First International Conference on Digital Journalism and Innovative Media Industry

Dear Colleagues,
The Faculty of Mass Communication and Fine Arts, Al Maaref University, is cordially inviting you to attend the “First International Conference of Digital Journalism and Innovative Media Industry”.
This conference, which it will witness the official launch of the Media Industry, Development and Innovation Lab (MIDIL) in Lebanon, is an opportunity for the concerned academic and researchers to present their studies.
Scope
The influx of communication technologies and the digital transformation of media outlets have impacted the ways of approaching journalism and the media industry academically and professionally.
In this light, it can be observed that new terminologies emerged in journalism and the media industry intertwined with technology, such as automated journalism, robot journalism, data journalism and the digital reporter. As a result, it is crucial for journalism and the media industry to benefit from the developments of artificial intelligence and digitalisation in many aspects not limited to the digital transformation of newsrooms; news-gathering; editing; digital reporting; facts checking to avoid misinformation; and research to develop the society.
As everything is conceptually and factually digitized, journalism and the media industry should be revolutionized in a way that meets the digital citizen, the digital society and also the digital government. It might be a dangerous transformation to turn humans into digits, but it is a compassionate way to gain a lot of time and to meet the society's needs rapidly. Here, the sparked idea can be conceptually named digital fourth estate which it is considered the core of the role of new journalism.
Conference Main Theme
- The main theme: Digital Fourth Estate
- The sub-themes are not limited to:
1. Robot and Automate Journalism
2. Innovative Newsroom: from Digitalisation to Artificial Intelligence
3. Multi-Agent Systems in Media
4. Blockchain Technology in Journalism and Media Industry
5. AI & Misinformation, Disinformation and Visinformation
6. AI Facts Checking Labs
7. AI and Curriculums in Journalism and Media Studies
8. What are the Current Characteristics of the Good Graduate in Journalism and Media Studies?
Call for Abstracts’ Proposals
In order to participate and hence to deliver a presentation in the conference, please submit an abstract’s proposal. Please send it to the following email, midil@mu.edu.lb.
The abstract proposal should not be less than 250 words and no exceed 400 words. It should include the statement of problem, the aim, the question (s), method(s), the expected findings, your name and affiliation.
Each proposal will be revised by the Scientific Committee within 10 days from its receival.
Registration
The applicant who submits a successful abstract will be invited to register in order to have his/her name and presentation’s title included in the conference program and to have his/her Abstract published in the conference proceedings.
Publication Opportunity
As you submit a successful abstract, you are strongly encouraged to submit an academic paper between 3000 and 5000 words excluding the Abstract and the References before May 30, 2022. Also, please send as well a brief biography about you nearly 60 words. ALL papers should be sent to the following email, midil@mu.edu.lb.
The full paper submitted will undergo a peer review process. If the paper is accepted, it will be published in a special edition.
Please make sure that the full academic paper has the format as follows:
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font Size: main heading, bold, 14, subheading, bold, 12.
- Lines: justified; space 1.5
- Table's caption: font size 10 and above
- Figures: framed and the figure's caption should be below with font size 10
- References: APA Style
Virtual Presentation
The conference may accept virtual presentations. However, the participant should point early that s/he wishes to submit a virtual presentation. In this case and in order to be included in the conference program, the participant should send before 13 June 2022 a recorded presentation.
Deadlines
- Abstract submission: 30 April 2022
- Full Paper submission: 30 May 2022
- Early bird registration: 15 May 2022
Registration Fees
The participant who submitted an accepted Abstract and/or an accepted paper should pay the registration fees. The registration fees are as follows:
- Early bird registration. For international participants €75. For Lebanese participants 135000 Lebanese pounds.
- Registration after 15 May 2022. For international participants €100. For Lebanese participants 190000 Lebanese pounds.
- Early bird registration for PhD students. For international PhD students €50. For Lebanese PhD participants 90000 Lebanese pounds.
- Registration after 15 May 2022 for PhD students. For international PhD students €75. For Lebanese PhD students participants 135000 Lebanese pounds.
Ways of Payment
The international participants should transfer the registration fees to via OMT. An email with relevant details will be sent to every participant.
The domestic participants will pay via Liban Post.
Accommodation
The international participants and presenters will be supported to receive special offers for their accommodation in nearby hotels. However, they have to send a formal request to midil@mu.edu.lb after they submit an acceptable Abstract and/or a full paper.
Organizing Committee
- Dr. Ali El Takach, Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication and Fine Arts, Al Maaref University
- Dr. Hatem El Zein, Journalism and Digital Media Department, Al Maaref University
- Mrs. Rana Aladdin, Full-time Instructor in Multimedia Journalism, Faculty of Mass Communication and Fine Arts, Al Maaref University
Scientific Committee
- Dr. Ali El Takach, Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication and Fine Arts, Al Maaref University
- Dr. Imad Moukadem, Associate Professor and Computer Science Chairperson, Al Maaref University
- Dr. Lama Kahhal, Assistant Professor in Communication and Media Studies, Lebanese University
- Dr. Hatem El Zein, Journalism and Digital Media Department, Al Maaref University
- Mrs. Rana Aladdin, Full-time Instructor in Multimedia Journalism, Faculty of Mass Communication and Fine Arts
Full Conference Program
The full conference program will be published on 18 June 2022
Best Wishes
MIDIL – Organizing Committee