Hilde Van den Bulck unpaid guest prof.

Research Hilde Van den Bulck

Research team

Expertise

Policy enabling research and advice, research and advice for media and media related organisations, mediamonitoring research for all kinds of organisations.

Understanding ALGorithmic gatekeepers to promote EPIstemic welfare. 01/01/2023 - 31/12/2026

Abstract

Technological and economic developments have led to the availability of an overwhelming quantity of digital content. Therefore, it has become crucial, in particular for media content providers, to incorporate algorithmic gatekeepers, which filter, rank and recommend content. Are these algorithmic gatekeepers undermining media's contribution to epistemic welfare? In ALGEPI, we start from the novel concept of epistemic welfare, defined as the individuals' right to know and be exposed to trustworthy, independent and diverse information while respecting individual rights to their own data. By connecting legal, political, technological and sociocultural perspectives, we will develop a conceptual framework for epistemic welfare. This framework will allow us to understand the effects of algorithmic gatekeepers on epistemic welfare. The new interdisciplinary research program will build on multi-method empirical research applied to algorithmic gatekeepers. Thanks to the theoretical and empirical findings, we will be able to develop normative instruments to align algorithmic gatekeeping with epistemic welfare. Taking the novel concept of epistemic welfare as a starting point allows all project partners to embark on a joint, integrated exploration of the concept. This may lead to a paradigmatic shift in the conceptualization of the impact of algorithmic gatekeepers in media sectors, proposing to expand the notions of media pluralism and consumer welfare to epistemic welfare.

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  • Research Project

Determining the influence of information overload due to augmented and virtual reality on the situation awareness of duty officers using navigation simulators. 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2020

Abstract

The project ambitions to chart how information overload caused by virtual and augmented reality influences the decision making process of duty officers during a navigational watch on bridge simulators. How information overload arises has to be researched first. In a traditional bridge setting, with wellknown instruments and settings, information overload may occur during difficult navigational circumstances. This information overload might not be experienced in the same way by students or more experienced duty officers. Personality might also play a role in handling or encountering information overload. The question arises weather virtual and augmented reality help to prevent information overload from occurring. Will these new technologies contribute to a higher level of situation awareness in bridge simulators, or will it cause more stress and an overload in already very complex surroundings? Can virtual and augmented reality play a role in avoiding accidents at sea? Can the high level of human errors contributing to marine accidents be lowered by letting duty officers train with virtual and augmented reality? Can training centres contribute to a better acceptance by a ship's crew to these new technologies? Research on the role of virtual and augmented reality in increasing the safety of navigation at sea is currently ongoing at a partner institution in the Netherlands (Maritiem Instituut Willem Barentsz, Terschelling), but not specifically on how virtual and augmented reality may contribute to information overload.

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  • Research Project

Diversity and Information Media : New Tools for a Multifaceted Public Debate (DIAMOND). 01/02/2017 - 31/01/2021

Abstract

Information media diversity is quintessential for the working of contemporary democracies and is currently under threat. Threats emanate from different parallel yet interrelated trends: (1) concentration tendencies in the media with content consequences; (2) possibilities offered by digital technologies to reuse and redistribute existing content through different channels; and (3) possibilities offered by IP address-based technologies to target content at specific audiences. Consequently, the old logic that used to govern the media, that of 'representative diversity', that gives a proportional representation of social groups in society, is no longer sufficient. Given a diversified media production and differentiated audiences, a new, more elaborate and better equipped paradigm through which diversity is obtained and stimulated, is needed. This is why we introduce a novel normative rationale that we label 'responsive diversity'. Rather than being a reflection of society, the notion of responsive diversity assumes that the media hold a mirror to society, pointing at the critical function of news media. In the context of responsive diversity, journalists are not only critical of their sources but also, if necessary, of their audiences by taking them out of their ideological comfort zones. This can be achieved through dialogue with and among news media users. As such, the connective function of responsive diversity takes shape. Often dealt with separately in previous research, we examine three dimensions of diversity in journalistic practice: (1) diversity of issues or the extent to which different news themes are covered; (2) diversity of actors (or identities), looking at actors, belonging to different societal groups (in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and class); (3) viewpoint (or opinion) diversity, or exposure to a variety of perspectives on the issue. The new rationale for media diversity will be elaborated in the normative WP of this project proposal. The guidelines developed in this normative WP will also feed into the development of practical tools that will support the implementation of responsive diversity by three types of actors: (1) policy makers and regulators, (2) media professionals, in particular journalists, and (3) end users of media outputs and their representatives. The knowledge required in this normative framework and the development of the practical instruments will be generated by through a three prong research programme that adresses issues of diversity of content, diversity of supply, and diversity of use.

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  • Research Project

Impact of Public Service Broadcasting 10/03/2016 - 16/09/2016

Abstract

The study is the result of VRT's desire to theoretically frame and academically analyse the concept of 'Societal Impact'. VRT wants the project to analyse how public service broadcasting and societal impact are interconnected, to what extent such a conceptualisation is useful for public service broadcasting and how existing research into societal impact can be understood theoretically.

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  • Research Project

Research in the field of media policy (Sabbatical). 21/09/2015 - 30/09/2016

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

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Project for the update and the pilot test implementation of the media pluralism monitor. 04/06/2015 - 09/10/2015

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Bench mark study of VRT 15/02/2015 - 15/07/2015

Abstract

The aim of this study for The Flemish Government and the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Media is to benchmark 11 European public service media (PSM) in order to get an insight into the position of VRT. The selection includes, next to VRT, PSM from comparable countries and regions (Ireland, Austria, Wallonia, The Nederlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switserland) and two are amongst the leading institutions (France and United Kingdom). Based on extensive study of a range of data, these broadcasters are compared and contrasted with regards to five themes, resulting from an analysis of 53 indicators: (1) Supply/programmes, (2) Crossmedial and digital services, (3) Audience reach and special interest groups, (4) Remit and organisation, and (5) Financing. Results indicate similarities as well as striking differences. Some insights gained from this study include: they are strongly rooted in the media landscape and continue to hold strong position with regards to audience and market shares, but show quite varied forms of organisation. Mixed financing remains dominant but the size and type of commercial revenues differ considerably. In most cases, information, education and culture, together with sports and entertainment make up the key aims of these institutions. PSM have built online and new media services. These and many other results will be analysed and discussed in light of the current debates regarding the role and position of PSM in contemporary media ecologies in Europe.

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  • Research Project

Querying public broadcasting. 01/02/2015 - 30/04/2015

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Follow up study of experts on impartiality at VRT 10/11/2014 - 31/01/2015

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VRT. In the first part of the study experts were asked to provide input regarding what they consider to be objectivity. On the basis hereof, VRT developed a definition. In this second part of the study, expert were asked to evaluate this definition and to benchmark it against examples.

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  • Research Project

Research on the perception of young parenthood among vulnerable young people. 01/02/2013 - 31/05/2013

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. The main objective is to investigate the media representation of young parenthood on Flemish television and its reception among socially vulnerable young people.

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  • Research Project

The Marketplace of ideas: Less owners, less ideas? An interdisciplinary study on the impact of media ownership concentration on media content, outlet and production diversity using a longitudinal and cross-national perspective. 01/01/2013 - 31/12/2016

Abstract

Combining insights from communication studies, political science and economics, the project aims to understand the characteristics of the current media concentration (and resulting media conglomerates) and its impact on content diversity in historical and cross-country comparative perspective to answer the question if concentration of media ownership limits the plurality of issues, actors, viewpoints and discourses in the media, undermining their democratic role.

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  • Research Project

Sexualisation in and by children's media. The content, use, and impact of sexualizing messages among 10- to 12-yearolds. 01/01/2013 - 31/12/2016

Abstract

The researchers propose to fill a critical gap of scholarly knowledge on the concept of sexualisation of children. This concept refers to a process in which young people are drawn in and socialized by a culture that attaches great importance to physical appearance, heterosexual attraction, and romantic and sexual success. The aim of the project is to run a content analysis, qualitative reception analysis, and longitudinal survey in order to observe the content, use, and effect of sexualizing media with 9- to 12-year-olds.

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  • Research Project

Credit for the Libraries in Social Sciences and Humanities (Faculty of Social Sciences). 01/01/2013 - 30/09/2015

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

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  • Research Project

Research Centre MEDIA (2012-2015). 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2015

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Living imagined identities? A longitudinal analysis of the impact of online dating discourse on experienced identities of Russian speaking-Belgian couples 01/07/2010 - 30/06/2014

Abstract

The project combines linguistic pragmatics, anthropology and communication sciences to study transnational "internet marriages". The processes of identity construction of Russian speaking-Belgian couples will be analyzed, with special attention to the constitutive power of online dating site discourse. The added value of the project is the interdisciplinary and longitudinal research design, the ethnographic field work in a pre-migration context, and the inclusion of a male perspective.

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  • Research Project

Population survey in preparation for the new management of the VRT with the Flemish government. 01/12/2009 - 31/05/2010

Abstract

This project investigates the opinion of the audience on the future position and role of public broadcasting in society. Based on a literature review on the task and future of public broadcasting, a representative sample of Flemings (1500 respondentsz) is surveyed. The analysis and interpretation of the data leads to a report analysing the vision of the audience and discussing implications for the future contract between the Flemish government and the public broadcaster.

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  • Research Project

Protection and promotion of Flemish culture and identity. 29/10/2009 - 01/06/2010

Abstract

The project concerns a mid-term review of the 2007-2011 management contract between the VRT and the Flemish Community. The assessment covers the evolving media landscape and the role of the VRT therein and in particular to the area of the evaluation task relating to the protection and promotion of Flemish culture and identity.

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  • Research Project

Culture on public broadcasters. 15/01/2009 - 15/03/2009

Abstract

The aim of this project is the study of the cultural programming of a selection of public service broadcasters in Europe with a view to create benchmarks for the evaluation of the cultural programming on Flemish PSB VRT.

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  • Research Project

Celebrity acitivism: An Empirical Study of the Co-operation between Social Movements and Flemish Celebrities. 01/01/2009 - 31/12/2012

Abstract

The core question of this project looks at how celebrity engagements exert influence on the operations of social movements, and on the relationships of these social movements with one another and with the citizens-consumers. To what extent and in what way is the support of a famous person a necessity for a social movement in a society dominated by media and market-philosophy? In what ways does the presence of the celebrity-activist influence the ideas and actions within the movement or action group? What, if any, are the changes in the relationships between movements that do and do not used a famous face, and, finally, what impact does the introduction of celebrityactivists procure with the wider audience?

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  • Research Project

Celebrity activism: An Empirical Study of the Co-operation between Social Movements and Flemish Celebrities. 01/07/2008 - 31/12/2012

Abstract

An analysis of the impact of the growing celebrity activism: the cooperation between organisations that make up civil society and Flemish celebrities. This entails: the impact of celebrity activism on the content and functioning of social movements and the relationships between these organisations and citizens-consumers. A comparative case design is operationalized via multi-methodical data collection and analysis.

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  • Research Project

Research and evaluation of the news for young people 'Jam' and 'Zoom'. 01/07/2008 - 30/11/2008

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  • Research Project

Study concerning the representation of women and men in publicity in Belgium. 01/04/2008 - 31/12/2008

Abstract

The study involves an analysis of gender representation in advertising and its policy context.. This includes 1. study of past complaints against gender representation in advertising in a Belgian context (2005-2008) and the consultation of representative actors (advertisers, gender organisation in civil society, legal institutions and media) with regards to their views on what is considered acceptable/unacceptable with regards to gender representation in advertising 2. A tool for advertisers based on what was found under 1 3. analyse and compare regulatory frameworks and bodies in different countries to come up with an evaluation and advice with regards to the Belgian case.

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  • Research Project

Media, Gender and Ethnicity: The image of Ethnic Minority Women In and Through Flemish Audiovisual News Media. A Content and Reception Analysis. 01/01/2007 - 31/12/2010

Abstract

Aim and Objectives Media coverage of ethnic minority women (and their perception hereof) is a strongly debated, yet far less researched topic. Especially in relationship to the specific position of women within the ethnic minority community and their participation in wider society, the role of the media is regarded important. In Belgium the discussion is based on impressions rather than research, some interesting studies notwithstanding (cf. d'Haenens & Koeman, 2005). In other countries there are examples of studies of the perception by certain female ethnic groups of their media representation (cf. Gillespie, 1995), but this is rarely linked with a detailed study of the specific content of this type of media content. This project aims to shed new light upon this topic by combining content analysis of news and news commentaries with qualitative reception analysis of these media messages by ethnic minority women. The relationship between the media and gender-specific ethnicity is investigated, in the first part of this research project, by means of a content analysis of the representation and framing of ethnic minority women in an extended sample of non-fiction television programmes. In the second part, we will gain insight into the way in which ethnic minority women deal with this representation by qualitatively studying their viewing habits, perception and interpretations of media portrayal withing the broader reception context. The third part of the research project puts the results of the first and second phase into context by confronting experts (television makers, ethnic minority organisations,¿) with the obtained results. These experst have been dealing with these issues for a long time but, up un til now, have not had at their disposal any systematic analysis of the relation between the content of media messages and the way in which they are perceived and interpreted by ethnic minority women.

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  • Research Project

Representation of Labour. 01/10/2006 - 31/12/2007

Abstract

The study 'Labour in advertising m/v' is part of the ESF study (2006-2007) with regards to the representation of labour in Flemish media. This specific sub study analysis advertising in particular, advertising involving labour. The study analysis the role of man and women in these labour related advertisements. The aim is a handbook on gander in advertising. The study 'labour in advertising m/v' has two parts 1 analysis of an artificial week of advertisements in prime time tv (19 - 21 h) 2 analysis of the ZORRA archive of advertisements (1996-2005)

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  • Research Project

Media Framing and the Attitude Concerning the Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Soft Drugs by Youngsters. 01/05/2005 - 30/04/2009

Abstract

This project deals with the relationship between popular TV series and how Flemish youngsters between the age of 12 and 18 form an attitude on the use of stimulants. Both theoretically and methodologically, the research combines framing research and the literature on the study of representation and stereotyping. Besides an analysis of the use of frames in a case study of the use of alcohol in TV series, an experiment will be set up to explore the effect of mediaframes on the attitude concerning these stimulants by youngsters. The expected outcomes of this project include, first, a better understanding of the interrelationship between media frames and audience frames with regards to the use of alcohol and youngsters, but, second also the applicability of these concpetual and methodological new insights to other cases.

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  • Research Project

The Articulation of National Identity in Belgian Audiovisual Media Content in Light of the Globalisation and Postmodernisation of the Medialandscape and of Society at Large. 01/01/2003 - 31/12/2006

Abstract

The main goal of this project is to analyse the contemporary role of media in collective identity formation. In particular, it sets out to study whether and how notions of national identity ' the key form of collective identification in modernity ' are articulated in a globalising and postmodernising society, particularly in the audiovisual media in Belgium. The Flemish and French speaking audiovisual media can be considered an excellent field of study as the articulation of collective identities within these communities and their media have always been a central and complex topic. The project wants to look at the way in which broadcasters, in the changing media and society, articulate, create and maintain collective identity. To this end, on the one hand, a theoretical framework will be built. On the other hand an actual analysis will be done, concentrating on Flemish and French speaking audiovisual media content, situated within the specific social changes of the last few decades. Both policy analysis of public and commercial broacasters and actual content analysis will be conducted.

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  • Research Project

'Who Elected WTO?' Political Legitimacy of International Organisations (EU and WTO). 01/03/2002 - 31/12/2004

Abstract

International organisations such as WTO, IMF, World Bank, FTAA, EU and G8 are faced with a problem of political legitimacy. Indeed, the anti-globalisation movement can be seen to mobilise not only against the negative social and ecological consequences of economic globalisation, but also against the so-called `undemocratic nature' of international decision making. The growing emigration of decision making powers from the nation state to international organisations has made the issue of legitimacy more salient. The geographic and social distance between the centre of decision making and the citizens has grown considerably, a key issue in the literature concerning multilevel governance. It is exactly this crisis of legitimacy, faced by international organisations, that makes up the focal point of our research project. For our case studies we opted for two very divergent international organisations, which can be seen to occupy the end positions on the continuum from supranational to intergovernmental: the European Union (EU) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It is impossible to include all aspects of legitimacy of international organisations in this project. For this reason, the project focusses on certain aspects. Central to the debate, of course, is the anti-globalisation movement. So we want to find out: Who are these people, What do they want? How do they mobilise? To get an in-depth understanding, we use a variety of research methods. Since international institutions are far removed from the general public, we can assume a significant role for the media in creating knowledge of and attitudes towards these organisations. To this end, an extensive media analysis will be conducted of a range of media, both longitudinal and centred around certain top meetings (Laken ' EU and Quatar ' WTO). How often and when do media report on the EU and WTO? In what way do they report on them? Political legitimacy is not just a matter of structures being more or less democratic. It is equally concerned with the way these political institutions are perceived. In this respect, the attitudes of the population towards the EU and WTO are very significant. Based on existing survey data, we try to analyse the attitudes of the Belgian population towards EU and WTO. These will be connected to the other aspects of legitimacy under study.

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  • Research Project

Installation allowance. 14/02/2002 - 31/12/2002

Abstract

The funding will be used to obtain relevant material fit for data collection and analysis.

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    • Research Project