“Reimagining Communication in the 21st Century: Sociological, Political, and Economic Perspectives”

Organized by: PG Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, St. Philomena’s
                        College (Autonomous), Mysore
Theme:           “Reimagining Communication in the 21st Century: Sociological, Political, and
                        Economic Perspectives”
Dates:             March 20–21, 2025
Venue:                        Indoor Stadium
Participation Statistics:



Registered Participants: 152
Inhouse Registered Participants: 125
Total Registered Participants: 277
States Represented: 12
Paper Presenters: 130+
Faculty/Researchers: 80+
Students (PG/PhD Scholars): 60+
Online Participants: 15


Institutions Represented: 45+
 
Resource Persons:
Prof. Biswajit Das
Retd. Prof. & Founding Director of CCMG, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Prof. Ujjwal K Chowdhury
Director-General, MSEED, Mumbai
Vice President, GMEC
Dr. Shashidhar Nanjundaiah
Professor & Dean, School of Digital Media & Communication, Mahindra University, Hyderabad.
Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay
Associate Professor, Shippensburg University, USA
Former Editor, TOI & Mid-Day.com
Ms. Malavika Melkote
Director, AI & Analytics
Industry Expert, USA
Dr. Vandana Pednekar-Magal
Professor, Institute of International Business, Georgia State University, USA
Prof. Niranjan Vanalli
Vice Chancellor, Bangalore North University
Dr. Satish Kolluri
Associate Professor, Communication and Media Studies, Pace University, New York, USA
Prof. B.P. Sanjay
Senior Professor, Manipal Institute of Communication, MAHE
Prof. Srinivas Melkote
Professor Emeritus, Bowling Green State University, USA
Prof. Vinod Pavarala
Senior Professor & UNESCO Chair on Community Media, UOH
Prof. Sundeep R. Muppidi
Professor, University of Hartford, USA
Dr. Arpan Yagnik
Associate Professor, Penn State Behrend, USA
Prof. Usharani Narayana
Former Professor & Director, University of Mysore
Prof. Mohan Dutta
Dean and Chair, School of Communication, Massey University, NWZ
Prof. Meera K Desai
Professor and Head, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
Prof. Usha Raman
Professor, Dept. of Communication, University of Hyderabad
Dr. Asha Krishnaswamy
Former Special Correspondent, Deccan Herald
 
Overview:
International Conference on “Reimagining Communication in the 21st Century: Sociological, Political, and Economic Perspectives”, held on March 20–21, 2025, at St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous), Mysore brought together distinguished scholars, media professionals, and researchers from across India and abroad to deliberate on the transformations in communication in the digital age. The event featured keynote addresses, five thematic panel discussions, and multiple technical paper presentation sessions.
A total of 152 participants registered for the event, including faculty members, research scholars, journalists, and postgraduate students. These delegates represented 12 states across India, highlighting the national diversity and academic richness of the event. More than 130 papers were presented over two days, offering insights into the latest research in media, politics, society, technology, and communication ethics.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights

The event commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Joseph Ashwini, Assistant Professor of Criminology, who emphasized the transformative power of communication in shaping societal narratives.
Dr. Ravi JD Saldanha, Principal of the college, then addressed the audience, outlining the objectives of the conference and acknowledging the presence of around 150 delegates, including paper presenters and scholars.
Dr. D.V. Guruprasad, Former DGP and former Director of Information and Public Relations, Karnataka, inaugurated the event. He stressed the role of compassion and ability in effective
communication, and addressed ethical challenges in AI-driven media ecosystems, urging students to engage with media responsibly.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Srinivas Melkote, Professor Emeritus, Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA. He provided a historical overview of media globalization and addressed issues such as media democratization, misinformation, and social polarization.
Panel Discussions highlights:
 
Panel No.
Title
Panellists Name
Moderator
Dayandtime (IST)
1
MediainContemporaryPolitical Settings:
RoleofMediainPoliticalPolarization
Prof.ShashidharNanjundaiah
Prof.UjjwalKChowdhury
Prof. Satish Kolluri
Dr.Asha Krishnaswamy
Prof. Vinod Pavarala
Day1
11:30am – 1:30pm
2
Media Economicsinthe21^stCentury:
DigitalInclusionandEconomic Development
Prof.ShashidharNanjundaiah
Prof. Sundeep R Muppidi
Prof. Mira K Desai
Prof.A.S.Balasubramanya
Prof.UshaRaman
 
Day-1
02.30pm – 4:30pm
3
AIand ContemporaryMedia:
PromisesandChallengesofharnessingAIindigitallandscape
Prof.UshaRaman
Dr. Arpan Yagnik,
Prof.UjjwalKChowdhury
Prof. Vandana Pednekar
Ms. Malavika Melkote
Prof.SundeepRMuppidi
Day2
09:30am – 11:30am
4
MediaEthicsinthe digital sphere:
EthicsandRegulationsinthe21stCentury
Prof. MohanDutta
Prof.MiraKDesai
Prof. UsharaniNarayana
Prof. Niranjan Vanalli
Prof. B.P. Sanjay
Day-2
11.30 am – 1:30pm

5
MediaandSociological Transformation:
CulturalHybridizationandCommunicationtrendsforsocialchange
Prof. Vinod Pavarala Prof. Biswajit Das Prof. B.P. Sanjay
Dr.DhimanChattopadhyay
Prof.SrinivasMelkote

Day 2
02:30pm – 4:30pm
 

Media in Contemporary Political Settings: Role of Media in Political Polarization
This panel delved into the pivotal role media plays within modern political environments, with a particular focus on the intensifying issue of political polarization. Prof. Vinod Pavarala served
as moderator, guiding the conversation between distinguished panelists including Prof. Shashidhar Nanjundaiah, Prof. Ujwal Chowdhury, and Dr. Asha Krishnaswamy.
The discussion addressed the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping political ideologies, highlighting issues such as algorithm-driven content, misinformation, and the formation of echo chambers. The panel emphasized the difficulties of sustaining democratic dialogue in an era saturated with selective narratives and ideologically filtered information.
Key themes included the role of algorithms in influencing public perception, declining trust in both traditional and digital media, and the ethical responsibilities of media practitioners. The session concluded with a resounding call for enhanced media literacy and the importance of nurturing inclusive, civil discourse.
Key Takeaways:

Democracy Requires Dialogue: Civil discourse across ideological lines is vital for democratic resilience.
Echo Chambers and Bias: social media often isolates users within belief-reinforcing bubbles.
Algorithmic Influence: Algorithms tailor content, reinforcing preexisting opinions and limiting diverse exposure.
Institutional Distrust: Both mainstream media and public institutions face growing skepticism.
Media Literacy: There’s a strong push for education that enables citizens to evaluate media critically.
Communication vs. Technology: The panel debated whether our crisis is technological or communicative—or both.
Digital Shift of Traditional Media: While expanding access, it has also led to issues like sensationalism and misinformation.
2. Media Economics in the 21st Century: Digital Inclusion and Economic Development
This panel focused on how media’s economic frameworks are evolving alongside technological innovation. Panelists discussed the intersection of media history, digital inclusion, creator economies, and the broader implications of monetized engagement.Prof. Usha Ramanserved as moderator, guiding the conversation between distinguished panelists including Prof. Shashidhar Nanjundaiah, Prof. Sundeep R Muppidi and Prof. Mira K Desai.

The session emphasized the need to understand the economic models underpinning modern media—from influencer-driven platforms to AI-based content production. Discussions explored how ownership and control influence journalistic independence, as well as the often-invisiblelabor that supports digital platforms.
Panelists expressed cautious optimism, calling for more ethical practices and stronger support structures for media workers, especially in an age dominated by algorithmic and platform-based media.
Key Takeaways:

Historical Perspective Matters: Understanding media’s past helps shape sustainable futures.
Changing Economic Models: Concepts like creator and engagement economies are central to today’s media.
Algorithm-Driven Shifts: Technology is changing both production and consumption of media.
Ethics in Corporate Media: Ownership patterns influence the objectivity and integrity of journalism.
Labor in Media: The hidden labor behind content creation needs recognition and support.
Inclusive Access: Promoting digital access is essential for equal media participation.
AI and the Future: Emerging tech like AI brings both innovation and regulatory challenges.

 

3. AI and Contemporary Media: Promises and Challenges of Harnessing AI in the Digital Landscape
This panel brought together renowned experts to examine both the benefits and concerns associated with AI in media. Discussions highlighted AI’s power to improve efficiency and creativity but also its potential to displace jobs and spread misinformation.
Panelists shared how AI tools are reshaping content creation and consumption, and examined the ethical dilemmas of algorithmic bias, deepfakes, and user data exploitation. The discussion stressed the need for reform in educational systems to include AI literacy, equipping future media professionals to handle both the opportunities and risks.
 
Key Takeaways:

Dual Nature of AI: It enables innovation while also presenting ethical and regulatory concerns.
Market Expansion: AI in media is rapidly growing, projected to triple in value by 2028.
Speed of Misinformation: AI-generated content can spread false information far faster than truth.
Education Reform: Curricula must adapt to include AI tools and critical thinking.
Shifting Job Roles: While some jobs will vanish, many new opportunities will emerge in tech and content.
Cultural Inclusivity: AI tools help make content more accessible across linguistic boundaries.
Need for Ethical Governance: A regulatory framework is essential to balance innovation with accountability.
4. Media Ethics in the Digital Sphere: Ethics and Regulations in the 21st Century
This session tackled the increasingly complex ethical landscape of digital media. Prof. Sanjay and fellow panelists began by exploring the limitations of current legal frameworks like the Information Technology Act in addressing misinformation, hate speech, and digital accountability.

Panelists noted how digital platforms have altered the power dynamics between content creators, audiences, and institutions. They emphasized the role of community values, shared responsibility, and cross-platform regulation in fostering ethical media ecosystems.
The discussion urged stronger civic engagement, proactive governance, and trust-building in media consumption—all vital for preserving media as a tool for informed democratic participation.
 
Key Takeaways:
Ethical Blind Spots: Rapid tech growth has outpaced current laws and ethical frameworks.
Shared Responsibility: Ethics must be co-owned by governments, platforms, and users.
Platform Accountability: Tech companies must take greater responsibility for content moderation.
Crisis of Trust: Trust in media is eroding, calling for more transparency and accountability.
Critical Thinking: Empowering audiences through education can counteract misinformation.
Cultural Sensitivity: Ethical norms should reflect the diversity and context of local communities.
Forward-Looking Regulation: A dynamic and inclusive regulatory system is urgently needed.
Media and Sociological Transformation: Cultural Hybridization and Communication Trends for Social Change
The panel explored the dynamic relationship between media, culture, and social transformation in the contemporary context. The discussion revolved around how globalization, digital convergence, and hybrid media practices are reshaping identities, traditions, and the collective cultural experience in both urban and rural spaces.
Prof. Srinivas Melkote opened the session with insights into how media acts as a transformative agent in building inclusive narratives that challenge traditional power structures and offer marginalized communities new spaces for expression.

PanelistProf. Vinod Pavaralareflected on the evolution of cultural identities in a global media environment, highlighting the blend of local and global values as a result of exposure to diverse content through social media, OTT platforms, and influencer culture.
Prof. Biswajit Das emphasized the role of participatory communication in driving grassroots change, especially in rural settings, where community media and digital storytelling are empowering voices that were traditionally underrepresented.
Prof. B.P. Sanjayexamined the sociological impacts of digital platforms on youth behavior, intergenerational communication, and community participation. Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyayraised questions about the risks of homogenization in digital spaces and the need to preserve regional cultures.
Key Takeaways:
Cultural Hybridization: Media is accelerating the fusion of global and local cultures, creating hybrid identities especially among youth and urban populations.
Participatory Storytelling: Citizen journalism and community media are enabling people to document their own social realities and challenge mainstream narratives.
Identity and Representation: Digital media platforms provide marginalized groups opportunities for self-representation, but also raise concerns about stereotyping and tokenism.
Media as a Change Agent: In contexts of social inequality, media can function as a catalyst for empowerment, awareness, and behavioral change.
Challenges of Globalization: While global media brings exposure and connectivity, it may also lead to cultural dilution or the dominance of Western ideals.
Digital Inclusion: Access to digital tools and literacy is essential for ensuring that sociological transformation through media is equitable and widespread.
Sustainable Communication Practices: The panel stressed the importance of ethical storytelling, sensitivity to local values, and media education for lasting social change.
Technical Sessions

As a key component of the International Conference on “Reimagining Communication in the 21st Century: Sociological, Political, and Economic Perspectives”, the technical sessions provided a platform for over 130 scholars and researchers to present their academic work. Held across parallel venues, these sessions brought forward dynamic discussions on communication trends, social impact, political influences, and technological transformations in media.
Each session was chaired and evaluated by distinguished academics and experts in media and communication studies. Presenters included faculty members, PhD scholars, postgraduate students, and independent researchers from institutions across India.The paper presentations stimulated constructive feedback and interaction, offering valuable insights and fostering scholarly networking among participants.

Paper presentations were held across multiple parallel technical sessions, categorized under subtrack-themes such as:
Sociological Perspective -Media Representation and Identity
Sociological Perspective -Digital Media, Culture, Youth & Society
Sociological Perspective – Health and Well-being
Economic Perspective – Economic Development and Inclusion
Political Perspective – Political Communication, Media, and Public Opinion
Political Perspective – Community, Development, and Environment
Sociological Perspective – Communication, Perception, and Influence

Sociological Perspective – Audiences, Ethics, Digital Life and Fact-Checking
Sociological Perspective – New Arenas and New Scapes: Redefining Media
Economic Perspective – Digital Economy, Labor Dynamics, and Consumer Behaviour
Political Perspective – Governance, Law, Socio-Economic Change, and Political Discourse
“Media, Communication, and Society in the Digital Age: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on India”
Hospitality & Cultural Programme

The Organizing Committee of the International Conference ensured seamless and thoughtful hospitality throughout the two-day event. Exceptional arrangements were made for accommodation, transportation, and meals.
A highlight of the conference was the Cultural Night Programme held on the evening of March 20, 2025, in the Indoor Stadium, which drew a gathering of more than 300 attendees, including delegates, paper presenters, faculty members, panelists, and students.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage. The programme opened with a soulful classical violin performance by the internationally acclaimed Vidwan Mysore Manjunath, captivating the audience with his exceptional skill and musical depth.

This was followed by an elegant Bharatanatyam recital by the Nandhini Nrithyalaya dance troupe, led by Vidwan R. Kannan, which mesmerized the crowd through expressive storytelling and traditional rhythm.
To conclude the evening, the energetic Dollu Kunitha folk dance was performed by Siddu and team, bringing the stadium alive with pulsating drumbeats and dynamic choreography that showcased Karnataka’s folk traditions in all their glory.
The Cultural Night not only entertained the participants but also fostered a deeper cultural connection among attendees from diverse regions, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the conference.

 
Publication Opportunities and Process
As a post-conference academic initiative, the International Conference on “Reimagining Communication in the 21st Century: Sociological, Political, and Economic Perspectives” offered participants a range of publication opportunities to disseminate their research through reputable platforms.
Publication Options Provided:
International Journal of Media & Management
Indexed in Crossref, ROAD, and Google Scholar.
Each article will be assigned a unique DOI.
Word limit: 3000–4000 words.
Publication Cost: ₹2000 (INR).
Suitable for scholars aiming for faster and broad digital visibility.
SAGE Journals
Potential outlets included:
Media Watch
Social Change
Journal of Creative Communications
10 articles to be selected through a peer-review process.
Total publishing cost: ₹5,00,000 shared among selected authors.
Participants were informed of the need to bear the equal share of cost (as only 7 had opted initially).
Book Publication with ISBN (Institutional Publication)
To be published by St. Philomena’s College (Autonomous), Mysore).
No cost involved.
Ideal for early-career researchers and those preferring institutional visibility.
Book Publication – Palgrave Macmillan (Pending Confirmation)
A proposal was submitted to Palgrave Macmillan for collaboration.
Authors opting for this would be notified once approval is received
 
 
 

 
 
 
Participants Feedback: