Des Freedman Goldsmiths, University of London & project lead for the Inquiry Publishing a report into the future of television only five days after the EU referendum result was not exactly our preferred option given that attention was likely to be focused elsewhere. Except that so many of the themes of the report – including …Continue Reading

Gholam Khiabany Goldsmiths, University of London The Chilcot report was published on July 6, 2016. On many levels the report is impressive. The report is a product of examining around 150,000 documents; over 180 interviews with variety of witnesses; 2.6 million words in 12 volumes; 150 page executive summary. It took more than 7 years …Continue Reading

Daniel Jackson Bournemouth University The Referendum campaign and the fallout of Brexit has been particularly disturbing for the university sector. During the campaign, with the Remain camp assembling a formidable army of academic experts from all sectors, we saw an alarming diminution in the role of expertise. This was captured now-famously by former Education minister, …Continue Reading

Bethany Usher Teesside University At the international Celebrity Studies Journal conference in Amsterdam Brexit dominated conversations with British colleagues as we struggled to come to terms with the rise and increased visibility of the far-right at home. Most delegates were shocked. “No one on my Facebook on Twitter timeline was voting out”, they said, “I …Continue Reading

Arne Hintz Cardiff University The uncertainties of the post-Brexit-Referendum period have concerned, among others, a major legislative project that is currently developed – the Investigatory Powers Bill. The Bill is a comprehensive new legal framework for the surveillance powers of British security agencies, and as such, it has significant implications for civil rights and academic …Continue Reading

Barry Richards Bournemouth University A number of my academic colleagues and friends are worried about Prevent. Amongst MeCCSA members there is probably quite a high level of worry. At the end of last year, as universities were establishing policies and procedures to meet the new Prevent requirements, there was a flurry of emails to the …Continue Reading