As uncertainty and disruption settle in as central features of contemporary democracies, the media are faced with rewriting the rules by which they are allowed to operate. New limitations are constraining how the media portray a wide range of topics, from wars and international alliances to human rights and knowledge formation, from immigration and social marginalization to the economic and cultural policies implemented by those in power. While in the past, dire threats to the media were mostly associated with authoritarian regimes, the autocratic turn taking place in liberal democracies has forced those involved with media environments to deal with intimidation and punishments once considered taboo in democracies. With the distinction between liberal and illiberal media systems rendered more or less irrelevant by today’s realities, engaging with the media everywhere now requires a kind of strength not typically seen in democratic settings: courage.

Date: 6 - 9 January 2026

Location: Catholic University of Portugal, Lisbon

Participants Background: Master’s and Doctoral researchers

Application Deadline: 28 September 2025

Costs: Accommodation and board, as well as reasonable travel expenses to Lisbon will be covered for those selected to attend the event.

For more information about the event, visit the website HERE.