such as openness, inclusivity, and (political and media) trust.
A Closer Look at Media and Democracy in the Nordics
What do we know about media, communication, journalism, and democracy in the Nordic region? A new special issue of Nordicom Review brings together literature reviews that aim to answer just that. We spoke with Magnus Fredriksson, professor and co-editor of the issue, about why these kinds of overviews are needed now, and how they might support both research and public understanding.
Scandinavians Among the Most Surveilled Citizens – Without Knowing It
Citizens in Scandinavia routinely access tax-funded public services online – unaware that their personal data is being harvested in the process. In this interview, media scholar Helle Sjøvaag discusses new research revealing how municipal websites across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden use commercial trackers that collect personal data, raising concerns about privacy, transparency, and the integrity of the Nordic welfare model.
Novel Methodological Approach Combines Data Donation and Surveys
Nordicom has recently published, in collaboration with DATALAB – Center for Digital Social Research, at Aarhus University, an in-depth reporting of a novel methodological approach combining data donation and surveys. The publication demonstrates how data donation can be scaled to national population level to understand trends in digital media usage and potential challenges for digital democracies. Kristin Clay, manuscript editor at Nordicom, spoke with co-author Anja Bechmann about the study’s main findings and their broader relevance.
Study: Climate Topics Receive Limited Attention in Nordic Journalism Education
There are differing views on whether climate change should be treated as a distinct field within journalism or simply as one topic among many. These perspectives are reflected in journalism education across the Nordic countries, according to new research.
Amid US Political Tensions, International Scientists Rethink Transatlantic Conferences –Where Do Nordic Researchers Stand?
The Trump administration’s attacks on science and education drew strong criticism from scientists around the world, including in the Nordic countries. Cuts to funding, threats to academic freedom, and ideological interference, along with denied entry to scholars, have raised alarm. With the ICA Conference scheduled for June in Denver, many international media scholars are now reconsidering whether to attend. Within the Nordic community, the dilemma also persists: whether to take part, and how best to engage with the developments unfolding in the United States.
Your Work, Their Words: How Others See Us (Part 2)
Innovative, methodologically well-structured, and open to diverse academic traditions – these are just some of the qualities that international scholars value and appreciate about Nordic media and communication researchers. In the second article in our series "Your Work, Their Words: How Others See Us", we spotlight more voices from international scholars and their reflections on the contributions of Nordic researchers. Here’s what they had to say.
Greenland is Vulnerable to Disinformation
Greenland’s journalistic media are few and small, while social media are important, writes Signe Ravn-Højgaard, director of the Digital Infrastructure Think Tank, which co-published a report on the topic.
Your Work, Their Words: How Others See Us
Though modest in size, the Nordic countries play a significant role in global media and communication research. The field benefits greatly from your contributions, which extend far beyond national and regional boundaries. Yet amid the pressures of proposals, publications, and conferences, there is little time – or perhaps even interest – to reflect on the broader impact of this work. To gain perspective, we asked your international colleagues how they view the contributions of Nordic researchers. Here is the first glimpse into what they had to say.
Influencers: A Political Force for Engagement?
In recent years, the role of social media influencers has extended beyond brand endorsements and lifestyle content, entering the realm of political discourse. While much of the conversation around influencers and politics focuses on concerns such as misinformation and polarisation, new research highlights the potential of influencers to positively impact political engagement.
The Swedish Media Landscape 2025: Key Insights for Nordic Media Researchers
Nordicom has released the sixteenth edition of MedieSverige [MediaSweden], a comprehensive report on Sweden’s media landscape. The report covers policy shifts, digital trends, and industry developments, but its insights also extend beyond Sweden’s borders.
New Article Provides Matrix for Studying Journalistic Value Creation
Journalism must meet different interests – social, economic, profession-based, and audience-based. Norwegian media researcher Ragnhild Kristine Olsen has created a value matrix for studying journalistic value creation and editorial choices in an increasingly complex media landscape where commercial incentives and social mission often conflict, and professional and audience needs are at times divided.
How a Nordicom Newsletter is Created – A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Media policy is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with new regulations and changes is not an easy task. In this article, we take you behind the scenes of the Nordic Media Policy newsletter, offering a look at how the key topics are being identified and prioritised.
Jill Walker Rettberg, Annette Markham and Kim Schrøder to Take the Stage as Keynote Speakers at NordMedia25
It is with great pleasure that we announce Jill Walker Rettberg, Annette Markham and Kim Christian Schrøder as the keynote speakers for the upcoming NordMedia25 conference in Odense! - We are beyond excited to have this outstanding trio delivering the keynotes, say Susana Tosca and Lene Heiselberg, co-chairs of the conference.
New TWG Brings Minority Media and Language Researchers Together
Media has long played a crucial role in preserving and revitalising minority languages. But as national policies, digitalisation, and economic forces increasingly tilt in favour of majority languages, the space for linguistic diversity is narrowing. At NordMedia25, the newly formed Temporary Working Group Media and Linguistic Minorities will make its debut, exploring the relevance of media for linguistic vitality, among other topics.
Feeling Stressed About Your Smartphone Use? A New Study Finds You're Not Alone
A new research article explores how young adults in Sweden perceive their own and others’ smartphone use. Published by Nordicom, the study reveals that many young people, particularly women, experience stress and anxiety related to their use of smartphones.
