Elections for IAMCR's Executive Board and International Council are taking place from 23 May to 12 June. The Election Committee distributed a bulletin to give IAMCR members the opportunity to endorse candidates, and make comments and questions. The bulletin was sent by email to all members and also published on the website. All five editions of the bulletin are reproduced below.
More information about the 2016 election and a complete list of candidates can be found at http://iamcr.org/election-2016
IAMCR 2016 Election Bulletin #5
Welcome to the fifth and last IAMCR 2016 election bulletin. These bulletins are being sent out to IAMCR members, and are also posted on the IAMCR website for reference throughout the electoral period here: http://iamcr.org/electionbulletin2016. The bulletins were created to give IAMCR members the opportunity to endorse candidates, and make comments and questions.
IAMCR Election Committee
Beate Josephi (Chair), Jeremy Shtern and Brian Pindayi
20 May 2016
Executive Board - Endorsements
Name: Helena Sousa
Affiliation: University of Minho
Country: Portugal
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel
I am supporting Aimée Vega Montiel for a second mandate as Vice-President of the IAMCR because I believe Aimée is profoundly committed with the development of the organization and I think that she did a generous and consistent work over the first mandate.
Aimée Vega Montiel has assumed the responsibility of representing the IAMCR in UNESCO at the Global Alliance on Media and Gender. From this position, she led the actions of the IAMCR Task Force for GAMAG and put research at the core of global debates on gender, media and ICTS. The IAMCR has firmly participated in this initiative and has strengthened its relationship with UNESCO. In addition to this relevant work, Aimée Vega Montiel has edited, with the Vice-President Pradip Thomas, the IAMCR Newsletter (with translation to Spanish). She has worked in the IAMCR Membership Campaign, together with the Vice-President Pradip Thomas, to attract new members to the Association, particularly those from Latin America and has made the liaison with strategic IAMCR Committees such as the Scholarly Review Committee and the Committee on Conferences and Fees. Finally, Aimée Vega Montiel has represented the IAMCR in international fora, associations and communities.
Name: Margarita Ledo Andión (Chair of Grupo de Estudos Audiovisuais)
Affiliation: University of Santiago de Compostela
Country: Spain
Message in support of Janet Wasko and Aimée Vega Montiel
The Audiovisual Studies Research Group (Grupo de Estudos Audiovisuais) at the University of Santiago de Compostela expresses its support for the candidacy of Janet Wasko (Presidency) and Aimé Vega (Vice) in the IAMCR forthcoming elections. In addition of other contributions, we would like to highlight, particularly their commitment to political diversity and gender.
Name: Dr. Guillermo Orozco Gomez
Affiliation: University of Guadalajara
Country: Mexico
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel
As an IAMCR old-regular member, I give my vote to Ms. Aimé Vega Montiel for vice-president. Among other important contributions Aimée brought to IAMCR, she has placed the research field of gender studies in the research agenda. As a Mexican researcher I feel very proud of her and committed to continue reinforcing her initiatives for IAMCR.
Name: María Elena Meneses
Affiliation: Mexican Association for Communication Research (AMIC)
Country: Mexico
Message in support of Janet Wasko and Aimée Vega Montiel
On behalf of the Mexican Association for Communication Research (AMIC) I would like to express the Association support for Janet Wasko (President) and Aimée Vega (Vice President). A second period would consolidate the wonderful job they have been doing for the IAMCR.
En representación de la Asociación Mexicana de Investigadores de la Comunicación (AMIC) deseo expresar nuestro apoyo a la candidatura de Janet Wasko (Presidenta) y de Aimée Vega (Vice Presidenta). Un segundo periodo consolidaría el excelente trabajo que han venido realizando para la AIERI.
Name: Claudia Padovani
Affiliation: University of Padua
Country: Italy
Message in support of Gerard Goggin
I would like to endorse Professor Gerard Goggin as IAMCR Secretary General.
Name: Claudia Padovani
Affiliation: University of Padua
Country: Italy
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel
I would like to endorse Professor Aimée Vega for IAMCR vice-presidency. Prof. Vega Montiel has contributed in particular to raise the profile of IAMCR in relation to gender and media studies with UNESCO and other agencies. She has the energy and enthusiasm that is needed to foster and cultivate links between the scholarly community and policy venues.
Name: Helena Sousa
Affiliation: University of Minho
Country: Portugal
Message in support of Graham Murdock
I am supporting Graham Murdock for Vice-President of the IAMCR. Graham Murdock is an outstanding academic and a delightful person to work with. Graham has been a committed member of the IAMCR since 1976, having served on the International Council from1988 to 1992. He also gave an extraordinary contribution to the IAMCR Political Economy Section, which he has chaired from 1998-2004.
Name: Concepción Edo
Affiliation: Complutense University of Madrid
Country: Spain
Message in support of Daya Thussu
I would like to express my support for Professor Daya Thussu, recognized expert on global communication, on international dialogue, on the new dimensions of globalization and the communication in developing regions and diverse cultures.
He is founder and Co-Director of India Media Centre and research advisor to the China Media Centre at the University of Westminster in London, and author or editor of 18 books and many other key publications. He is currently working on a collection of essays, China’s Media Go Global (co-edited with Anbin Shi and Hugo de Burgh), and a single-authored book, The Changing Geopolitics of Global Communication.
Name: Guillermo Mastrini
Affiliation: Universidad de Quilmes
Country: Argentina
Message in support of Janet Wasko and Aimée Vega Montiel
I want to express my support for the candidacy of Janet Wasko for a new period as Preident of IAMCR. During her term, our Association has been strengthened academically as well as institutionally. I also support the candidacy of Aimée Vega Montiel as vice-president.
Quiero expresar mi apoyo a la candidatura de Janet Wasko para un nuevo período como presidente de la IAMCR, ya. que durante su mandato nuestra Asociación se ha visto fortalecida académica e institucionalmente. Tambiém apoyo la candidatura de Aimée Vega Montiel para vicepresidente.
Name: João Carlos Correia
Affiliation: University of Beira Interior
Country: Portugal
Message in support of Janet Wasko
I would like to state my support to Prof. Janet Wasko for a second mandate of the IAMCR Presidency.
Names: Paulo Serra
Affiliation: Portuguese Association of Communication Researchers (SOPCOM)
Country: Portugal
Message in support of Janet Wasko
The Portuguese Association of Communication Researchers (Associação Portuguesa de Ciências da Comunicação – SOPCOM) supports Prof. Janet Wasko to IAMCR Presidency.
SOPCOM considers that the scientific work and life experience of Prof. Janet Wasko stand for solidarity, academic freedom and profound understanding of linguistic and cultural complexity. In our view, Prof. Janet Wasko expresses and actively promotes the most fundamental universal values the IAMCR should fight for.
SOPCOM appreciates a vibrant debate and has the highest expectations regarding its future collaboration with the IAMCR, independently from electoral results.
Name: Elena Vartanova
Affiliation: Faculty of Journalism, Lomonosov Moscow State University
Country: Russia
Message in support of Daya Thussu
I write to endorse the candidacy of Daya Thussu for President of IAMCR. Professor Thussu's outstanding contribution to the global studies of media and journalism in BRICS countries and beyond, as well as his efficient work on internationalizing media studies made him a well-known scholar with excellent reputation among his international colleagues and friends. I am particularly proud to have known him for many years, through our collaborative work on BRICS media research, as well as through various academic networks, first and foremost IAMCR. I believe that Professor Thussu, being a truly international scholar, an outstanding researcher and an experienced teacher, can make a significant contribution to further development of IAMCR. Professor Thussu can offer IAMCR an exceptional service and leadership, actively promoting inclusion and diversity, effectively handling challenging matters in his new position as the President, embracing and promoting values of integrity, mutual understanding and collaborative work. I would like thus to support his candidacy for the position of the President of IAMCR.
International Council - Endorsements
Name: David Rowe
Affiliation: Western Sydney University
Country: Australia
Message in support of Alina Bernstein
I commend the candidature for the International Council of Alina Bernstein to IAMCR members. She has had a long, productive involvement with the Association, including previous service on the International Council.
A dynamic organiser with an inclusive disposition, Alina set up the Media and Sport Working Group and was instrumental in developing it into one of IAMCR’s most successful Sections. But her contribution to IAMCR extends well beyond this Section, and she is truly committed to advancing the objectives of the Association, not least to “Strengthen and improve research in the media and communication field by supporting the development of local, global and interdisciplinary perspectives and new knowledge”.
As a member of the International Council, she would play a highly positive, strategically effective role in reinforcing and enhancing IAMCR’s place as the most important and collegiate media and communication research organisation in the world.
Name: Nicole Stremlau
Affiliation: University of Oxford
Country: UK
Message in support of Ylva Rodny-Gumede
It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to support the candidacy of Professor Ylva Rodny-Gumede to the International Council of IAMCR. As Head of the department of Journalism, Film and Television, Ylva has leadership experience at the University of Johannesburg and within the broader South African media studies research community. It would be excellent to have strong Africa representation on the International Council and Ylva would be an active and committed member.
Name: Viola C. Milton
Affiliation: University of South Africa
Country: South Africa
Message in support of Ylva Rodny-Gumede
I would like to endorse the candidacy of Professor Ylva Rodny-Gumede to the International Council. Prof Rodny-Gumede is an excellent researcher whose work and publications on journalism in Southern Africa is contributing to the new theorisation of our field from the South. Her active involvement in communication scholarship and curriculum development from the South would be a most welcome and much-needed contribution to IAMCR’s efforts to reshape itself as a leadingresearch initiative in service of a truly global community of scholars.
End of IAMCR Election Bulletin # 5
IAMCR 2016 Election Bulletin #4 - Special Edition
Welcome to the fourth IAMCR 2016 election bulletin. These bulletins are being sent out to IAMCR members, and are also posted on the IAMCR website for reference throughout the electoral period. The bulletins have been created to give IAMCR members the opportunity to endorse candidates, and make comments and questions.
Endorsements and comments can come in any of IAMCR’s three official languages. They should be no more than 200 words and should be expressed in a civil manner. We will not distribute messages that violate this expectation. The first bulletin was sent on 3 May and the last will be distributed on 20 May. Please send your messages to elections2016@iamcr.org. Endorsements are listed in the chronological order they are received and give name, affiliation and country of the sender.
This is a special edition of the bulletin. In order to help IAMCR members make the best decision for the association during the upcoming elections, the IAMCR Election Committee posed a number of questions to the two candidates for president of the association, Janet Wasko and Daya Thussu.
The questions were:
- What are the five activities/ projects within IAMCR that you appreciate?
- What are the five problems within IAMCR that you would want to address if elected president?
- Which policies would you like to develop to deal with these problems?
Their answers are below.
More information about the 2016 election and a complete list of candidates and their election statements can be found at http://iamcr.org/election-2016
IAMCR Election Committee
Beate Josephi (Chair), Jeremy Shtern and Brian Pindayi
17 May 2016
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Responses of Professor Janet Wasko, University of Oregon, USA
jwasko [at] uroegon.edu
A. What are the five activities/projects within IAMCR that you appreciate?
1. International conferences. A fundamental activity of IAMCR is our annual conference --an event that attracts a diversity of global media/communication researchers. Our conferences are organized by members and their universities at locations around the world. Most recently, we have met in South Africa, India, Ireland, and Canada; future meetings will be in the United Kingdom, Colombia, and China. The commitment to global locations makes it possible for members from all parts of the world to have opportunities to attend an IAMCR conference. (Please note that members highly rated IAMCR’s cultural and international diversity in our recent membership survey. See http://iamcr.org/news/survey2015).
2. Support for young scholars. During the last few years, IAMCR has increased its support for emerging scholars from low or middle income countries to attend our conferences. This year we are investing $40,000 to support the participation of 27 scholars. I say investing because a remarkable number of former travel grant recipients are now among our most enthusiastic members, including some committee members and section or working group officers. These travel grants are clear indications of IAMCR’s commitment to global diversity and access. (For the list of young scholars supported for this year’s conference, see http://iamcr.org/travel_grants/awarded-2016).
3. International presence. While IAMCR already has members from over 100 countries, the newly created Ambassador Program was established to provide information and strengthen our ties in areas where we are under-represented, as well as to organize events that help build membership. For instance, one of the recent events organized by one of our Ambassadors was in Kolkata, India, and focused on news literacy. (For more information, see http://iamcr.org/ambassadors/be-an-ambassador).
4. Public role. IAMCR is an organization that works to advance the public presence of the field of media and communication research in various ways. The creation of the Clearinghouse for Public Statements makes it possible for the organization to respond to urgent and ongoing issues related to media and communication globally through a process that involves a diverse group of members. (See http://iamcr.org/clearinghouse) Meanwhile, the Committee for the Improvement of Academic Life has recently been created to develop guidelines and procedures for responding to a variety of situations that affect academic freedom, academic labour rights, and other issues that influence academic life in general. (See http://iamcr.org/academic_life_committee) These two initiatives have enabled us to intervene in a variety of situations, ranging from expressing our support for Turkish academics arrested by the government in violation of their academic freedom to submitting expert evidence to a British House of Lords Committee inquiry into the BBC Charter Renewal.
5. International alliances. In its role as an NGO with Special Consultative Status, IAMCR maintains external relationships with UNESCO and other UN bodies, as well as a wide range of regional and national organizations. Most recently, we have expanded these relationships with our active involvement in UNESCO’s Global Alliance for Media and Gender (GAMAG), as well as building stronger ties with AMIC (Asian Media Information and Communication Centre), and national media research organizations (including, most recently, professional organizations in France and Japan, who will participate at our Leicester conference). (Note that our members strongly support these activities. See the report on the recent membership survey at http://iamcr.org/news/survey2015)
B. What are the five problems within IAMCR that you would want to address if elected president?
1. Conference cost and diversity of participation. While our fees are comparable to other organizations and often include features not covered at other conferences, the perception is that they are still too high and a barrier to participation. Indeed, even while our conference attendance has increased, cost, including travel and accommodation as well as fees, is clearly the main barrier to participation for most members. As stated above, we have increased support for young scholars for our conferences. However, we still need more participants from low or middle income countries and a wider array of countries represented at our conferences.
2. Organizational arrangements. IAMCR’s strength is that it is supported by the voluntary contributions of many people, including more than 80 Section and Working Group chairs and deputies, 30 members of its International Council, a five-member Executive Board, many members of various committees and task forces, and almost 2,000 active members of the association. But this strength also poses challenges to the needs of a growing organization for innovation, agility and experimentation.
3. Quality of conference papers. While an assessment of the quality of conference presentations may be relative and controversial, it still is possible to argue that there is always need for improvement. As the association’s conferences continue to grow in size, this issue becomes especially important.
4. Publications. While we have several book series and a few online journals, IAMCR may better serve its members and enhance its visibility with additional publishing outlets (such as more journals) or more books published in the current series. Responding to our membership survey, members expressed overwhelming support for new venues and forums for the dissemination of communication and media scholarship. (See https://www.surveymonkey.net/resuts/SM-M9Y8KXLQ/)
5. Environmental issues. We now have a committee focused on environmental issues, greening guidelines for our conferences, and awards for climate communications research. The awards, introduced in cooperation with our Environmental Impact Committee and the International Environmental Communication Association (IECA), contribute to the development of climate communication research as an important area of scholarship. While the question of IAMCR’s annual meetings has been discussed during the last few years in relation to environment issues, it seems that many of our members still appreciate annual meetings for a variety of reasons. There are still issues that need to be addressed concerning our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
C. Which policies would you like to develop to deal with these problems?
1. Conference models and costs. We recently appointed a task force to consider other conference models (the Task Force on Conference Models and Fees) and need to continue these discussions. Conference fees are one area over which we have some control and we have to work to keep them down. Selection of conference location, which to a large extent determines the cost of travel and accommodation, must take cost into consideration. We also must experiment with alternative models of conference organizing and perhaps new ways of “virtual’ participation. Our policy of supporting young scholars’ attendance at our conferences must continue and expand. For further comments on my thoughts on our conference policies, see the Presidential Letter in the October 2015 newsletter at http://iamcr.org/node/3278)
2. Organizational arrangements. We need to develop viable ideas for funding the executive activities of the organization. More specifically, expanding the funding (and thus the responsibilities) of the Executive Secretariat/Director. We are currently exploring ideas, but I propose to intensify these discussions with the new EB and IC. We also need to continue to spread organizational responsibilities to the IC and other members, as we have done over the last few years.
3. Quality of conference papers. We need to focus more attention on and improve our peer review process for conference proposals. It may also be the time to again consider whether or not full conference papers should be required. I would propose presenting this issue to the new EB and IC for discussion during the next year.
4. Publications. I propose to work with the new EB and the Publications Committee to expand our publishing activities. We have previously received proposals for publication of selected conference papers and I would like to pursue this idea. We should explore new publishing ideas that are possible through various outlets and even develop new models for distributing members’ work.
5. Environmental issues. I would continue the work that I have already done with the Environmental Impact Committee, specifically enforcing our Greening Guidelines for conferences, plus more vigorously promoting research and activities related to environmental issues. For instance, the Climate Communication Awards need full support and promotion in the future. (See http://iamcr.org/awards/climate-communication-research)
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Responses of Professor Daya Thussu, University of Westminster, UK
d.k.thussu [at] westminster.ac.uk
A. What are the five activities/projects within IAMCR that you appreciate?
Five activities/projects within IAMCR which I appreciate:
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Its intellectual project of being the most internationalized professional organization in the field of media and communication studies, with a distinctive tradition of critical research and commitment to sustainable development, gender equality and environmental protection;
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Its aim to be inclusive and supportive of researchers from developing countries by providing funding to attend conferences and having differentiated membership and conference attendance fees;
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The emerging scholars network mentoring young researchers and project grants, as well as the new Ambassador scheme;
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Initiatives to promote publications of the Association and of members, through the book series and section journal;
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Its work and collaboration with international and multilateral organizations such as UNESCO.
B. What are the five problems within IAMCR that you would want to address if elected president?
Five problems which I want to address:
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The need to be more inclusive –culturally and intellectually– to incorporate perspectives emerging from outside the mainly Euro-Atlantic sphere and reflect the changes in the global media environment;
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The need to increase membership and participation from the world’s fastest growing regions with rapidly expanding Higher Education sector and communication studies courses;
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The sustainability and position of the organization as others have emerged in recent years –notably ECREA;
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The issue of making conferences more accessible, particularly to younger scholars, by reviewing the fees and costs related to attendance at conferences;
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The need to improve the standard and quality of papers and panels at conferences.
C. Which policies would you like to develop to deal with these problems?
Policies to develop to deal with the problems:
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Overall, to develop a strategic plan for the next four years, in consultation with the membership, to focus on priorities for the Association and its distinctive mission, to ensure its sustainability by raising its profile and increasing its membership, especially in underrepresented regions with potential for growth;
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Strengthening the distinctive international character of the Association by promoting a more representative global membership – for example out of 76 institutional members, only 4 are based in Asia. This will be helped by engaging the members more actively and by reviewing conference arrangements to promote access.
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Greater participation and engagement from members can be encouraged by improving the online resources and facilities available such as online forums to promote and exchange ideas from different parts of the world and resources that could be used to support research and teaching in media and communications, especially in developing countries;
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Further develop the publication activities through Association journals, as well as support for translation and mentoring for early career scholars to improve quality for conference papers and panels;
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Strengthen collaboration with major regional and international professional organizations, as well as with multi-lateral organizations and groupings (UNESCO, ITU, EU, BRICS etc.).
- End of Election Bulletin #4, 17 May 2016
IAMCR 2016 Election Bulletin #3
Welcome to the third IAMCR 2016 election bulletin. These bulletins are being sent out to IAMCR members, and are also posted on the IAMCR website for reference throughout the electoral period. The bulletins have been created to give IAMCR members the opportunity to endorse candidates, and make comments and questions.
Endorsements and comments can come in any of IAMCR’s three official languages. They should be no more than 200 words and should be expressed in a civil manner. We will not distribute messages that violate this expectation. The first bulletin was sent on 3 May and the last will be distributed on 20 May. Please send your messages to elections2016@iamcr.org. Endorsements are listed in the chronological order they are received and give name, affiliation and country of the sender.
More information about the 2016 election and a complete list of candidates can be found at http://iamcr.org/election-2016
IAMCR Election Committee
Beate Josephi, Chair
Jeremy Shtern and Brian Pindayi
12 May 2016
Executive Board - Endorsements
Name: Derek Moscato
Affiliation: University of Oregon
Country: USA
Message in support of Janet Wasko
I would like to offer my support for Janet Wasko's nomination for president of IAMCR for another period. Professor Wasko's work has helped bolster IAMCR's stature as the most internationalized of communication and media associations. For scholars, these efforts have fostered a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and global engagement.
Importantly, they have also ushered in linkages with NGOs and advocacy groups, media organizations, and international bodies. Such engagement is evidenced in Professor Wasko's and the Executive Board's support for the establishment of a Clearinghouse for Political Statements -- highlighting how IAMCR scholars inform broader global discussions on topics such as public broadcasting and Internet governance.
In addition to this emphasis on international engagement, Professor Wasko has continually advocated for the prioritization of scholarship through numerous publication projects, research grants and awards, and the 30-plus sections and working groups represented at IAMCR's annual conferences. To this end, I believe she is best positioned to lead IAMCR moving forward and help meet the evolving needs of its membership.
Name: Carlos Alberto Galvis
Affiliation: Universidad de Medellín
Country: Colombia
Message in support of Janet Wasko
I write to express my support for the candidacy of Janet Wasko for president of the IAMCR.
Escribo para expresar mi adhesión a la candidatura de Janet Wasko como presidenta de IAMCR.
Name: John D.H. Downing
Affiliation: Southern Illinois University; IAMCR IC Member 1996-2008; Vice-President 2008-2012
Country: USA
Message in support of Janet Wasko
For President, I endorse the re-election of Janet Wasko. My reasons are her record as president over the past four years; her internationally recognized scholarly achievements; and not least, her unstinting commitment to and knowledge of IAMCR's organization and goals, including in positions of membership trust, such as her repeated service on the Elections Committee. Notwithstanding her US location and citizenship, she has been a formidable and consistent critic of her government's foreign and domestic policies.
Name: John D.H. Downing
Affiliation: Southern Illinois University; IAMCR IC Member 1996-2008; Vice-President 2008-2012
Country: USA
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel and Gerard Goggin
For Vice-President, I endorse the re-election of Aimée Vega Montiel. My reasons include her feminist scholarship, and practical commitment to the rights of women in Mexico, and beyond; her knowledge of the Association, and service to it as vice-president over the past four years; and her international standing.
Endorsements are not in order for Gerard Goggin (because there is only one candidate), but I am very pleased that he will bring his expertise in mobile media, as well as his experience with the Association, to this position.
Name: Luis A. Albornoz
Affiliation: CONICET / Universidad de Buenos Aires
Country: Argentina
Mensaje de apoyo a la candidatura de Janet Wasko (Universidad de Oregón)
Expreso mi entusiasta apoyo a la reelección de la Profesora Janet Wasko a la Presidencia de la AIECS. Durante su actual mandato la Dra. Wasko ha demostrando su compromiso con los objetivos que guían nuestra asociación y una sensibilidad especial para diversificar y ampliar la presencia de ésta a escala internacional.
Iniciativas como el Centro para declaraciones políticas (Clearinghouse for Political Statements), la red de embajadores (Ambassadors Network) o las alianzas con organismos del campo de la cultura-comunicación (como la UNESCO) son muestras del dedicado trabajo que en los últimos años desarrolló la Junta Ejecutiva dirigida por la Dra. Wasko.
Sin menospreciar el aporte que puedan llegar a realizar otros candidatos a la Presidencia de la AIECS, estimo que un nuevo mandato de la profesora Wasko será sumamente beneficioso para nuestra colectivo.
Name: Luis A. Albornoz
Affiliation: CONICET / Universidad de Buenos Aires
Country: Argentina
Mensaje de apoyo a la candidatura de Aimée Vega Montiel (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM)
Expreso públicamente mi apoyo a la candidatura de nuestra colega, la Dra. Aimée Vega Montiel, a una de las Vice-Presidencias de la Junta Ejecutiva de la AIECS. Su dedicado compromiso a la asociación durante los pasados cuatro años en temas como la igualdad de género o la construcción de firmes lazos entre la AIECS y la UNESCO respaldan su sólida candidatura.
Names: Moisés de Lemos Martins, Helena Sousa, Manuel Pinto, Luís António Santos, Zara Pinto Coelho and Rita Ribeiro (Governing body of the Communication and Society Research Centre)
Affiliation: University of Minho
Country: Portugal
Message in support of Janet Wasko
Dear colleagues and friends,
The Communication and Society Research Centre (CSRC) at the University of Minho, Portugal, supports Prof. Janet Wasko for a second mandate of the IAMCR Presidency.
The Centre considers that the scientific work and life experience of Prof. Janet Wasko stand for solidarity, academic freedom and profound understanding of linguistic and cultural complexity. In our view, Prof. Janet Wasko expresses and actively promotes the most fundamental universal values IAMCR has become known for upholding.
All members of the research centre have been directly or indirectly involved in IAMCR activities and we fully recognize the work developed by the President during the first mandate as a enhancer of strategic and inclusive development of the organization but also as an engaged leader of the Executive Board.
We also take this opportunity to publicly recognize the work done by the Vice-Presidents, Pradip Ninan Thomas and Aimée Vega Montiel, by the Secretary General, Maria Michalis, and by the Treasurer, Nico Carpentier. We would also like to recognize the work developed by IAMCR's Executive Director, Bruce Girard. We are most grateful for the work they have all done.
The Communication and Society Research Centre appreciates a vibrant debate in this election and has the highest expectations regarding its future collaboration with the IAMCR, regardless of electoral results.
Best regards to all IAMCR members.
Name: Benjamin Birkinbine
Affiliation: University of Nevada, Reno
Country: USA
Message in support of Janet Wasko
I am writing to express my support for Janet Wasko's Presidential candidacy. Under Professor Wasko's leadership, the organization has successfully undertaken a number of important initiatives, and I know that more are already in process. In addition, Professor Wasko has been open and responsive to suggestions for continuing to improve IAMCR. I think it would be beneficial to continue this strong trajectory under her leadership.
Name: Name: Peggy Gray
Affiliation: Former Administrative Secretary of IAMCR [1976-1990]
Country: UK
Message in support of Janet Wasko
I fully support what has been said about Janet Wasko's contribution to IAMCR and add my full support to her candidacy for the Presidency.
International Council - Endorsements
Name: Abiodun Salawu
Affiliation: North-West University
Country: South Africa
Message in support of Eno Akpabio
I endorse the candidacy of Eno Akpabio, University of Namibia.
Name: Chikezie Emmanuel Uzuegbunam
Affiliation: Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Country: Nigeria
Message in support of Prof Chika Anyanwu
I hereby strongly endorse Prof Chika Anyanwu for election into the International Council of the IAMCR.
Anyanwu has had a distinguished and very successful career as an academia and policy maker, and has for many years contributed to research development and scholarship in political economy, creative industries, political communication across Africa, Europe and the United States. Not just that, Prof Anyanwu has been instrumental to establishing media and communications programmes across some continents where he has worked over the years. Currently, he sits as the Head of School of Communication and Creative Industries, and was equally recently appointed the Head of Campus of Charles Stuart University, Bathurst, in Australia.
As his mentee, and with every sense of trust and responsibility, I endorse Anyanwu for this position. I believe that his experience in global systems in communication, scholarship and dexterity in policy making, administrative and financial management, will in no small measure be veritable advantages that the IAMCR stands to benefit from. This is aside the fact that he has worked for, supported and been a passionate member of IAMCR for many years. Lets support him!
Name: John D.H. Downing
Affiliation: Southern Illinois University; IAMCR IC Member 1996-2008; Vice-President 2008-2012
Country: USA
Message in support of various candidates for the International Council
For the International Council positions, I would endorse the following candidates, for a blend of IAMCR experience with fresh global insights: Professors Eno Akpabio; Chika Anyanwu; Denize Araujo; Alina Bernstein; Daniel Biltereyst; Peichi Chung; Gholam Khiabany; Friedrich Krotz; Philippe Maarek; Guillermo Mastrini; Richard Maxwell; Hillel Nossek; Claudia Padovani; Jo Pierson; Sandra Ristovska; Yiva Rodney-Gumede; Iiris Ruoho; Helena Sousa; Takesato Watanabe. (I am aware that this numbers more than 15; happily, there is competition for these positions!)
Name: Anthony Moretti
Affiliation: Robert Morris University
Country: USA
Message in support of Alina Bernstein
I urge all IAMCR members to support Alina Bernstein as she seeks a seat on the International Council.
Alina's name will be familiar to long term IAMCR members, most especially because of her former role as chair of Media and Sport. She guided it from a fledgling group into a complete section.
She's committed to making IAMCR an ever better and stronger organization, and she's determined to be a positive force within IAMCR.
Name: Peggy Gray
Affiliation: Former Administrative Secretary of IAMCR [1976-1990]
Country: UK
Message in support of Alina Bernstein
I also wish to endorse Alina Bernstein's candidacy.
- End of Election Bulletin #3, 12 May 2016
IAMCR Election Bulletin #2
Welcome to the IAMCR 2016 second election bulletin. These bulletins are being sent out to IAMCR members, and are also posted on the IAMCR website for reference throughout the electoral period. The bulletins have been created to give IAMCR members the opportunity to endorse candidates, and make comments and questions.
Endorsements and comments can come in any of IAMCR’s three official languages. They should be no more than 200 words and should be expressed in a civil manner. We will not distribute messages that violate this expectation. The first bulletin was sent on 3 May and the last will be distributed on 20 May. Please send your messages to elections2016@iamcr.org. Endorsements are listed in the chronological order they are received and give name, affiliation and country of the sender.
More information about the 2016 election and a complete list of candidates can be found at http://iamcr.org/election-2016
7 May 2016
Executive Board - Endorsements
Name: Ingrid Volkmer
Affiliation: University of Melbourne
Country: Australia
Message in support of Daya Thussu
I would like to nominate Professor Daya Thussu (U of Westminster) for the role of IAMCR President. Professor Thussu has a very strong record in the field of globalized communication and is one of the leading scholars in the field. Furthermore he has a focus on new dimensions of globalization in developing regions which is important in today's stage of globalized communication structures.
He has published widely in these areas and has already taken on various high level leadership roles in the international academic community, for example, such as being the Editor of the Journal Global Media Communication (Sage).
In my view, he would be an excellent President to represent IAMCR internationally across diverse geographical communication cultures. I am convinced that he will be able to take the Association to the next level.
Name: Carolyn Byerly
Affiliation: Howard University, Washington D.C.
Country: USA
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel
Please accept this very strong endorsement for Aimee Vega's nomination for Vice President of IAMCR. This would continue her term in this capacity. She brings considerable leadership experience to the position, both as a researcher and as an activist connecting scholarship to policy issues in her own nation, Mexico, and internationally.
She is particularly known for bringing gender equality in communications into the IAMCR organization. Additionally, in her role as vice president these last two years, she has been a been able to form a working relationship between IAMCR and UNESCO on gender and media by spearheading the formation of the Global Alliance on Media and Gender (GAMAG). She has represented IAMCR at several important international GAMAG forums, and served as the communications link with myself and a number of others in IAMCR on GAMAG activities. Aimee Vega is by her own merit also a world-class researcher on equality issues in media within Mexico and Latin America.
Name: Rodrigo Gómez García
Affiliation: Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana
Country: Mexico
Message in support of Janet Wasko
I would like to express my support for Janet Wasko's nomination as president for another period. Among the reasons are:
Under her leadership the Executive Board has made significant improvements to our Association's institutional processes, especially in terms of transparency, organization and healthy finances.
Over the last four years, Dr. Wasko's work has contributed to the strengthening and deepening of important alliances with Unesco and other international agencies, giving us an important role in global communication debates and initiatives.
During the last four years, IAMCR's international vocation has been honored and supported. Our membership is truly global and IAMCR has been attending to different parts of the globe to match that international condition. The new Ambassadors network is giving us increased presence in under-represented regions.
Finally, it is important to recall that IAMCR commitment with international politics and social justice issues has been constantly emphasised. The Executive Board initiated and has been working closely with the Clearinghouse for Political Statements and the Committee for the Improvement of Academic Life. These initiatives are just two examples that illustrate the various institutional changes that have been developed under the leadership of Professor Wasko. Because, of her consistent work and experience, I highly support the nomination of Janet Wasko to continue as president of our Association.
Name: Cees Hamelink
Affiliation: Past President, IAMCR
Country: Netherlands
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel
I have nominated for the position of vice-president Dr Aimée Vega Montiel from Mexico.
Given her excellent record as VP in the present Executive Board the Association would be well served by a prolongation of her position. A re-election secures another 4 year-term of dedicating her organizational skills and intellectual contributions to the Association.
Name: Martin A. Becerra
Affiliation: Universidad Nacional de Quilmes
Country: Argentina
Message in support of Janet Wasko
I write to express my support for the candidacy of Janet Wasko for president of the IAMCR.
Escribo para compartir mi adhesión a la candidatura de Janet Wasko como presidenta de IAMCR.
Name: Binod C Agrawal
Affiliation: TALEEM Research Foundation, former IC member
Country: India
Message in support of Daya Thussu
I strongly endorse Professor Dr Daya Thussu for President of IAMCR. It is high time that some one like Daya leads IAMCR and gives new direction.
Name: Raquel Paiva
Affiliation: INTERCOM, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Country: Brazil
Message in support of Daya Thussu
I totally support Daya Thussu for next president to IAMCR. He is unequivocal the best candidacy for us. IAMCR and his researchers really deserve one scholar able to improve the international dialogue.
Name: Kalyani Chadha
Affiliation: University of Maryland
Country: USA
Message in support of Daya Thussu
I would like to express my unreserved support of Prof. Daya Thussu's candidacy for president of IAMCR. Prof. Thussu's pioneering research is global in its scope and his broad and inclusive vision for communication scholarship will be a tremendous asset to IAMCR.
Endorsements International Council
Name: Nicky Falkof
Affiliation: University of the Witwatersrand
Country: South Africa
Message in support of Ylva Rodny-Gumede
I am mailing to endorse the candidacy of Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede from the University of Johannesburg. I strongly support this excellent candidate.
Comments
It has been suggested to the Election Committee that they ask at the International Council meeting in Leicester to hear again the rationale behind the way votes are allocated to institutional members as set out in Section 5.9 of IAMCR's statutes. The Election Committee will do so.
- End of Election Bulletin #2, 7 May 2016
IAMCR Election Bulletin #1
Welcome to the IAMCR 2016 election bulletin. These bulletins will be sent out to IAMCR members, and posted here for reference throughout the electoral period. The bulletins have been created to give IAMCR members the opportunity to endorse candidates, and make comments and questions.
The purpose of the last section is to offer IAMCR members the opportunity to express their views on our association and how it should move forward in the future.
Endorsements and comments can come in any of IAMCR’s three official languages. They should be no more than 200 words and should be expressed in a civil manner. We will not distribute messages that violate this expectation. The final bulletin will be distributed on 20 May. Please send your messages to elections2016@iamcr.org. Endorsements are listed in the chronological order they are received and give name, affiliation and country of the sender.
Regarding comments and questions we realized that our initial concept was too narrow a platform to discuss IAMCR’s future. The Election Committee is therefore taking the pro-active step of drawing the two presidential candidates into a more extensive debate. We will pose them a number of questions, which they will be asked to answer and subsequently engage with each other’s replies. The questions will be sent out in the bulletin in all three IAMCR languages, although we expect the answers to be in English.
More information about the 2016 election and a complete list of candidates can be found at http://iamcr.org/election-2016
Executive Board - Endorsements
Name: Frank Morgan
Affiliation: Past President IAMCR
Country: Australia
Message in support of Daya Thussu, Westminster University
I write to endorse the candidacy of Daya Thussu for President of IAMCR. Without denigrating the contributions of Robin Mansell, Annabelle Sreberny and Janet Wasko, all of whom have contributed to the international role of the Association, Daya is a person of the future. His PhD is from Jawaharlal Nehru University in India and he has been a Professor of International Communication at the University of Westminster in London where he also co-directs the India Media Centre and works closely as research advisor to the university's China Media Centre. Daya will bring new insights into the resurrection of Asia and the new demands on IAMCR. He has my support and I trust he will also have yours.
Name: Jairo Lugo-Ocando
Affiliation: University of Leeds
Country: UK
Message in support of Daya Thussu, Westminster University
I would want to express my unequivocal support for the candidacy of Professor Daya Thussu for president of the IAMCR. He has been a relentless voice for the researchers of the Global South and an advocate for international dialogue and recognition among scholars from different countries. Professor Thussu has open many doors for equality among scholars and I am sure will open many more as president of the IAMCR, turning this institution into the real global network that it deserves to be.
Name: Deepak Kumar
Affiliation: Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Country: India
Message in support of Daya Thussu, Westminster University
I would like Prof. Daya Thussu to be elected the next President of IAMCR.
Name: Margaret Gallagher
Affiliation: Media & Gender section
Country: UK
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel
I would like to nominate Aimée Vega Montiel as Vice President of the IAMCR. As Vice-President since 2012 Aimée has made an outstanding contribution to the Association's work and development. Among many important accomplishments, her work in leading the IAMCR Task Force on GAMAG (the Global Alliance on Media and Gender), initiated by UNESCO in 2013, has been exceptional. As IAMCR’s representative on the GAMAG International Steering Committee, she has focused attention on the need for solid international research to ensure the development of the Alliance and has highlighted the IAMCR’s position as a leader in the development and delivery of such research. Aimée is a tireless and effective advocate for IAMCR internationally. A second term as Vice-President would allow Aimée to continue serving the Association with proven energy and dedication.
Name: Gabriel Kaplún
Affiliation: Universidad de la República
Country: Uruguay
Message in support of Aimée Vega Montiel
Apoyo la candidatura de Aimée Vega Montiel para un segundo período como Vicepresidenta de IAMCR. La labor desempeñada por Aimée en su primer período fue muy dedicada y responsable, incluyendo la representación de la Asociación en diversos espacios institucionales y foros internacionales, la coedición del Newsletter y su traducción al español y el nexo continuo con los asociados de las distintas regiones, especialmente de América Latina. Por ello creo que sería muy bueno para nuestra Asociación poder seguir contando con su aporte en el Executive Board.
Name: Robin Mansell
Affiliation: London School of Economics, Past President IAMCR
Country: United Kingdom
Message in support of Prof. Gerard Goggin, University of Sydney
I would like to nominate Professor Gerard Goggin for IAMCR Secretary General.
Endorsements International Council
Name: Robin Mansell
Affiliation: London School of Economics, Past President IAMCR
Country: UK
Message in support of Jo Pierson, Free University of Brussels
Jo Pierson has served as Head of the Communication Policy and Technology Section for some time and before that was an active member of the Section. I know he wishes to continue to contribute to IAMCR and I think he would make an excellent IC member. He is an excellent researcher and also very good at mentoring colleagues.
Name: Robin Mansell
Affiliation: London School of Economics, Past President IAMCR
Country: UK
Message in support of Professor Gerard Goggin, University of Sydney
I would like to nominate Professor Gerard Goggin for the International Council. He has been an active contributor to the association and I think he would be an active Council member.