This conference, which is being held in Toronto at York and Ryerson Universities from 6-8 May 2010, will bring together a range of media publics, including local media producers, media and academic workers, students, policy makers, researchers, journalists, media activists and public organizations, to address the following question: If the old models aren’t working, what are the possibilities for reorganizing media production in Canada?

The conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, ideas and strategies, to critique current models of media production, to problem-solve, and to envision new ways to democratically facilitate people’s participation in media decision-making. The goal is to help “make media public” — that is, to develop and build media models that address local concerns, that are sustainable, autonomous and independent, and involve a wide range of participation that reflect the daily political economic, social and cultural experiences of communities in Canada.

The conference is focused on four interrelated themes: history, labour, policy, and alternative/independent and community media. Submissions are invited on these themes and others that address the goal of “Making Media Public.” Participation may include:

* Multimedia presentations
* Panel suggestions
* Formal papers and reports, both academic and non-academic
* Informal presentations/displays of existing projects and initiatives

Deadline for submissions: 1 December 2009. Submissions should take the form of a proposal/outline of your contribution (500 words maximum), as well as contact information and organizational affiliation, if any. Please email submissions as an attachment to mmp2010@yorku.ca.