An inter-disciplinary group of media scholars from across the University held a one-day workshop on Thursday 9 June 2022 which brought together journalism, media, academic and policy communities to inform and re-imagine Scotland’s media future in a time of rapid social, political and technological change.The event aimed to promote dialogue around questions of key challenges, what works and what doesn’t and the potential for academics to work collaboratively and productively with industry and policymakers. 

The workshop, held in the University's new Advanced Research Centre (ARC) building,  was organised by the School's Dr Catherine Happer, Dr Ana Langer, Dr Hayes Mabweazara and Dr Dominic Hinde and Professor Philip Schlesinger from the School of Culture and Creative Arts, and was a collaboration between the Glasgow University Media Group and the Centre for Cultural Policy Research.  

Key figures from the BBC, STV, Ofcom, the Scottish Government, national press and independent media outlets and higher education engaged with questions of media regulation, trust in journalism, sustainable media business models and social media influence.  A briefing from the day, including recommendations for further research and collaboration, will be disseminated in late July.

Dr Catherine Happer, Director of the Glasgow University Group, noted the value of bringing together in a room such a ‘diversity and breadth of knowledge and experience to discuss these issues, and in seeing the common themes and priorities emerge.  It’s clear the media, as embedded in political and social systems, are in a time of transition.  Feedback and evaluation from workshop participants emphasised in particular the importance of learning more about the disparate nature of contemporary media including the role of social media and citizen journalism, as well as the urgent need to address the disconnect between professional media and the needs of the public, especially the younger generations.'

First published: 22 June 2022

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