An international media studies conference titled “Digital Media, Democracy, and Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe” took place in Katowice, Poland, on January 8 and 9, 2024. This collaborative event was organized by the Institute of Journalism and Media Communication at the University of Silesia, in conjunction with partners from the Audencia Business School, the Threatpie (Norface) Horizon 2020 project, the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism at the Adam Mickiewicz University, and the European New School of Digital European Studies at the Viadrina University in Frankfurt (Oder).
The conference’s theme focused on the evolving relationship between media and democracy, exploring the impact of digital politics, populism, and war. Attended by researchers from the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, the two-day event commenced with a speech by Prof. Michal Daszykowski, Vice-Rector for Science and Finance at the University of Silesia.
Following the opening, Prof. Sabina Mihelj and Dr. Václav Štětka of Loughborough University delivered the keynote address titled “The Illiberal Public Sphere: Media and Audiences in the Age of Polarization.” The first day also featured a roundtable dedicated to a special issue on the media in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) for the Journal of Information Technology & Politics. Additionally, a roundtable by professionals from national media, NGOs, local government, and scientists discussed “The Threats and Potentials for Democracy: Changing Political Information Environment,” conducted under the auspices of the Threatpie project.
On the second day, participants were able to engage with research papers exploring the dynamics of politics in the digital world, conspiracy theories, and communication in Central and Eastern Europe. The conference concluded with final remarks delivered by Prof. Darren Lilleker from Bournemouth University.
