12th International Conference on Communication & Media Studies 2027 in Canada – Application Form is Out

Brief description (about):

• The Twelfth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies is an international academic conference organised by the Communication & Media Studies Research Network.

• It provides an interdisciplinary platform for scholars, researchers, educators, media professionals and practitioners to discuss developments in communication and media.

• The conference explores how emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital platforms and new media production systems are transforming society.

• The 2027 edition will be held in partnership with the Image Research Network.

• Conference dates: 13–15 October 2027.

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Host Institution:

• Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

• Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

• Venue address: 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.

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Level/Field(s) of Study:

• This is an academic research conference rather than a degree or scholarship programme.

• Relevant disciplines and research areas include:

  • Communication Studies.

  • Media and Journalism.

  • Digital Media and Technology.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Media.

  • Film, Television and Media Production.

  • Cultural and Visual Communication.

  • Media Education.

  • Public Relations and Strategic Communication.

  • Media Policy and Governance.

  • Digital Platforms and Social Media.

Number of Scholarships/Slots:

• The organisers have not specified a fixed number of participant slots.

• The conference welcomes international presenters and audience members.

• Emerging Scholar Awards are available for eligible graduate students and early-career researchers.

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Target group:

• University lecturers and academic researchers.

• Postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD).

• Early-career researchers and emerging scholars.

• Journalists and media practitioners.

• Communication and public relations professionals.

• Digital media creators and content producers.

• Film, television and broadcasting professionals.

• Policymakers and professionals interested in media technology, AI and communication.

Theme, Program and Agenda:

2027 Special Focus: Producing Communication at Scale: Platforms, AI, and Live Media Systems.

The conference focuses on four major themes:

1. AI and Automated Production Workflows: Generative AI, automated editing, publishing, newsroom workflows, authorship and governance.

2. Platforms, Infrastructure and Scalability: Cloud production, content distribution, platform power, monetisation and content moderation.

3. Live, Remote and Hybrid Media Production: Virtual studios, distributed production teams, real-time collaboration and hybrid audience experiences.

4. Labour, Institutions and Public Trust: Professional roles, media education, labour conditions, regulation, misinformation and credibility.

• The programme will include research presentations, plenary sessions, curated panels, online presentations and interactive discussions.

• The detailed session schedule will be released when the organisers have a complete programme.

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Special Focus:

• The central focus is how communication and media production are changing through artificial intelligence, digital platforms and interconnected media infrastructures.

• Particular attention will be given to:

  • The impact of AI on journalism and creative production.

  • Algorithmic distribution and media visibility.

  • Digital labour and professional expertise.

  • Media ethics, governance and accountability.

  • Misinformation and public trust.

  • Inequality and access in digital communication systems.

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Format & Location and Venue:

• Format: Hybrid (physical and virtual participation).

• Physical location: Toronto, Canada.

• Venue: Toronto Metropolitan University.

• Online participants will use the CGScholar Event (KX) platform.

• Presenters can participate either in person or online.

• Online participants can access presentations, discussion spaces and conference materials.

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Organizers:

• Communication & Media Studies Research Network.

• Common Ground Research Networks.

• Host institution: Toronto Metropolitan University.

The local conference committee includes:

• Stephen Sheps – Toronto Metropolitan University.

• Joe Recupero – Toronto Metropolitan University.

• AJ Cordeiro – Toronto Metropolitan University.

Research Network Chairs:

• Dr. Eric Freedman – Maryland Institute College of Art, USA.

• Dr. Jesús Miguel Flores Vivar – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.

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Keynote Speakers:

• Richard Lachman – Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada (listed as the plenary speaker on the official conference webpage).

• Additional keynote or plenary speakers have not been confirmed on the main conference page.

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Networking Opportunities:

• Opportunities to interact with international scholars, academics, researchers and media professionals.

• Face-to-face discussions through conference sessions and Talking Circles.

• Online networking through CGScholar discussion spaces and peer-to-peer exchanges.

• Welcome receptions, coffee breaks and conference lunches for in-person participants.

• Online welcome sessions, informal meet-ups and virtual Talking Circles.

• Opportunities to establish international research collaborations and academic partnerships.

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Call for Papers (CFP):

• The conference invites original research proposals addressing its main theme and sub-themes.

• Submissions may be:

  • Empirical research.

  • Theoretical research.

  • Historical studies.

  • Methodological research.

  • Design-oriented research.

  • Practice-based research.

• Proposals should explore contemporary developments in communication, media, AI, digital platforms and media production.

• Presentations can be delivered in English or Spanish.

• Both in-person and online presentation options are available.

• Accepted proposals become online Presentation Pages where presenters can upload abstracts, media and reflections.

• Submit proposals through the English-language submission portal.

• Spanish-language submissions are also accepted.

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Publication Opportunities:

• Presenters may develop their conference papers for possible publication in the International Journal of Communication and Media Studies.

• The journal operates a hybrid Open Access model and uses peer review.

• Participants may also submit longer research works for consideration in the Communication and Media Studies Book Imprint.

• Potential book publications include monographs and edited collections.

• Conference participation does not automatically guarantee journal publication; submissions must meet the relevant editorial and peer-review requirements.

  Communication & Media Studies Research Network

Registration Fees:

The conference offers presenter and audience registration options for both physical and online participation.

All amounts are in US dollars (USD).

• Early registration: Until 12 April 2027.

• Regular registration: 13 April – 12 September 2027.

• Late registration: 13 September – 13 October 2027.

• Discounts are available for students, local participants and returning Research Network members.

• Presenter registration includes annual Research Network membership.

• In-person presenter and audience passes include the welcome reception, coffee breaks and lunches on conference days.

• Presenter passes include an official citation and summary of the research in the conference programme and final proceedings.

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Accommodation and Travel Support:

• The conference will take place at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto, Canada.

• The organisers are still selecting suitable accommodation options.

• Hotel and accommodation recommendations will be published on the official conference webpage when available.

• No confirmed accommodation subsidy, travel grant or airfare sponsorship is advertised on the official webpage.

• Participants should budget separately for flights, accommodation, local transportation and other personal expenses.

• Online participation is an alternative for those unable to travel.

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Visas and Funding:

• International participants travelling to Canada will need to meet Canadian immigration and entry requirements.

• Participants should check whether they require a Canadian visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

• The official conference webpage does not currently advertise visa sponsorship, visa fee reimbursement or travel funding.

• Participants should contact the organisers to enquire about invitation letters and supporting documentation for visa applications.

• Visa approval is the responsibility of Canadian immigration authorities.

Requirements:

• Submit an original research proposal relevant to the conference themes if intending to present.

• Select either English or Spanish as the presentation language.

• Select an in-person or online presentation format.

• Complete the appropriate presenter or audience registration.

• Accepted presenters must develop their Presentation Pages on the CGScholar Event platform.

• Upload relevant abstracts, presentation materials, media and reflections.

• Ensure that the research meets the conference’s academic and thematic expectations.

• Graduate students and early-career researchers interested in the Emerging Scholar Awards should consult the separate award requirements.

Registration/participation instructions:

• Visit the official 2027 conference webpage.

• Select Call for Papers if you intend to present research.

• Submit your proposal through the appropriate English or Spanish submission link.

• Wait for the proposal review decision (normally within 2–4 weeks).

• Once accepted, proceed to registration and select your preferred participation category.

• Choose either Presenter Pass or Audience Pass.

• Select physical attendance in Toronto or online participation.

• Complete payment through the official registration platform.

• Registered presenters should upload their presentation materials to the CGScholar Event platform.

• For enquiries, contact Common Ground Research Networks through support@cgnetworks.org.

Dates and Deadlines:

• Proposal reviews normally take 2–4 weeks.

• The organisers indicate that proposals close one month before the conference.

• The detailed conference programme will be announced later.

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Official links and resources

• Main Conference Information.

• Call for Papers and Submission Guidelines.

• Registration Fees and Options.

• Conference Venue.

• Hotel and Accommodation Information.