From 8 to 11 September 2026, the European communication and media studies community will gather in Brno, Czechia, for the 11th European Communication Conference (ECREA). The Institute for Media, Knowledge and Communication (imwk) will once again be represented with numerous contributions. The presentations demonstrate the thematic breadth of current research at the institute, ranging from artificial intelligence and strategic communication to media history, right-wing extremism, and community media.

Presentations:

• Bilandzic, H., Schäfer, M. & Kast, M.: Between progress and risk: Framing communicative AI in German newspapers.
• Johann, M.: Mapping AI research in corporate communications.
• Johann, M. & Karlsson, I.: Democratic resilience through strategic communication: A value-creation perspective.(ECREA Preconference, 7. September 2026)
• Kast, M. & Bilandzic, H.: Implicit and explicit anthropomorphism of generative AI-models in news coverage: A qualitative analysis.
• Kinnebrock, S.: Media practices of contradicting in light of continuity and change: Feminist-pacifist interventions in World War I and the Cold War.
• Riedl, A. A. (2026, September). The place of inequality in journalism scholarship: A systematic literature review. ECREA 11th European Communication Conference.

• Rohrbach, T., Thäsler-Kordonouri, S., & Riedl, A. (2026, September). Reinforcing Inequalities or Empowerment? Understanding Gendered Dimensions of AI Use in Journalism. ECREA 11th European Communication Conference.

• Rogina, L. & Rueß, H.: Hijacking pride through connective action – Self-presentation, collective identity, and mobilization intentions in right-wing extremism.
• Rueß, H., Kinnebrock, S. & Schwarzenegger, C.: Resistance as a narrative: Far-right alternative media storytelling and the co-constructed myth of resistance.

• Stalph, F., Thäsler-Kordonouri, S., & Riedl, A. A. (2026, September). Different types of AI user profiles in German journalism: The advanced all-rounder, occasional user, and selective strategist. ECREA 11th European Communication Conference.

• Wimmer, J. & Šimková, K.: The Invisible Rhizome: Characteristics, Roles, and Challenges of Community Media in the Czech Republic.