07/04/2026

CSCA 2027 ... Media Studies Interest Group (MSIG) for Papers

MEDIA STUDIES INTEREST GROUP

Call for Papers and Panels

Central States Communication Association (CSCA) Annual Convention

Madison, WI

April 7^th -11^th, 2027

Navigate–Finding Inspiration in Uncharted Terrain

The Media Studies Interest Group (MSIG) invites submissions of competitive papers, thematic paper panels, extended abstracts, and original media focusing on all aspects of media studies for the 2027 CSCA Convention in Madison, WI. We welcome scholarship on all forms of mass, social, and interpersonal media, including studies that engage political economy, audience reception, textual analysis, production studies, new media, social media, critical cultural studies, media technology, media effects, and various other media subjects and methodologies. We especially encourage submissions that address topics or issues related to the conference theme of “Navigate.”  

Suggested topics along the “navigate” theme include but are not limited to:

• The media landscape in the age of advancing technologies (streaming services, generative AI, etc.)
• Social media, relationships, and presentation of self
• The political economy of media industries – journalism, media production, etc. – in an increasingly consolidated media structure
• Non-Western media texts and practices, particularly of the Global South
• Audience studies, from the effects or critical cultural tradition, that address identity, diversity, and our social world
• A return to “old media,” and role of legacy media in the new media environment
• Textual analyses of TV, film, music, etc. that highlight the navigation of some complicated terrain
• Teaching media courses, especially media literacy

The Media Studies Interest Group accepts four types of proposals: Competitive papers, thematic panels, extended abstracts, and original media submissions.

Papers: Cutting-edge research papers from scholars who examine all forms of media regarding audiences, texts, technologies, effects, producers, communities, and culture. Considering the theme of the conference, papers examining the navigation of  paradigms, theories, production, methodologies, audiences, discourse communities, and pedagogies centered on media are especially welcome.

For paper submissions, please keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Only completed papers are eligible for awards.
• Please include a title and brief abstract.
• Graduate students should type “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page.
• If the paper will be a graduate student debut, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page.
• To be considered a graduate student debut paper:
• The author must be a graduate student
• The paper must have single authorship
• The paper must be the author’s first paper to be presented at CSCA
• Additionally, we are happy to take part in the Inclusive Scholarship Award process. If your paper should be considered for this, the paper must clearly articulate, in at least one paragraph in your abstract, how the respective scholarship explicitly addresses equity and inclusion. Make sure to select the Inclusive Scholarship option when submitting.

Panels: Paper panels and discussion panels both will be considered for acceptance. Paper panels should include (a) title, (b) panel chair, (c) respondent, (d) a 75-word description, (e) rationale of the panel (no more than 2,000 words), and (e) paper titles and abstracts from each of the panelists. We suggest at least four but no more than five panelists. Roundtable discussion panels should include (a) title, (b) chair to moderate the discussion, (c) names and affiliations of the panelists, (d) a 75-word description, and (e) rationale of the panel (no more than 2,000 words). Regarding panels, preference will be given to those with panelists representing multiple institutions rather than representing a single institution.

Extended abstracts: The MSIG welcomes extended abstracts for consideration. Extended abstracts should be between 500-750 words, may be the work of a single or multiple authors, must have a rationale rooted in media studies scholarship, must preview a literature review, must include a description of the method or approach of the research, and must outline a brief description of the expected trajectory of the research. Most importantly, it must contain a clear argument or thesis statement. It is expected that extended abstracts will be developed into workable papers for respondent review before the conference; to ensure enough time for proper feedback, it is expected that you email a substantial draft of the working paper to your respondent at least 14 days prior to the conference.  Extended abstracts are not eligible for awards.

Original media: The MSIG welcomes submissions of original media, including all mediated forms and mixed media artifacts. We seek to promote all forms of original media, including (but not limited to): film submissions, digital art, graphic design, digital media, podcasts, music, advertisements, short stories, digital games, and any/all mixed media combinations. Original media submissions can be made using CSCA’s online submission system and should include the original media artifact as well as a brief rationale statement discussing the link between the submission and the conference theme of Navigate. While we welcome and encourage original media submissions, be mindful that technology in the conference rooms is limited (i.e., a small projector and screen). As with papers and panels, all original media submissions should be devoid of any author-identifying information to ensure anonymity. 

Awards: The Media Studies Interest Group presents four awards. The Samuel L. Becker Award is given for the top student paper and includes an individual certificate and a cash award. At the annual business meeting, the Media Studies Interest Group will also present awards for the top paper and top panel.

Due to budget and access, the only technology that can be made available for your panel will be a projector that you can connect your laptop computers (or other equipment) to. However, there may not be Internet access readily available. Any technology requests must be made at the time of submission.

Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM, CDT, October 9, 2026. Send submissions electronically through our CSCA online submission system site. Questions and other communication about the Media Studies Interest Group may be directed to the Chair and Program Planner, Holly Holladay – hollyholladay@missouristate.edu.