The Arab Spring has focused attention on the role of journalism and media in Arab societies. In many Arab countries, journalists are now operating in a different media environment. Some argue that the professionalism of some journalists has fallen far short of normative goals, a phenomenon often attributed to tight governmental control of the press. Journalism educators must help provide a “new culture” of Arab journalism that benefits from newfound freedoms, but also stresses responsible reporting, based on fundamental principles of journalism, such as independence, accuracy, and verification.
The global social media revolution has also significantly impacted and essentially transformed Middle East media. With a plethora of social media outlets, such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and Google Plus, journalists can now take advantage of the unprecedented opportunity to tell stories that would otherwise be ignored. In this new world, satellite channels regularly air YouTube videos shot on bystanders’ cell phone cameras. What are the rules that should govern the use of this material by “mainstream” news sites? Does this “citizen journalism” help or hurt the journalism profession? Furthermore, one can only assume that we have only seen little of what the social media revolution has in store. New social media technologies and vehicles seem to arrive every day—which ones are here to stay, which will be institutionalized and which are just passing fads, soon to be forgotten?
The AUSACE 2012 theme aims to address these and other issues related to the unprecedented changes affecting the Arab media. We welcome abstract submissions for papers and panel submissions for public discussions.
DIRECTIONS AND DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS
ALL SUBMISSIONS: Researchers, scholars, experts, and advanced graduate students interested in presenting at AUSACE 2012 are required to first submit an abstract of their research paper or panel topic via the embedded links.
RESEARCH PAPERS: To present a research paper, please submit an abstract of your research using the following by June 30, 2012. Research Abstracts should be no longer than 500 words and include a brief explanation about: the topic under study, its scope and context, its significance, the methods used, its main findings, and its relationship to the conference theme: Transforming Middle East Media. Those submitting research papers and wish their submission to be considered for the various conference awards and for publication in the Journal of Middle Eastern Media are required to submit a full paper by August 31, 2012. Full papers should be scholarly in nature, original, and innovative, and may employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Papers should be no longer than 7,500 words, including tables, figures, references, and notes.
To submit a research abstract, click here and fill out the online form.
PANELS: To suggest a panel, please submit a Panel Abstract by June 30, 2012. Typical panels feature several experts on a certain subject who can discuss a topic in detail. Panelists should be experts in this area who are able to add unique perspectives to the topic at hand. Panels should include a moderator and three to four panelists. Conference organizers may suggest additional members to proposed panels.
For a panel submission, click here.
Authors will be notified of acceptance starting February 15, 2012.
REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTING
At least one author of any accepted presentation should be in attendance at the conference to present the paper. Papers whose authors do not show up will be canceled, and will not be included in the conference proceedings. No substitute presenter will be permitted.
Time limits of each presentation will be strictly enforced. In most cases, you will receive only 12 to 15 minutes or less. Presenters and panelists are encouraged to allocate most the presentation time to the original findings and results, as well as the methods used.
Presenters are required to pay their registration fee and other dues before presenting. Participants may present in English or Arabic.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For queries: ausace2012@gmail.com
For submissions: via the online form
Website: http://www.ausace2012.com
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