The International Media Management Academic Association (IMMAA) is a global association of scholars with expertise in research and education in the field of media management and economics in all their diversity. Our community works to advance meaningful research, provide high-quality teaching, and produce practical value for strategic applications.
Founded at the turn of the 21st century as a collaboration of several pioneers in the establishment of this field, IMMAA’s origins can be traced to two seminal gatherings in Chicago (2004 and 2005) that were convened by Professor John Lavine, then Dean of the Medill School of Journalism and former Director of the Media Management Centre at Northwestern University. The founding group consisted of about 20 distinguished scholars from the United States and Europe. Initially, the association was defined as the International Media Management Academic Forum (IMMAF) with an intention to advance research and education in the early period of digital transformation of media industries.
A process to establish a more formal association was initiated in 2012 during the annual meeting held that year in Lisbon, Portugal. Professors Eli Noam (Colombia University), Paulo Faustino (Porto University), John Lavine, and Christian Scholz (Saarland University) formed an executive committee to lead the process. IMMAA is the result of this process.
IMMAA’s mission is to produce, facilitate, and support the advancement and integration of academic inquiry, professional practice, and teaching about media management and economics in the context of digital disruption and transformation. Through its annual conferences, publications by community members, a webinar series called CITI produced at Columbia University, and collaboration in research, IMMAA promotes intellectual exchange pertinent to innovation, strategy, regulation, governance, and the economics of media companies and industries today.
The association investigates the increasingly complex and dynamic digital media environment as an interdisciplinarity community of researchers, many of whom have practical experience in managing and consulting with media firms. Our collective efforts seek to advance theory and support efforts to produce improved competencies in professional management practice, the exercise of impactful leadership, developing corporate strategy, assessing the impact and implications of policy, and improving clarity in the context of competitive turbulence. IMMAA is positioned at the vanguard of thought leadership, scholarly research, teaching excellence, and applied practice in the field of media management and economics.
IMMAA warmly welcomes emerging scholars, senior scholars, and industry practitioners with an interest in academia to participate and contribute in the work and events of a globally engaged community.
The association is open to professors, researchers, media management practitioners, and students worldwide. Our goal is to develop a strongly interconnected community of individuals who aim to expand research and expertise in the business of media management. IMMAA offers a unique opportunity for scholars, experts, and aspiring practitioners to foster the exchange of ideas and cultivate opportunities for learning and engagement.
IMMAA consortium is a forum that opens a variety of resources for individuals to learn more about media management and connect with like-minded individuals. IMMAA community is built upon the valuable contributions of our members. We ensure each member gets a curated experience that helps them advance their goals.
Our goal is to make knowledge more equitable and accessible to scholars free of cost within our diverse network of members.
IMMAA members hail from reputable academic institutions worldwide. Their interest in engaging with innovative research in media management has built a strong community geared to review, publish, and promote research.
To keep up with global trends in media management, IMMAA offers specialized workshops to help practitioners expand their knowledge and engage with other professionals from various organizations. IMMAA bridges the gap between industry and scholars by providing conferences and roundtables that gather the best of both worlds. Professionals get access to prime research developed by scholars and research centers and opportunities to comment on novel findings and engage in applied research opportunities. By being part of the IMMAA international networks, professionals meet experts with global experiences and expand their associate and partnership networks.
Students can access resources through IMMAA, seek mentorship within our community and forge lasting connections. Key insights and expertise gained through the IMMAA consortium can help young professionals hone their skills in the industry and broaden their career aspirations.
Every year the IMMAA community comes together to talk about the trends in media management. IMMAA conferences provide a unique opportunity for members to share their work, network, and participate in conversations of global significance. The conference is an excellent opportunity to promote members’ research and work with the community.
The International Media Management Academic Association brings together professors, researchers, and practitioners of media management from around the world. They are linked by a commitment to understand and teach the business of media.
IMMAA Bylaws
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