FINAL REMINDER: DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS MARCH 31ST, 2003

The deadline for submissions of abstracts for the JOURNALISM CONFERENCE to be held from 11-12 September 2003 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, is approaching.

Proposals for papers are invited for a two day-conference on the topic Media in Africa: current issues and future challenges. The conference will be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Department of Journalism of the University of Stellenbosch. Since the aim of the conference is to include as many perspectives from academia as well as from the media industry, keynote speakers will include leading role-players in South African journalism as well as media scholars. Academics as well as practicing journalists are therefore invited to submit proposals for papers.

CONFERENCE THEME: The theme Media in Africa: current issues and future challenges is a fairly broad one and may include papers on the following:

• Political issues, such as media restrictions in Africa, conceptions of the media’s role in transitional societies and emerging democracies
• Economic issues, such as the political economy of media ownership, advertising, viability of independent media
• Societal issues, such as journalism in an environment with high illiteracy levels, media and development, intercultural reporting, ethical issues e.g. reporting on HIV/Aids and covering violence and conflict, racial and gender stereotyping.
• Professional issues, such as journalism training, improving skills levels, managing newsrooms.

The above are merely guidelines, and other topics related to the conference theme will also be considered. Where possible, papers that are linked thematically will be grouped together to form panel discussions. While the conference will create the opportunity for academics to present results of their research and engage in discussions related to the teaching of journalism in Africa, a large part of the conference will also be devoted to discussions and workshops concerning media practice and the specific challenges facing media practitioners, arising from the specific cultural, economic and political contexts in which they work.

An opportunity will also be given to graduate students to present research papers in a separate panel session. Graduate students wishing to have their proposals considered for this session should clearly indicate this on their submissions.

ABSTRACTS: Proposals for papers should not exceed 200 words and should reach the conference organizers by March 31, 2003. Please provide full contact details and preferably an email address.

ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSIONS is listed below. We would prefer that you send your submission per email.

FURTHER DETAILS:
Upon confirmation of acceptance of papers, applicants will receive a formal invitation, registration form, information on travelling and accommodation and fees payable. Information will also be posted on our website.