Can, May, Might Media Scholars Be Utopic Activists? A Manifesto from Danish Researchers
At a national workshop, Danish scholars asked what media researchers could do differently and better, searching for cracks and gaps. Their conversations gave rise to a manifesto, published last year in MedieKultur. In the hope of sparking debate, and above all encouraging action, the NordMedia Network republishes its seven statements for the year ahead and those that follow.
Wiley Releases Comprehensive AI Guidelines after Global Survey Findings
A global survey of researchers, conducted by Wiley, reveals a striking momentum of AI adoption among researchers. Along with this increased use comes calls for clear guidelines to assist researchers in using AI responsibly. Wiley has responded to the calls with comprehensive guidelines for authors, editors, and reviewers, and has introduced a “chat” series in order to discuss issues surrounding AI and research with experts.
The Dual Climate Impact of News Media Organizations
Commercial news media organizations hold a unique and vital role in the climate crisis. As business organizations, they have a corporate responsibility to evaluate, report on, and minimize the environmental impact of their operations. As news organizations, they are often held accountable for the environmental impact they have through their journalism. A recent research article in the MedieKultur Special Issue “Media and the Environment” examines how these two different ways of addressing climate responsibilities are addressed in Nordic commercial news media organizations.
Pursuing Equitable Data Governance and Epistemic Justice–Oriented Research: Continuing the Discussion
A couple weeks ago Professor Emeritus Robin Mansell shared her thoughts about Rethinking Democracy in the Age of Data. Today, we go into depth with co-author Gyan Prakash Tripathi about the motivations for taking a global approach and highlighting the differences and inequities between different parts of world when it comes to equitable data governance and the knowledge production needed to support it – and why understanding these dynamics is essential to building policies and practices that support equity and justice in the digital age.
- It is Time for an Interdisciplinary Network for Research on Gender and Games
Research on gender faces growing pressure worldwide, and scholars in game studies know this all too well — from #Gamergate to ongoing harassment, especially targeting marginalized researchers. Tom Legierse and Ida Martine Gard Rysjedal, PhD candidates at the University of Bergen, call for scholars on gender and games to unite in a network of care.
Rethinking Democracy in the Age of Data: An Interview with Robin Mansell
How can democracies thrive in an age dominated by data and Big Tech? In this conversation, Professor Robin Mansell discusses a new book and reflects on the global imbalances shaping today’s information ecosystems – and on how they might be transformed towards fairer, more democratic digital futures.
Once a Model of Academic Freedom, the Nordics Are Not Immune to Pressure
With strong public universities, transparent governance, and deep-rooted social trust, the Nordic countries have become synonymous with stability and integrity in higher education and research. Yet recent developments are prompting a closer examination of how secure that foundation truly is.
Distrust, Ideology, and the Turn to Alternative Media
In recent years, far-right movements have gained traction across Europe, and Scandinavia is no exception. At the same time, the public sphere has been reshaped by a hybrid media landscape that offers new opportunities for these political forces to grow and reach audiences.
The Nordic Journalism Students Project: 20 Years of Charting Ideals in Flux
In 2025, more than 3,000 journalism students across the Nordic region are participating in what is likely the world’s most comprehensive and long-running study of journalism students and their professional orientations. The Nordic Journalism Students Project – known also as Hovdabrekka – brings together 26 major institutions from across the Nordic countries to examine students’ perspectives on journalism, their education, media habits, and professional values.
Beyond NordMedia Conferences: Why You Should Embrace Annual National Research Associations’ Meetings
Across the Nordic region, the NordMedia conferences serve as a central meeting place for scholars in media and communication studies – a forum for presenting research, exchanging ideas, and building networks. Yet there is another arena that merits equal attention: the annual meetings of the national research associations. Read on to find out how these gatherings complement the NordMedia conferences, contribute to researchers’ professional development, and prove especially valuable for early-career scholars.
How Can Social Scientists Contribute to Society - Reflections from a Panel Hosted by Nordicom
At NordMedia25, Nordicom arranged a panel bringing together scientists and practitioners with broad experience in research communication, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Among the topics discussed were how social scientists can contribute to society and what expectations society places on scholars. What barriers do social scientists face when collaborating and trying to share their findings with broader audiences, and what may a “more livable future” look like for research collaboration and communication?
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.