Media, Power and Publics

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In the context of concerns about democratic regression, information disorder and global conflict, this theme investigates media and communication as sites of power and dialogue. We examine how media and communication - at local, national, international, and transnational levels, and across both formal and informal contexts - influence the shape and quality of public information, discourse, and participation. The theme includes (but is not limited to) research on political communication, engagement, and citizenship; journalism, misinformation, and trust; environmental and climate communication; media freedom and independence; communication and conflict; activism and resistance; promotional communication.   

Education through Podcasting (EPOD) Conference, June 2026

The third Education through Podcasting (EPOD) Conference will take place on 18-19 June 2026 at the University of Leeds. Education through Podcasting (EPOD) is a conference and book series where academics, researchers and professionals come together to discuss and disseminate their research and innovative practices around learning/educational contexts using recorded audio, media and podcasting.

Research projects

Nationalist polarization and the fight over climate change: how nationalism is shaping the politics of climate skeptics and activists in the US and Canada

This project focuses on how nationalism shapes the polarized politics of climate change in the US and Canada. Specifically, we aim to show how both climate skeptics and climate activists are infusing their communication with nationalism, and how by doing so they are becoming ever more polarised. Funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Mediated climate change politics: the epistemology and performance of contested digital truth claims

The project explores the political performance of online truth claims surrounding the UK government's Net Zero policy and citizens' engagement with such truth claims through online argumentation. I aim to delineate the boundaries of valid and perverted digital truth claims in a context of influential climate deniers within UK politics. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Developing Confidence in Community Journalism

The ‘Developing Confidence in Community Journalism’ project saw staff from the University of Leeds School of Media and Communication work alongside Bradford's community radio station, BCB, to build volunteer confidence in broadcasting local democracy content. Funded by the School of Media and Communication.

Events

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A Russian army vehicle, photographed by an unnamed Russian soldier

Russia’s Z-Space and the Grassroots War Culture

Ivan Philippov, one of the leading analysts of Russian war propaganda, explores the chaotic network of pro-war Telegram channels, often run by soldiers and frontline volunteers, known as the Z-space

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From Evidence to Action: Extended Policy Briefing Launch

The evidence provides the clearest picture to date of how class inequality shapes workforce sustainability, mental wellbeing and career progression in UK television.

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Media Frontiers: What Next for Public Service Media? BBC Charter Review, Regulation and the Future of the UK Production Ecology

A panel on the future of UK public service media following the BBC Charter Review, exploring regulation, policy, and the changing production ecology.

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Professor Jeffrey Alexander to deliver the 2026 Annual Jay Blumler Public Lecture

Donald Trump and the Future of American Democracy

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EPOD 2026 Conference - Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Podcasts in Shaping the Future of Learning and Media

Education through Podcasting (EPOD) is a conference and book series where experts share research and practice on learning through recorded audio, media, and podcasting in educational contexts

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Media, Power and Publics