June 3, 2027
University of Glasgow
Call for Expressions of Interest: Pre-conference
The concepts of impartiality, objectivity and political balance remain among the most contested issues in journalism scholarship, media regulation and public debate. Accusations of media bias are now routinely amplified through digital and social media, often through isolated clips or excerpts that circulate far beyond their original context. Yet despite the prominence of these debates, there remains limited conceptual clarity within scholarship and relatively little systematic evidence about how such principles are understood, measured and applied across different media systems and historical contexts.
As part of an AHRC-funded research project at Cardiff University examining media impartiality, we are organising a symposium at the University of Glasgow on 3 June 2027, immediately preceding the ICA conference. We invite papers that examine how impartiality, objectivity, balance, fairness and related concepts are conceptualised, theorised, operationalised, assessed and contested in journalism research and practice.
We welcome contributions from a wide range of disciplinary, methodological and international perspectives. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Theories and concepts of impartiality, objectivity, balance and fairness
- Historical perspectives on journalistic impartiality
- Measuring and evaluating news bias
- Media regulation and impartiality standards
- Public perceptions of media bias and trust
- Impartiality in digital, platform and social media environments
- Political communication, election coverage and balance
- The challenges of impartiality in polarised media systems
- Professional norms, newsroom practices and journalistic cultures
We are particularly keen to support early career researchers working in this area. A limited number of UK travel bursaries will be available to help ECRs attend. Participation is not dependent on attending ICA 2027, and we welcome contributions from scholars who wish to attend this event only.
We anticipate space for approximately 15-20 paper presentations, alongside wider attendance and discussion. Subject to the quality and volume of submissions, we will also explore opportunities for a special issue in a leading journalism journal based on papers presented at the event.
Formal registration and abstract submission will open in January 2027, when prospective participants are likely to have greater clarity about their conference plans. In the meantime, if you are interested in presenting, attending, or learning more about the event, please complete the expression-of-interest form below. This will help us gauge demand and plan accordingly.
We would be grateful if colleagues could share this call with interested researchers, early career academics and doctoral students.
For further information and to register your interest, please visit:
https://www.enhancingimpartiality.com/blog/impartiality-symposium
Or if you have any questions, please email us here: https://www.enhancingimpartiality.com/contact
