Research Programmes
The Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI) grew out of what James Curran described as the Westminster School research tradition, with its roots in media policy and economics, history, and public institutions. This tradition employs empirical, historical and theoretical methodology to explore the changing relations between media, society and modernity, both nationally and internationally. It focuses on understanding social and cultural change through rigorous examinations of the media now and over time. CAMRI has now expanded this approach to consider the media of different countries and cultures.
CAMRI pursues a policy of publishing research monographs and edited books, editorship of journals, securing external grants from a variety of sources, and supporting an international doctoral programme.
CAMRIs profile consists of three research programmes.
Policy and Economics Led by Jeanette Steemers, the group includes Steven Barnett, Hugo de Burgh, Nicholas Garnham, Peter Goodwin, Jill Hills, Anastasia Kavada, Maria Michalis, Naomi Sakr, Colin Sparks, Daya Thussu and Xin Xin. It adopts a political economic approach to the analysis of media policy, regulation, convergence, political communications, developments in the creative industries, and issues connected with global media and democracy. Researchers address relations between power, economics and politics in a changing global environment. Two new Centres have been established, with independent funding, to promote critical research in Chinese and Arabic media (CMC and AMC respectively).
Media History draws on expertise in the social history of public service broadcasting. The group is led by Jean Seaton, and includes David Hendy, Anthony McNicholas, and Maria Way. This group uses archives and oral history to consider questions of public service, the enlightenment project, the history of the BBC and its impact on media and public life.
Media Audiences expands CAMRIs expertise in audiences and genres; diasporic audiences; and creative approaches to audiences, identity and new media. Led by David Gauntlett and Annette Hill, it includes Roza Tsagarousianou, Caroline Dover, Lizzie Jackson, Kaoruko Kondo, Winston Mano and Tarik Sabry. The group shapes current debates in this evolving critical field through active engagement in international projects and networks.
The context of the Westminster tradition has enabled CAMRI and its researchers to conduct critical research and consultancy. Collaboration with academic, political, non governmental, and industry user groups fosters engagement with the wider world, including British, European, Chinese, Arab and African countries. Privileged access to the BBC archives, and government papers, provides unique opportunities for large scale histories and political engagement in media institutions. Diverse funding for research projects allows researchers to shape debates in political economy, globalisation, China, the Middle East, public service broadcasting and audiences. The specialist groupings within CAMRI increasingly interconnect to offer a powerful blend of research interests and expertise which ensures its position as an international centre for critical research in media and social change.