Media Sector Development Working Group - Head elections 2026

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The Media Sector Development (MSD) Working Group will be holding online elections for one co-Chair position, for the term 2026–2030.

The elections will be held online from 13 to 27 May using the SurveyMonkey platform.

Individual members and representatives of institutional members in good standing who are also registered members of the Media Sector Development Working Group by 8 May are eligible to vote.

To verify if you are a member of the MSD Working Group, log in to your IAMCR account and select “My Sections and Working Groups” from the menu.

More information and timeline are available at https://iamcr.org/s-wg/elections2026

Read more about the Media Sector Development Working Group

Candidates

Statements

Anup Latnekar

Independent Communication Researcher

I am pleased to submit my candidacy for the position of Co-Chair of the Media Sector Development Working Group within the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR).

I am a communications professional with experience in strategic communication, public relations and media engagement. Alongside my professional practice in public relations and strategic communication with a focus on cross-market communication, I am actively increasing my efforts as an emerging scholar through independent research in media and communication.

My work and interests are closely aligned with the evolving dynamics of media ecosystems, particularly in emerging markets.

I am especially interested in how media sectors in countries like India are transforming in response to digital disruption, platform economies and globalisation, and how strategic communication plays a role in shaping market entry, reputation and cross-border engagement.

In addition to my professional background, I hold a postgraduate diploma in Project Management, which has equipped me with the ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives - an essential aspect of effectively supporting the activities of a Working Group.

If elected, I would aim to contribute to the Media Sector Development Working Group in the following ways:

• Connecting Media Practice with Research: Bringing practitioner insights into discussions on media sector evolution, while supporting research that informs real-world media strategies.

• Amplifying Emerging Market Perspectives: Contributing to broader representation of media systems, business models and communication practices from the Global South.

• Encouraging Cross-Sector Dialogue: Facilitating engagement between academics, media professionals and policy stakeholders to enrich the Working Group’s discussions and outputs.

• Supporting Strong and Inclusive Programming: Actively contributing to abstract  reviews, session planning and the development of relevant and forward-looking conference tracks.

I am committed to contributing with professionalism, consistency and a collaborative approach. I see this role as an opportunity to actively support the Working Group’s development while also engaging meaningfully with IAMCR’s global community.

Thank you for your consideration.

Warm regards,

Anup Latnekar

Winston Mano

University of Westminster, United Kingdom

I put my hat in the ring not just as the current Vice Chair, but as a committed scholar and practitioner of media development, deeply invested in the transformative power of communication in society. My journey within IAMCR has been defined by active engagement, collaborative leadership, and a sustained commitment to advancing critical scholarship in our field.

My academic work reflects this dedication. I have taught, researched, and published extensively on media development, including editing a volume that brings together diverse global perspectives on the subject. I am the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Media Studies, which mainstreams media development. This blend of institutional experience and intellectual contribution equips me to serve effectively and responsibly as Co-Chair.

If elected, I will work to strengthen our collective voice in advancing media as a pillar of democratisation. I am particularly committed to aligning our work with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that media development contributes meaningfully to equity, justice, and inclusive growth.

My approach will be participatory and inclusive, amplifying voices across regions, disciplines, and career stages. Together, we can deepen our impact, foster innovation, and build a more equitable global media landscape.

Sincerely,

Professor Winston Mano


Mathew Martin Poothullil

Sacred Heart College, India

I am pleased to submit my candidature for the position of Co-Chair of the Media Sector Development Working Group (MSD WG) of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) for the term 2026–2030. As an academic and practitioner engaged in the intersections of media, communication, and development, I view this role as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to advancing critical scholarship and global dialogue in media sector development.

The Media Sector Development Working Group occupies a vital space within IAMCR, bringing together scholars and practitioners interested in media systems, policy, governance, and the role of communication in social transformation. I am particularly drawn to the Working Group’s commitment to fostering inclusive, critical, and interdisciplinary perspectives on media development, especially in the Global South. Having engaged in international academic collaborations and conference participation, I am keen to strengthen these engagements by promoting wider participation from underrepresented regions and early-career researchers. If elected, I will focus on three key priorities.

First, I aim to enhance the quality and diversity of conference programming by encouraging submissions that address emerging challenges such as AI and media governance, digital inequalities, and sustainability in media ecosystems. I will work collaboratively to ensure a transparent, rigorous, and inclusive review process, while also supporting innovative panel formats and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Third, I will contribute to expanding the global reach and visibility of the MSD Working Group. Drawing on my experience in internationalisation and institutional partnerships, I will work toengage members from diverse geographical contexts, with a focus on the Global South, and encourage collaborative research initiatives and joint publications.

Serving as Co-Chair of the MSD Working Group would be both an honour and a responsibility. I am committed to upholding the values of IAMCR and contributing to a dynamic, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant Working Group that advances scholarship and practice in media sector development. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and collaborate with colleagues across the IAMCR community.


Dr. Mathew Martin Poothullil