Amalia Nurul Muthmainnah at IAMCR2024
Amalia Nurul Muthmainnah from Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia, was awarded a travel grant to present her paper titled "Platform Involvement in MIL: Analyzing Google News Initiative Verification Challenge in Asia-Pacific" to the Media Education Research Section, at IAMCR2024.
In this article, she reflects on the experience:
"This year’s IAMCR Conference was not just an academic milestone for me, it was also a delightful birthday gift. The third day of the conference coincided with my birthday, making my experience at IAMCR 2024 in Ōtautahi Christchurch truly unforgettable.
Attending the IAMCR conference for the first time was an insightful experience. It was difficult to pick which sessions to attend as they all were rich with cutting-edge research and stimulating discussions that broadened my perspective on communication studies. During the IAMCR introduction session, Nico and Daya repeatedly mentioned that IAMCR is “critical and global”, the two main values which surely resonated throughout the event. The commitment to critical analysis and global inclusivity was evident in every discussion and presentation, making the experience intellectually enriching and globally relevant.
The opportunity to present my research and discuss it with other participants on several occasions during the conference was also invaluable. The constructive feedback and comments I received have significantly helped refine my research, strengthening my plan to expand this research for my future Ph.D. work.
Another highlight of the conference was the people I met. Networking with scholars from various corners of the world was inspiring. I also met several fellow Indonesian academics and already have plans to collaborate with one of them on a research project, connections I might not have made without attending this conference.
The conference’s location in New Zealand added an extra layer of joy to the experience. Particularly, the chance to be exposed to Māori culture, as I rarely encounter it through the media. This exposure coincided perfectly with the conference’s theme. Encountering Māori culture first-hand allowed me to understand and appreciate the importance of “decolonizing” communication practices. It highlighted the need to engage with and listen to indigenous voices, ensuring they are represented and respected in global dialogues. Exploring the Aotearoa’s natural beauty and engaging with its culture were incredible experiences that I will cherish forever.
In summary, IAMCR 2024 was a perfect blend of professional growth and personal joy, making it an unforgettable birthday gift. I am profoundly grateful for the travel grant that made this experience possible and look forward to contributing more to IAMCR in the future!"
Amalia Nurul Muthmainnah
Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, Indonesia