Northwestern University in Qatar will examine how journalism practices and narratives can evolve and challenge traditional, Western-centric models in its Rawabet series conference, “Journalism in the Global South: Expanding Epistemological Frameworks,” taking place on February 9-10, at the university campus in Education City.
“The Rawabet Conference Series continues to serve as a platform for meaningful academic discussions that bring regional perspectives to the forefront,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “This conference exemplifies our commitment to advancing research excellence and global collaboration on important issues, ensuring that truly global expertise shape the academic discourse surrounding journalism and media in the Global South and beyond.”.”
Organized by the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program, the two-day conference will discuss the need for decolonizing journalism and rethinking the dominant frameworks that have historically shaped global media. By examining various aspects of journalism in the Global South, experts from diverse backgrounds aim to broaden the scope of journalism scholarship and practice and underscore the importance of inclusive and representative storytelling.
The first panel, “Decolonizing Journalism,” will explore the lasting influence of colonial power structures on the professionalization of journalism. Eddy Borges-Rey, associate professor at Northwestern Qatar, will lead a discussion on how colonial legacies persist in modern journalism and the challenges faced in decolonizing news agendas. Speakers include Claudia Mellado, professor at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Silvio Waisbord, professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, and Ibrahim N. Abusharif, associate professor at Northwestern Qatar.
“This conference, developed collaboratively by all members of the journalism faculty in the program, provides a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions that challenge conventional epistemologies and deepen our understanding of journalism in diverse global contexts,” said Ilhem Allagui, professor and director of the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program. “The theme, ‘Expanding Epistemological Frameworks,’ is particularly relevant as we consider how journalism must adapt to the realities and complexities of the Global South.”
The second panel, “Feminist Journalism and Entrepreneurship across the Global South,” will feature a discussion on the rise of feminist media entrepreneurship, where women are reshaping the media landscape. Led by Allagui, the panel will focus on how digital platforms have empowered women to challenge traditional media narratives and promote gender equality. Speakers include Noura Al Obeidi, visiting assistant professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, Zahra Hankir, author of Our Women on the Ground, and Christina Paschyn, assistant professor at Northwestern Qatar.
“This conference exemplifies our commitment to advancing research excellence and global collaboration on important issues, ensuring that truly global expertise shape the academic discourse surrounding journalism and media in the Global South and beyond.”
The third panel, “Social Media Influencers and Self-Media,” will examine how social media influencers and self-media platforms are shaping journalism in the digital age. With Marda Dunsky, assistant professor at Northwestern Qatar, as a discussant, the panel will focus on influencers as opinion leaders. Panelists Omar Al-Ghazzi, associate professor in the Department of Media and Communications at London School of Economics, Tanja Bosch, professor of media studies and production at the University of Cape Town, and Kecheng Fang, assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, will look into the ethical dilemmas influencers face and their impact on public discourse.
The fourth panel, “Frontiers of Journalism Education: Ethical Integration of AI in Global Contexts,” will address the impact of Artificial Intelligence on journalism education, particularly in the Global South. Miriam Berg, associate professor at Northwestern Qatar, will lead the conversation about the potential and challenges of AI in shaping future journalism practices. Panelists Gregory Gondwe, assistant professor of journalism and technologies at California State University, San Bernardino, George Ogola, professor of media industries at Nottingham University, and Walid Al-Saqaf, associate professor of journalism the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, will discuss ethical concerns such as algorithmic bias, the digital divide, and the marginalization of local narratives, offering perspectives on how educators can foster critical thinking and adaptability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The fifth panel, “Expanding the Ontological Contours of Journalism,” will explore how journalism is practiced in the Global South, expanding beyond the Western notion of the Fourth Estate. Borges-Rey will examine how journalistic practices in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe reflect local concerns and values. Speakers include Hanan Badr, professor at the University of Salzburg, Hayes Mabweazara, senior lecturer in media and communication at the University of Glasgow, and Claudia Kozman, assistant professor at Northwestern Qatar.
In the final panel, “Influential Interlocutors: Stringers, Freelancers, and Non-Profits,” speakers will discuss the strategies used by independent journalists and nonprofit organizations to engage and sustain their audiences. Topics will include the rise of monetized platforms like Substack and the effectiveness of nonprofit journalism in promoting unbiased reporting. The panel will be led by Paschyn and include Kalyani Chadha, professor of journalism at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, Beate Josephi, honorary associate in the Department of Media and Communications at the University of Sydney, and Scheherazade Safla-Gaffoor, assistant professor at Northwestern Qatar.
On the second day of the conference, award-winning photojournalist Motaz Azaiza will headline a Distinguished Speaker Session from 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Known for his powerful frontline reporting, Azaiza will share insights into the evolving role of visual storytelling in conflict zones and the responsibilities journalists bear in documenting global crises.
"Journalism in the Global South: Expanding Epistemological Frameworks" is the latest installment in the Rawabet Conference Series, which examines topics like decolonizing journalism, the ethical impact of AI, and feminist media entrepreneurship. The series continues to provide a platform for exploring how journalism can better reflect the diverse realities of the Global South.
The organizing committee of the conference is chaired by Borges-Rey and includes Allagui, Mohamed Ibahrine, Safla-Gaffoor, and Catherine Quilacio, administrative assistant.
For more information about the Rawabet Conference Series, click here.
