This is a one-day event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Centre for Mass Communication Research which was established at the University of Leicester in 1966 – the first specialist research centre of its kind in the UK. Founded by James D. Halloran, the Centre was the administrative headquarters of IAMCR (with Halloran as President) from 1972 to 1987 and was incorporated into a newly-created Department of Media and Communication in 2006. 

Distinguished scholars (including past and present academic staff and alumni) will reflect on Leicester's influence on the field of media and communication research and how it has shaped their own ideas and the direction of contemporary media scholarship.

There will be no call for papers for this pre-conference. Instead the event will comprise a panel of invited speakers followed by a roundtable discussion and will conclude with a celebratory drinks reception.

Centre and Department colleagues (past and present), alumni, as well as IAMCR members are invited to attend. Space will be limited so advance registration will be required.