PhD Position in the History of Democracy and Media Governance (1970s)

This four-year PhD position at Utrecht University investigates how social movements, intellectuals, and alternative media initiatives challenged the public media model during the 1970s, reshaping democratic norms and governance. As part of an NWO-funded VIDI project, the successful candidate will conduct comparative research across Western Europe, analysing primary sources and archival materials to trace the emergence of participatory, pluralistic media ideals. The role involves collaborative work with a postdoctoral researcher and project leader, focusing on the historical foundations of modern media liberalization and its democratic implications. Applicants should demonstrate expertise in historical research methods, archival work, and a passion for democratic studies.

• Conduct comparative historical research on how social movements, intellectuals, and alternative media initiatives challenged the public media model in Western Europe during the 1970s.
• Analyze primary sources and archival materials to trace the evolution of democratic ideals related to media governance, focusing on participation, pluralism, and autonomy.
• Investigate the transnational circulation of ideas, actors, and practices that influenced media policy debates and democratic governance.
• Collaborate with a postdoctoral researcher and project leader to integrate findings into the broader NWO-funded VIDI project.
• Present research findings at academic conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in the research community at Utrecht University’s Department of History and Art History.