Call for Papers
Theme: Disruptions in African Media and Communication Spaces
Mode: Virtual
Conference Dates: November 5 – 7, 2025
The Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana invites scholars, researchers, media practitioners, and industry experts to submit abstracts for the Trends in Media and Communication Conference (TiMC) 2025. This online conference seeks to critically examine the disruptive forces reshaping the African communication and media landscape, driven by technological advancements, economic shifts, regulatory challenges, and changing audience behaviors.
The contemporary communication landscape in Africa is undergoing significant shifts amidst the rise of algorithm-driven communication, AI-generated content, and the dwindling fortunes of traditional media. These are complemented by the pervasive spread of digital falsehoods, the increasing sway of social media influencers on news dissemination, and the ongoing struggle between established media and grassroots reporting among other things. Importantly, significant shifts in storytelling approaches and resources, brand-initiated conversations and the forever burning issue of credibility present dynamics as do increasing efforts towards media literacy education (Benmelit, 2024; Adjin-Tettey et al., 2024). These factors collectively challenge long-established assumptions about media and communication industries and their future (Ciortea-Neamțiu & Szabo, 2016).
Examining disruptions in Africa’s media and communication industries and spaces and how these are shaping the future is therefore crucial in light of global shifts in communication and media ecologies. This conference invites empirical studies, theoretical analyses, and industry insights to foster cross-field [academia and practice] discourses on the prospects and obstacles confronting African media in an era of disruption.
Thematic Areas
We invite contributions that address disruptions in African media and communication spaces and industries, including in particular,
- The Rise of AI and Automation in African Communication Industries – submissions that examine AI-driven content creation, algorithmic biases, and the implications for content credibility, communication industry jobs, and public trust.
- Disruptions in Media Business Models - submissions that explore the decline of legacy media business models, the rise of digital subscriptions, crowdfunding, and new monetization strategies.
- The Power and Perils of Influencer Culture –submissions that analyse the impact of digital influencers on news consumption, brand communication, political discourse, and misinformation in Africa.
- Regulation in the Age of Digital Disruptions – submissions that evaluate the tension between free expression and press freedom and emerging digital policies, including social media taxes, content moderation laws, and online censorship.
- Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as a Tool for Resilience – Submissions that investigate how MIL can counteract disinformation, hate speech, and digital manipulation in Africa’s evolving media landscape.
- The Data Privacy and Surveillance Dilemma – submissions that assess the implications of data breaches, online surveillance, and digital rights within African media ecosystems.
- Sustainability and Climate Reporting in the Digital Age – submissions addressing how media innovations reshape environmental journalism and public awareness in Africa.
- Content Creation in a Fragmented Digital Space – submissions that explore the shift from traditional media gatekeeping to decentralised, user-generated content and its effects on media credibility and political engagement.
- Gendered Disruptions in communication spaces and industries submissions that examine how digital disruptions reshape gender portrayals in media, and work cultures in communication industries.
- Crisis Communication in an Age of Disinformation – Submissions that examine strategies for responding to misinformation and media manipulation during health crises, conflicts, and disasters in Africa.
Dates to Note
- Abstract submission deadline extended to 16th June 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 30th June 2025
- Full Paper Submission Deadline: 21st October 2025
- Registration Opens- Closes: 15th September 2025 - October 21st 2025
- Conference Dates: November 5 – 7, 2025
Submission Guidelines
Authors should submit an abstract of no less than 250 words and no more than 350 words. Abstracts must clearly state the problematic, research assumptions and main arguments, objectives and research questions, theory, methods and, where applicable findings. Proposed research must be original and show promise for making enriching current knowledge and scholarly debates.
Conference fees:
Ghanaian participants: GHS 300
International participants: USD 30
For inquiries, contact Dr Aurelia Ayisi at aayisi@ug.edu.gh
We look forward to your contributions to an engaging and insightful conference.