Latter-day Saints and Media Studies Symposium

PAPER SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JAN. 6, 2026

LATTER-DAY SAINTS AND MEDIA SYMPOSIUM

The Church in an Era of Media Stratification

FEBRUARY 26-28, 2026

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS

LA'IE, HAWAII

It has been happening for years and is sure to continue, legacy media has taken a back seat to social media-influencers, podcasters, YouTubers, TikTokkers, etc. which have become the primary platforms visited for information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its shifting identity, changing organizational norms, and innovations such as artificial intelligence and approaches to conversion, retention, and transparency. Compared to its membership numbers, the Church continues to receive an out-sized focus in online forums, social media channels, and video streaming platforms, not to mention more traditional journalistic coverage, and other areas of popular culture.

In 2026, the Latter-day Saints and Media Symposium aims to explore the ways in which the Church is adapting to this stratified media environment, while also exploring how news media and other forms of communication are adapting to the Church’s repositioning of identity, including historical efforts from the beginning of the Church to present.

Additionally, on this 10th anniversary of our first LDSMSS in Hawaii, the 2026 Latter-day Saints and Media Symposium (hosted at BYU-Hawaii) invites topical research and presentations focusing on Oceania and the Pacific Rim,

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Submission of Paper and Panel Proposals

Academics, professionals, and students are invited to submit competitive papers or panel proposals about any aspect of Latter-day Saints and the media. Papers and panels may be broadly interdisciplinary; international perspectives are strongly encouraged; all rigorous scholarly methodological frameworks and theories are welcome.

Submissions should be either full papers (preferred; approx. 6,000–8,000 words, with 100-word abstract) or extended abstracts (approx. 500 words). Proposals for audio and/or visual presentations (including short films) with rigorous analysis are welcome. Proposals for panel discussions with related research are also welcome. Works-in-progress are acceptable. Scholars, including graduate students, are encouraged to submit proposals.

Examples of topics include but are not limited to:

• Analyses of media content by or about Latter-day Saints (textual, rhetorical, thematic, etc.) in various cultures.
• Media produced by the institutional Church or Church members (contemporary, historical, international, etc.): Internet, social media, newspapers, magazines, books, television, radio, film, etc.
• Comparative analysis of religion and use of Artificial Intelligence and how the Church situates itself in the ongoing discussions about AI.
• Content, producers, and effects of recent and historical depictions of Latter-day Saints in news and popular culture, particularly from sources outside the institutional Church and from non-Latter-day Saints.
• Latter-day Saints, media & politics, domestic and international.
• Latter-day Saint media uses and effects, including social media.
• Latter-day Saint media images and depictions (contemporary & historical)
• Concepts of voice, identity, and community in media by or about Latter-day Saints.
• Content and effects of institutional Church public relations, advertising, and messaging
• Audience studies: meaning-making, effects, responses, influences, behavior and attitudinal changes
• Institutional Church perspectives on media: responses and effects
• Latter-day Saints as media creators, producers, publishers, inventors, disseminators, editors, writers, etc.; or others in these categories who have produced media or content related to Latter-day Saints as both subject and audience.
• Latter-day Saint-related film, TV programming, reality show participation, science fiction etc.
• Comparative studies (Church members and media as compared to other religions or institutions)
• Historical, sociological, literary, rhetorical, legal, international, psychological, etc. perspectives on Latter-day Saints and media
• Latter-day Saint-related entertainment, theater, music, film, video, and popular culture productions
• Centripetal communications targeting Church membership
• “Friendly fire” messaging ​

Papers presented at the symposium will be given special consideration, at the authors’ discretion, for publication in the Journal of Media and Religion.

How to Submit?

Paper, panel, and presentation proposals must be submitted by January 5, 2026, in Word or PDF format as an email attachment to ldsmediastudies@gmail.com . If you have questions, you can call or text Joel Campbell at (801) 362-4298

Organizers

Brent Cowley, faculty, BYU-Hawaii

Joel Campbell, visiting faculty, BYU-Hawaii

Ben Whisenant, Church History Department

Conference Registration

$100

Special Conference Room Rate

Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore for 309.00 USD per night

Last Day to Book : Monday, January 26, 2026

Special rates are available for guests attending Latter-day Saints Media Studies Symposium for February 26 - March 1, 2026. A 3-night minimum applies. The group rate is available for pre and post stays, which is based on availability. Check-in time is 4 PM. Due to the hotel's high daily occupancy, an early check-in will likely not be available. Please plan accordingly, either arriving the day prior or making other arrangements.

The hotel provides an alcohol-free environment, with alcohol-free zones in all public areas. Feel free to enjoy beverages of your choice in your guest room.

Should you require assistance with your reservation, e-mail laiemarriott@gmail.com.

We look forward to your visit to the North Shore!

Reservation link

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1756510756106&key=GRP&app=resvlink