Tuesday, August 5
1-5 pm
How to Get Published
Co-sponsor with Media Management and Economics, Media Ethics
The pre-conference will explore issues related to successfully publishing journal articles and books including how to: formulate a strong and interesting research project, write and edit a manuscript, select a journal or book publisher to submit a manuscript to, submit an article or book for consideration, revise work based on reviewer comments, and work with editors during the revision process.
Wednesday, August 6
8:15-9:45 am
Referred paper session
10:00-11:30 am
Referred paper session
1:30-3:00 pm
The Religion of Sports
Co-sponsor with Sports and Communication Interest Group
This panel would examine several possible points of convergence between sports and religion in mass media and culture. It would look at issues such as the fanaticism toward sports teams and the ritualization of sporting events from the typical Saturday afternoon college football game to the Super Bowl. The panel would also welcome research on how religion is injected into sports with groups such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the cultural and media phenomenon of people such as Tim Tebow, who are both prominent athletes and quasi-religious figures. It also would include discussion of the faith of Jackie Robinson (who played for the Montreal Royals en route to the major leagues) and prayer during broadcasted conferences.
Thursday, August 7
8:15-9:45 am
Theorizing the Religious Media Marketplace: God, Media, and Money
Co-sponsor with Media Management and Economics
The media marketplace significantly impacts the production, distribution and interpretation of texts. A “successful” text is not necessarily one with engaging content or excellent quality, but one that moves units. The Christian media industry is not immune from marketplace concerns, and generates $4.6 billion a year, according to the Association for Christian Retail. Much religion and media scholarship, however, ignores the influence that the media marketplace has on religious texts. We do not tend to acknowledge how religious media must generate revenue—even if they are not attempting to make a profit—and instead focus on its perceived religious purposes: promoting faith, engaging in belief, and so on. This panel addresses the lack of market-centered frameworks of religion and media scholarship, and explores the impact that the religious media marketplace can have on religion and media research. The presentations cover theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and sites of inquiry for market-based explorations of religious media.
11:45 am-1:15 pm
Referred paper session
1:30-3:30
Religion and Media Interest Group Members’ Meeting
Come join us and get involved. The committee will report the state of the interest group and members will elect new officials for next school year. We look forward to seeing you there.
Friday, August 8
8:00-10:00 am
RMIG Social: Religion and Media in Montreal
Panel discussion on Quebec’s Charter of Values and other issues. Featuring professional journalists in the Montreal region
Saturday, August 9
11:00 am- 12:30 pm
Teaching applied ethics at a denominational or sectarian institution
Co-sponsor with Small Programs Interest Group
This panel will discuss teaching how to integrate a faith-based philosophical framework contrasted the dominant utilitarian philosophical perspective in media practice. Moving from philosophy to praxis takes ingenuity and creative thinking. Often, students and professionals struggle with how to confront/address complex ethical dilemmas in the media. We propose featuring colleagues who have found ways to do just this.