📢 Call for Papers: ESA RN18 Mid-Term Conference – Communication and Capital(ism)

The Social Communication Research Centre is pleased to share the Call for Papers for the upcoming Mid-Term Conference of the European Sociological Association’s Research Network 18 – Sociology of Communications and Media Research. 

🗓 Conference Details 

Theme: Communication and Capital(ism) 
Dates: 28–30 August 2025 
Venue: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia 

About the Conference 

In a time of growing global inequalities, ecological crises, and the pervasive influence of digital platforms and tech monopolies, understanding the dynamic interplay between communication and capitalism has never been more urgent. This conference aims to critically examine these interconnections and foster dialogue on the societal transformations driven by digital capitalism. 

Renowned scholars Kylie Jarrett, Graham Murdock, and Slavko Splichal will deliver plenary talks, and a special round table on digital platforms and labour will offer further critical insights. 

We invite contributions that engage with (but are not limited to): 

• Political economy and cultural studies of media 

• Digital capitalism, imperialism, and colonialism 

• Platform labour and working conditions 

• Capital, class, gender, and race in media 

• Global media industries and journalism 

• Democracy, political communication, and the public sphere 

• Advertising and its material/ideological impact 

• Alternatives to the crises of digital capitalism 

📝 Submission Guidelines 

• Deadline: 1 April 2025 

• Length: 400–600 words (including title, author name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information) 

• Email: Send your abstract to rn18esasubmission@gmail.com with the subject line “ESA RN18 Submission” 

Abstracts should clearly outline the research rationale, questions, theoretical and/or empirical approach, and potential findings or implications. 

Join Us 

We look forward to welcoming scholars who are committed to critically exploring the shifting social terrain shaped by communication and capitalism.