The RIPE@2018 conference held on 18-20 October in Madrid, Spain, is calling for papers.

The conference theme “Universalism and Public Service Media” focuses on challenges and opportunities in achieving the universal service mission in the era of media abundance. The principle of universalism has four dimensions: 1) access and reach, 2) genres and services, 3) relevance and impact, and 4) financing with attendant obligations. Providing universal service is a legal requirement for PSM that has crucial importance for the potential of the enterprise to cultivate enlightenment, encourage social cohesion, and provide a fair, full and equitable range of media services. How practical is this aspect of the PSM mission today? What is outdated in our understandings? What remains as vital as ever – perhaps more so today? What does universalism mean now, and what are the implications? Can universalism be accomplished in each of the four key dimensions, and if so how?

[spoiler title=’The following aspects are especially important and will comprise the workgroup structure for the conference:’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

1. Rethinking the universalism mission in PSM

2. The nature and variety of publics, and implications for PSM

3. The nature and value of PSM services

4. PSM cross-platform publishing and distribution strategies

5. Organisational restructuring and management in PSM

6. Governance, accountability and funding for PSM[/spoiler]

Submissions are due 2 April. Decisions about acceptance will announced on 30 April. Completed papers are due on 1 October 2018.

Read the full call for paper on the conference website.