Awards

PF&R Paper Competition 

Professional Freedom & Responsibility (PF&R) is a foundational concept that underscores ethical and responsible professional conduct in AEJMC disciplines. Its significance is particularly pronounced in the advertising discipline, where both scholars and practitioners wield substantial influence over individuals, society, and the environment.
 
In advertising, PF&R assumes a specialized role, encompassing distinct considerations and ethical guidelines tailored to the unique challenges inherent in the industry. Key focal points include, but are not limited to, truth and transparency, consumer well-being, diversity and inclusion, regulatory compliance, and social responsibility. Striking a delicate balance between the freedom to craft compelling campaigns and the responsibility to do so ethically characterizes PF&R in advertising. Those engaged in advertising, be they practitioners or scholars, hold a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions. Adherence to elevated ethical standards is imperative for ensuring the enduring success and credibility of the advertising industry.
 
This year, papers submitted to this category could focus on research exploring concepts of diversity, equity, and/or inclusion (DEI) within the advertising sector. Despite growing importance of DEI in advertising, gaps persist in our understanding of how to foster more equitable and inclusive spaces within ad agencies, ensuring representative brand images, effectively communicating DEI initiatives, and comprehending the impact of DEI on brand-consumer connections. Research topics may span current DEI trends, historical influences, conceptualizing and measuring DEI, the influence of DEI on consumer-brand experiences, consumer-ad experiences (e.g., through ad targeting and personalization), DEI and consumer well-being, DEI considerations in the digital space concerning privacy and safety, and the role of DEI in academia, the profession, and society. Broader areas of exploration encompass free expression, ethical dimensions in advertising, media criticism and accountability, and the promotion of public service.

 While submissions can take the form of traditional research papers, the track encourages commentaries, critical essays, and integrative literature reviews. The most outstanding paper in this category will be honored with a $100 award, generously sponsored by the Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

For additional information, please reach out to Dr. Chang-Dae Ham, PF&R Track Chair, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Email: cdham317@illinois.edu.

Special Topics Paper Competition

Highlighting the 2024 Special Topics in Advertising Paper Competition

Full papers or extended abstracts submitted to the 2024 Special Topics competition should address the broad area of advertising literacy. Advertising literacy is defined as the consumers’ ability to recognize, access, evaluate, and cope with advertising and marketing communication in a variety forms, contexts, and platforms. Examples of the research in this topic include, but are not limited to, the role of consumers’ awareness, knowledge, and/or ability in coping with advertising personalization, data-driven targeting, digital privacy infringement, AI-driven communication, algorithmic advertising, technology-driven persuasion tactics, children’s advertising, deceptive advertising, political advertising, advertising skepticism, (non)transparency in persuasion, sponsorship (non)disclosure, influencer marketing, native advertising, product placement, misinformation and disinformation, and trust and credibility issues in advertising. Research can apply psychological, sociological, economical and/or critical/cultural theories with qualitative, quantitative, and/or computational research methods, but not limited to such applications. Commentaries, critical essays, and integrative literature reviews will also be considered. Any submission that is not directly relevant to the special topic will be moved to the Open Research category.
 
The top paper in this category will receive a $100 award. This award is sponsored by Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California. For more information, please contact Dr. Chen Lou, Special Topics Track Chair, Nanyang Technological University. Email: chenlou@ntu.edu.sg. Tel: (65) 6316-8895.

Washington Media Scholars Foundation Media Case Competition

The Washington Media Scholars Foundation (WMSF) is thrilled to share some exciting updates about our upcoming Media Case Competition. Encourage your students to showcase their strategic prowess and creativity in solving real-world media challenges. The competition will provide a platform for networking, learning, and the chance to win scholarships and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC!. This year's case, "All Bets Are Off" challenges students to assume the role of a media buying executive tasked with helping their fictitious client, Winning Time Inc., defeat a piece of legislation in the Desert State legislature that would permanently ban online sports betting.

The 2024 case documents and detailed instructions on registration can be found on our website, www.mediascholars.org. 

2024 Deadlines:

  • Qualifying Round documents due January 28th 
  • Semifinalists Announced by February 9th 
  •  Submit the Semifinal Round documents due March 17th 
  • Finalists Announced by March 29th
  • Media Scholars week, June 2-7, 2024 in Washington, DC



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