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Subject:       Media & Politics Conference, Feb. 97, Brussels
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2nd CALL FOR PAPERS

The Faculty of Political and Social Sciences of the
Catholic University of Brussels (KUB),
in association with the 'Political Communication', 'Gender' and
'Participatory Communication Research' Sections and the 'Human Rights
Committee' of the International Association for Mass Communication 
research
(IAMCR) announce the

International Conference on
MEDIA & POLITICS
Brussels (Belgium),
27 February - 1 March, 1997


The world of politics and mass communication has changed substantially 
over
the past decades. Both separate and integrated developments have led to 
the
present-day situation of turmoil. The confusion is apparent in a number of
ways and at distinct levels.

The disparity in communication resources between different parts of the
world or within nations is increasingly recognised as a cause of concern.
The attempt by local power-elites to totally control the modern
communication channels -- press, broadcasting, education, and bureaucracy
-- does no longer ensure control of all the communication networks in a
given society. Nor does control of the mass media ensure support for the
controlling forces, nor for any mobilisation around their objectives, nor
for the effective repression of opposition.

Therefore, no longer governments or rulers are able to operate 
effectively,
to control, censor, or to play the role of gatekeeper with regard to all
communications networks at all times. Both alternate and parallel 
networks,
which may not always be active, often function through political,
socio-cultural, religious or class structures or can be based upon 
secular,
cultural, artistic, or folkloristic channels. These networks feature a
highly participatory character, high rates of credibility, and a strong
organic integration with other institutions deeply rooted in a given
society.

The traditionally claimed high standards of public media performance and
especially news reporting,  have become eroded by commercialism and
transnationalisation. Journalists have to give in to the demand of viewer
ratings and outside pressures.
The thin demarcation line between the political and media world has become
even more blurred as a result of political marketing strategies and
economic and political interest groups.

Different and often contradictory logics are guiding public policies. At
the level of the European Union, for instance, the telecommunications
policy with an emphasis on liberalisation and deregulation differs from 
the
policy recommendations in the broadcasting field where some measures could
be interpreted to be protectionist. In general the EU-policies advocate
total freedom to provide services across borders, and that, therefore,
total liberalisation may lead to a future cultural synchronisation and
economic oligopolisation of Europe. Therefore, it is questionable whether
the present EU policies contribute to more than just a single marketplace
for producers, and whether the average European citizen can also benefit
from a united Europe?

These and many more topics will be discussed at an international 
conference
on "Media & Politics", which will take place from Thursday, February 27, 
to
Saturday, March 1, 1997, at the Catholic University of Brussels, Belgium.

The theme of the conference will be reflected in a number of plenary
sessions with invited national and international speakers from the
academic, political and media world.

Sessions will include presentations and discussions on
*       the existence of a so-called "public opinion";
*       media relations with and effects on government (rulers  and
institutions);
*       gender, politics and media;
*       the mutual influence of public and commercial   broadcasting on
political values and party preferences;
*       the effects of agenda-setting and media stereotyping;
*       mass media and grassroots networking in the so-called   Third 
World;
*       the European (tele)communications policies and their    impact on
small member states;
*       the Internet and democracy; and
*       the new challenges for the political journalist.


CONFIRMED INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS

*       Dr. Yogesh Atal, UNESCO, Paris, France
*       Dr. Ron Burnett, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
*       Dr. Sam Dyer, University of Waikato, New Zealand
*       Dr. Cees Hamelink, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
*       Dr. Francis Nyamnjoh, University of Beua, Cameroon
*       Dr. Mina Ramirez, Asian Social Institute, Manila, Philippines
*       Dr. David Paletz, Duke University, USA
*       Dr. Slavko Splichal, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
*       Dr. Pradip Thomas, WACC, London, United Kingdom
*       Dr. Shalini Venturelli, American University, Washington, USA
*       Dr. Peter Waterman, Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The
Netherlands


PROPOSALS

Send 200 word abstracts, and, if possible, papers (15 pages maximum).  
When
proposing a panel, please indicate whether you would like individual 
papers
considered separately if the panel is not accepted.

DEADLINES (Early submissions will be given priority):

Deadline for paper abstracts:           November 15, 1996
Notification will be sent by            December 1, 1996
Deadline for completed papers:          January 1, 1997
Deadline for registration:                      February 1, 1997

FORWARD PLANNING

The registration fees will be as follows:
US$  35 or BEF 1000 for students
US$ 100 or BEF 3000 for academics, and
US$ 500 or BEF 15.000 for other participants

The anticipated cost for accommodation will depend on choice of hotel or
guest house. Hotel reservations will be handled by RESOTEL, Hotel and
services reservations, 122 Avenue de l'Atlantique, B- 1150 Brussels,
Belgium. Tel: +32-2-779 39 39; Fax: +32-2-779 39 00.
E-Mail: Resotel@freesun.be
http://www.freesun.be/resotel.html


IMPORTANT NOTICE

The organizers are unfortunately unable to offer fellowships. Participants
who need an official invitation to raise funds and to facilitate
attendance, please contact the conference coordinator Jan Servaes (address
below).

For enquiries and more information, please contact:

Dr. Jan Servaes
 Faculty of Political and Social Sciences
Catholic University of Brussels (KUB)
Avenue de la Liberti 17
B-1081 Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32-(0)2-412 4278 / Fax: +32-(0)2-412 4200
Email: Jan.Servaes@kubrussel.ac.be
                http://www.kubrussel.ac.be/psw/menu1.html


                                              REGISTRATION FORM
***********************************************************************
                                        International Conference
                                           MEDIA & POLITICS
                                     FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 1, 1997
                                            BRUSSELS, Belgium
***********************************************************************
                  PLEASE USE A TYPEWRITER OR PRINT CLEARLY
***********************************************************************

FAMILY NAME:                                   First names:

Title:                                                   Nationality:

Sex: M / F                                             Date of birth:

Institute address:


Postcode/Zip Code:
City:
Country:

Telephone:

Telefax:

E-Mail Address:

Name as you wish to appear on your name badge:

Dietary/Special Requirements:

_______________________________________________________________
Deadlines (early submissions will be given priority):
* Deadline for paper abstracts:            November 15, 1996
* Deadline for completed papers:         January 1, 1997
* Deadline for registration:                  February 1, 1997
_______________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The organisers are unfortunately unable to offer fellowships. Participants
who may need an offical invitation to raise funds and facilitate your
attendance, please contact the conference co-ordinator Jan Servaes
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
REGISTRATION FEE (Tick the appropriate category)

* BEF 1000 for students:                                ..........
* BEF 3000 for academics:                               ..........
* BEF 15 000 for other participants:                    ..........

O        I will transfer .......  BEF onto account no. 435-2244121-09 of
         Katholieke Universiteit Brussel, Vrijheidslaan 17, B-1081
Brussels,     and mention 'International Conference Media & Politics'.
         Please ensure that your remittance covers all bank charges.

O        I will pay by credit-card

         O  Eurocard/Mastercard      O Visa            O   American 
Express

         Amount: BEF...............

         Cardholder 
Name:..................................................

         Card 
#:................................................................

         Expiration 
date:.....................................................

         Signature:

_______________________________________________________________
Please fill in this form and mail to: Hilde Reenaers, EBI, K.U. Brussels,
Vrijheidslaan 17, 1081 Brussels, Belgium,
Tel.: +32 2 412 43 73, Fax: +32 2 412 42 00.
E-mail:Hilde.Reenaers@kubrussel.ac.be
_______________________________________________________________