International Communication Association (ICA) Indonesia Chapter
and
Doctorate Program in Communication Science, Universitas Sebelas Maret
presents
CALL FOR PAPERS
International Communication Association (ICA)
Annual Conference 2026 – Surakarta Hub
“Communication and Inequalities in Context”
Sub-theme:
Beyond Importing Theory: Advancing Communication Knowledge from Indonesia
In an era where communication theories are often shaped by dominant global paradigms, there is an urgent need to critically engage with local realities. Indonesia, with its rich diversity, rapid digital transformation, and persistent inequalities, provides a fertile ground for developing context-sensitive and theoretically innovative communication scholarship. This conference encourages contributions that move beyond theoretical importation toward knowledge production rooted in Indonesian and Global South experiences.
The conference foregrounds inequality as a central lens—exploring disparities in access, representation, participation, and knowledge production across communication contexts. Selected papers will be considered for publication in a conference proceedings.
We welcome submissions (but are not limited to) the following areas:
- Mass Communication & Media Studies
- Media systems and inequality in the Global South
- Representation, marginalization, and media discourse
- Political economy of media and uneven development
- Audience studies in diverse socio-cultural contexts
- Media literacy and critical consumption practices
- Journalism Studies
- AI and automation in journalism practices
- Journalism ethics in digitally unequal societies
- Local journalism and community-based reporting
- Misinformation, disinformation, and fact-checking ecosystems
- Civic storytelling and public-interest journalism
- Digital Media & Platform Studies
- Digital divide and algorithmic inequalities
- Platform governance and data justice
- Social media, youth, and participatory cultures
- Influencer culture and digital labor
- AI, big data, and communication infrastructures
- Strategic Communication & Public Relations
- Communication strategies for social inclusion and equity
- Nation branding and communication synergy
- Crisis communication in unequal societies
- Government communication and public trust
- Advocacy communication and social movements
- Organizational Communication
- Communication in hybrid and digital workplaces
- Power, hierarchy, and inclusion in organizations
- Organizational culture in diverse societies
- Internal communication and employee engagement
- Communication for institutional transformation
- Interpersonal & Group Communication
- Communication in multicultural and plural societies
- Dialogue, conflict resolution, and social cohesion
- Family, community, and relational communication
- Communication in marginalized or vulnerable groups
- Digital interpersonal communication and identity
- Broadcasting & Media Industries
- Transformation of broadcasting in digital ecosystems
- Public broadcasting and democratic access
- Creative industries and cultural production
- Media convergence and content distribution
- Local content vs global platforms
- Advertising & Marketing Communication
- Ethical advertising in diverse cultural contexts
- Digital advertising and algorithmic targeting
- Consumer culture and inequality
- Branding strategies in emerging markets
- Social marketing and behavioral change communication
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 May 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 18 May 2026
Full Paper Submission: 29 May 2026
Conference Date (Hybrid) : Friday, 5 June 2026
Venue: UNS Inn Ballroom, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta, Central Java, INDONESIA
Submission Guidelines
Abstract: 200–250 words
Full paper: 4,000–5,000 words
Format: APA Style 7th edition
Language: English
Admision Fee:
ICA member : IDR 150.000
Non member : IDR 300.000
Submission system: TBA