MeDeMAP: from research to democratic action 🗣️
On 13 January 2026, MeDeMAP brought its research to Brussels, connecting citizens, journalists, researchers, and policymakers at a crucial moment for European media policy.
A full day of dialogue, data, and democratic reflection — and a key step in turning research insights into policy-relevant conversations as MeDeMAP enters its final phase. Read the full news here 👉️ https://www.medemap.eu/?p=1777
📕 New open-access publication from the MeDeMAP team
A new book chapter by Andrea Miconi and Nico Carpentier has just been published in Rethinking Media and Communication: A Critical Sociological Lens (Brill, 2026).
This publication is part of MeDeMAP’s Work Package 2 (WP2), with a shortened version to be integrated into Deliverable D2.4, and reflects a strong collaboration with WP5.
Read the full news here: https://www.medemap.eu/?p=1774
🎙️ Citizen Parliaments, research, and European democracy
In a recent episode of the Mandl-Mikro Podcast, Josef Seethaler — researcher at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Universities of Vienna and Klagenfurt — discussed his work on anti-democratic tendencies and the development of Citizen Parliaments across Europe.
A timely reflection on research, participation, and the future of European democracy.
You can listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5gkzZQJNWHQWc8RPe0hwVF?si=gveIlndTR4CbyD4KOBY9uQ&nd=1&dlsi=0492daade1e24d24
🎬 MeDeMAP’s film essay highlighted in the European Journalism Observatory
The European Journalism Observatory (EJO) has highlighted the growing role of audiovisual and film essays in academic research. In Štěpán Šanda's article, the film essay "AGON: Constructions of Democracy" is featured as an example of how sound and image can offer new ways of thinking, analysing, and communicating ideas about democracy.
Read more here 👉 https://www.medemap.eu/?p=1758
👥 Seminar | Media, Participation, and Democracy
On 28 January 2026, MeDeMAP will contribute to the CULCORC Seminar Series with the event “The Czech Citizen Parliament: Analysing Media Change, Participation, and Democracy”, taking place at Charles University (Prague).
Read the full news here: https://www.medemap.eu/?p=1768
How does Portuguese media shape democracy? ✍
That was the central question of the MeDeMAP webinar held on January 20th, where the Portuguese national results of the project were presented by MeDeMAP researcher Tatiana Chervyakova in partnership with SOPCOM’s Political Communication Working Group.
The webinar brought together academics, media professionals, and students for a timely discussion on the role of media in today’s democratic societies.
🎙️ New podcast episode:
What role can community media play in strengthening democratic life today - and tomorrow?
In our latest podcast episode, we dive into this question with @Helmut Peissl and @laurence Monnot from COMMIT. This conversation highlights why community media is not peripheral, but central to building more inclusive, resilient, and participatory democratic ecosystems.
👉 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S4z9I6cT4c&t=6s
🗣️ MeDeMAP confirmed two keynote speakers for the project conference, taking place on 15–16 January 2026 at IULM University in Rome:
- Prof. Tiziana Terranova (University of Naples “L’Orientale”)
- Prof. Sofie Van Bauwel (Ghent University)
Join us as we advance collective reflection on the intersections of media, data, democracy, and social transformation. 🔜
As 2026 approaches, we look ahead with a clear set of wishes for the media ecosystems that shape our democratic futures:
✅ Inclusive media systems
✅ Transparent and accountable platforms
✅ Informed and critically engaged citizens
✅ Stronger bridges between research, policy, and practice.
In 2026, we hope to continue contributing to futures where media strengthens democracy, rather than undermines it.
📩 The final MeDeMAP newsletter of 2025 is out!
As MeDeMAP enters its final stage, we reflect on a year of intense research, collaboration, and public engagement dedicated to understanding how media shapes democratic life in Europe.
We are now finalising and sharing results that reflect MeDeMAP’s multi-method, comparative approach to media and democracy across Europe. We invite you to explore the newsletter here 👉 https://mailchi.mp/dbf55552ea68/medemap-mapping-media-for-future-democracies-newsletter-12750600
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