08/12/2025

2026 ECA Communication Law and Ethics Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions 
Communication Law and Ethics Interest Group  
The 117th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association  
Emergence  
Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA  

April 9 – 12, 2026  

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025, 11:59 pm PST  

The Eastern Communication Association will hold its 117th Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from Thursday, April 9 through Sunday, April 12, 2026. The convention theme is “Emergence.” The deadline for submissions is October 19, 2025, 11:59pm PST.

In describing the convention theme “Emergence,” the 2025 Convention Planner writes that the “theme invites reflection on the emergence of new perspectives, enlightenment, or awakening; the rise of cultural or societal trends, movements, or norms; and the emergence of creative ideas, movements, or transformative works.”

We live in an age of disruption. With longstanding legal precedents and ethical principles in question, controversies surrounding questions of communication law and ethics emerge on a daily basis. The Communication Law and Ethics Interest Group seeks individual papers and panel/roundtable submissions that focus on the examination of debates surrounding (but not limited to)

• Online content moderation and the rise of hate speech 
• Misinformation and Disinformation
• Restrictions on speech in educational settings
• Recent legislation impacting free expression
• Privacy and Data Security
• Censorship through "hostile environment" laws
• Government Pressure on Media 
• Defamation Lawsuits
• Criminalization of Speech
• Social Media Ethics
• Ethical Implications of AI

These are just a few possible topics relevant to the current study of communication law and ethics. While we encourage any and all relevant submissions, we especially welcome submissions that speak to the convention theme of “Emergence.”

The Communication Law & Ethics Interest Group invites three types of submissions. The specific requirements for each are as follows. 

When submitting a paper, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields: 

• Title  
• Author/s  
• Abstract  
• Categories: Indicate if student and/or debut paper
• Additional Information:
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling. 
• Documents: Upload Main Document (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.) 
  • At the bottom of the cover page, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached paper, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this paper if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.

Note: Use consistent formatting: APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago style

When submitting panel proposals, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:

• Title  
• Chair/Respondents  
• Abstracts: Add individual presentation titles, descriptions, and presenters
• Panel Description  
• Rationale  
• Documents: Upload any relevant documents. (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.)  
  • In the document, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this panel if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.
• Additional Information:
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling. 

Note: Chairs should not be additionally designated as Respondents.

When submitting roundtable/workshop proposals, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:

• Title  
• Participants: Enter Chair and Featured Expert/s information  
• Round Table Description (100 words or less)  
• Rationale  
• Documents: Upload any relevant documents. (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.)  
  • In the document, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this panel if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.
• Additional Information:
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling.  
  • Target Audience: Describe the intended audience, including who would most benefit from attending.

Technology A/V Availability
The 2026 Convention will be fully equipped with technology capabilities. A projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, and Wi-Fi will be available in all breakout rooms. Presenters must supply their own laptop. Google Slides and PowerPoint templates featuring the convention theme and logo are available on the convention tab of the website. We encourage all attendees to take full advantage of these resources to create engaging presentations! 

All submissions must be uploaded through Attendee Interactive, accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/. For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit the ECA website: http://www.ecasite.org/. 

All questions or concerns related to submissions, and to the Communication Law & Ethics Interest Group can be directed to its program coordinator:  

Tom Flynn 
thomas.flynn@sru.edu
Strategic Communication, Media and Sports Management Department
213H Eisenberg Bldg. 
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 
Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026