Dissemination activities and the practical impact of media and journalism research have become increasingly essential categories for evaluating scientific work. However, current megatrends such as the impact of AI public communication or the challenges posed by fake news also highlight the importance of constant mutual exchange between the two fields: When researchers have long tried to attract the working practitioners’ interest in their work, they are increasingly seen as attractive partners to understand current problems and develop innovative solutions. The pre-conference proposes to showcase subject areas of increased cooperation, qualified media criticism, innovative projects, and examples of successfully built “bridges.” A common thread is the European Journalism Observatory: The platform celebrates its 20th year of bridging journalism practice, research, and European borders – it is currently publishing in 13 languages, making current research or practical insights available to an interested public.
The pre-conference will give special consideration to a group of “living links” between academia and journalism practice that is often overlooked: Students of journalism and communication often carry their insights from academic training into the newsrooms when they start their journalistic career – others bring valuable experience from practical work to create an academic career. Early-career communication experts can be useful translators and ambassadors for the “other side”. he pre-conference will include a specific student and early-career professional perspective through cooperation with the Forum for European Journalism Students.
COSTS: The pre-conference is free of charge.