Within the context of its research program “Strategic Perspectives of the European Left”, the transform! network is calling for research papers.
Media is a principal legitimation structure of the state that operates on a composite level: on the one hand, the media are driven by profit seeking, and on the other hand, they function as a tool for the reproduction of class hegemony. Taking this into account, they could suffocate democracy by controlling the channels of information. In spite of the positive effects drawn through the development of new technologies (social media, etc.) a crucial part of information dissemination remains in the hands of the traditional media. Our goal is to find ways to ensure transparency, pluralism and the expression of various social interests.
Within this context, we are putting out a call for proposals which scrutinize the institutional framework that determines the function of the Public Mass Media in European countries. This proposal should not only take into account the accessibility of each media outlet contained within it, but also the just and equitable treatment of all citizens and social organizations by the media, as well as the development of collaborative journalism in order to revitalize the field and create the opportunity for genuine, pluralist, reliable information against economic interdependencies and private interests.
Building upon these themes, the research essay is to be structured around three principal issues:
- The description of the Public Mass Media institutional framework based on the European and international experience.
- Suggestions on an innovative policy regarding Public Mass Media: methodology on a left strategy reform project.
- The role of Alternative Mass Media in a process of democratizing information.
Based on the aforementioned issues, this research should aim to answer the following questions:
- Which initiatives should be called upon in a process that aims to progressively reform the functioning of Public Mass Media?
- In what ways do the alternative media differ from the traditional media as far as content, aesthetic, modes of production, modes of distribution and audience relations are concerned?
- How can these newly introduced patterns in information distribution provide a critical perspective and promote counter-hegemonic discourse concerning issues of gender, race and sexual orientation?
The length of this research paper shall be around 20,000 words. The submission date is 1 December 2015 and the paper will most probably be completed during a workshop organized by transform! before the end of the year.
The author will work in close collaboration with the Nicos Poulantzas Institute and the successful candidate will receive a grant of EUR 3,000.
Applicants will be chosen by the transform! Managing Board on the basis of their CVs, plus samples of their work in the specific or relevant fields, if available. References are welcome.
Applications should be sent via e-mail to info@poulantzas.gr no later than 15 June 2015.