Call for papers and speakers
Following are a few tentative topics for discussions at the conference, but not limiting to the same.

The evolution of the concept of Ombudsman in different parts of the world and where are we with it now?
Is there an urgent need for a strong ombudsman to restore the integrity and credibility of Indian media?
Ombudsman: The unique and torturous experience of Great Britain.
United States: The First Amendment and do those lofty ideals still hold good?
Is media really reaping the benefits of Rights to Information (RTI) act and policies?
With the advent of new social media, is the old traditional media struggling to retain its identity and value?
How was communication success measured before and what has changed now?
Corporates investing more on digital social media as against conventional media channels. What’s the future?
Is Right to Expression in Article 19 of the Constitution of India under threat or is it being grossly abused?
Can social media and governments work together to bring out the best for its citizens?
With rising corporate social responsibilities (CSR) of various organizations, can media bridge the gap of opportunities and resources?
What are the new-found challenges faced by corporates in the era of digital media?
With corporates owning or buying media houses, how credible is news now and does it pose a threat to future of democracy?
The obnoxious growth of paid news... is there a way to end it?
Should the code of conduct for media be revised?
Are corporates, victims of media politics. What’s true and what’s not?
Has News Broadcasters Association failed to set stringent standards and enforce them among its members?
Should Press Council of India (PCI) be expanded to include the functioning of the electronic media or should there be a separate body for electronic and digital media? What can we do to strengthen PCI?
Journalists and opinion bloggers are killed for their stories and blogs around the world. How bad is the situation, globally?
Best examples of whistle-blower protection across the world.
University relations by multinational corporations are a hot cup of tea. Why?
How can various individuals and organisations, make good and effective use of the strong Right to Information (RTI) provisions available in India?
How can NGOs use digital-social media to reach masses and have an impacting awareness on various causes and projects?
What’s the roadmap for Doordarshan and All India Radio in the new media era?
Are governments justified in media regulation in the name of national security?
Do governments feel bullied or cornered by aggressive media?
Advertising is gone, public relations is back again big time. Yes?
With the advent of social and digital media, is the credibility and relevance of traditional media at its lowest ebb?
Changing global media scenarios across different geographies. What’s new and what’s gone?
Lacunae in the Indian Whistle-blower Act and the need to rectify them.
What are the perils of governments trying to control media around the world?
What’s really threatening media freedom? Let us have the Indian and international perspectives.
The pros and cons of the move to restrict access to the pornographic sites. How do other democracies around the world deal with pornographic sites, especially, child pornography?
Ombudsman has no place in a true democracy. It simply does not work. Yes?
With media houses taking political sides, neutrality being compromised and approach to issue under doubt, is it the last chance for media credibility in the eyes of public?

Important dates and deadlines

15 December 2015: Last date for abstract submission
16 December 2015: GCA will send abstract receipt notification latest by this date
20 December 2015: Last date for early-bird registrations
15 January 2015: Last date for full-length paper submission