Call for Papers 2026

Despite of the strong tide of nationalistic antagonism and competition which prevails today’s international political economy, the globalized media and culture has already become an irreversible undercurrent in the global society. The globalization is irreversible as it’s based deeply on the advancements in technology, industrial growth of global media, expansion of global trade, and the emergence of new forms of communication. The number of internet users today is close to 5 billion, and that of the mobile phone users is near 8 billion. Mobile internet is intrinsically global network which turns everything on it into globally available. With the dominance of OTT networks, television has substantially moved from national to global from production to distribution and consumption. The nature of international or/and global communication has changed significantly in the last few decades especially since the digital media emerged. The rise of AI technology is pushing the media scene to the next stage of development. With the 4th edition of this conference, we aim at gathering and sharing insights from all levels of scholars on the past, present, and the future of global communication in an intensive manner. This year’s conference asks more attention on the following theme while other topics are also welcome: “From Mass Media to Algorithmic Media: The Evolution of Mediascape”

Some of the other exemplary topics may be:

• Current trends of global media and communication in technology, industry, policy, and culture
• Changes of global communication in the 20th and 21st centuries
• Global media spread and consumption such as OTTs on both global and regional levels
• The production, distribution, and consumption of global media in news, dramas, films, music, and other contents
• Other topics related to the above

Timeline:

1. Call for participation published by January 25, 
2. Abstract (300 words) submission by April 10, 
3. Acceptance announcement by April 20, 
4. Program fixation by May 15, 
5. Collection of presentation materials such as short papers or ppts by June 15, 
6. Conference on July 1-2.

• Since the purpose of the conference is to create an insightful forum among scholars, we accept various forms of writings including research notes, positioning papers, and well- arranged ppts. Presenters should prepare either short papers of around 2,500~3,000 words or ppts for participation. 
• Publication plan: The scholarly journal Global Media and China plans to publish a special issue from this conference with a topic focusing on the global algorithmic media and related issues. Those who want to get their papers published in the journal should submit a completed manuscript by August 30 in the length of 6,000~8,000 words.
• Registration fee of US$100 for all participants will be collected at the registration on July 1. The conference and the organizers will provide lunch and reception dinner for all participants of the conference. Other expenses such as travel to and from Kastoria and accommodation should be taken care of by the participants. The organizer will provide information and discount opportunity on local accommodation upon request.
• Previous conferences were held in the beautiful historic city of Thessaloniki. For this year, we are moving the conference to the charming lake town Kastoria of the northern Greece. 
  The city is sitting at Lake Orestiada and close to borders of Albania and North Macedonia. 
• Inquiries on the conference can be directed to organizers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

• Shin Dong Kim (Hong Kong Baptist University)
• Nikos Panagiotou (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece)
• Christos Fragkonikolopoulos (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece)
• Anthony Fung (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
• Sherri Hope Culver (Temple University, US)
• Christoph Schmidt (DW Academie, Germany)
• Aphrodite Sallas (Concordia University, Canada)
• Bill Sillock (Arizona State University, US)
• Holger Briel (BNBU University, China)
• Tena Perisin (University of Zagreb)

Interested participants are invited to submit their abstracts (up to 300 words) and any related inquiries by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All submissions should include the author’s name, institutional affiliation, contact details, and a brief biographical note.

Abstracts must be submitted no later than April 10, 2026. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by April 20, 2026

Kastoria is one of Greece’s most distinctive and picturesque cities, built amphitheatrically around Lake Orestiada and surrounded by mountains. Known for its rich Byzantine heritage, traditional mansions, and more than 70 historic churches, the city offers a rare combination of cultural depth, natural beauty, and a calm, reflective atmosphere—ideal for academic exchange and focused discussion. The lakeside setting and walkable historic center create an environment that encourages dialogue beyond the conference rooms.

The most convenient way to reach Kastoria is via Thessaloniki. Participants can fly into Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), which is well connected to major European and international hubs. From Thessaloniki, Kastoria is approximately a 2.5–3 hour journey by car or intercity bus (KTEL), with scenic routes through Northern Greece. Car rental from Thessaloniki is also a practical option, offering flexibility for travel and local exploration. To facilitate participants’ travel, the conference organizers will arrange one dedicated group transportation by special bus from Thessaloniki to Kastoria at designated time. This option is intended to ensure a smooth, coordinated, and comfortable transfer for international and domestic participants. Detailed information regarding schedules and registration for the bus service will be provided in advance.