Posting on August 23, 2026
The Asper Fellowship in Media
Faculty of Information and Media Studies
Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
Appointment Type and Rank: Asper Fellowship in Media, Visiting Non-Member
Number of Positions: One
Posting Date: 5 August 2026
Closing Date to Apply: 15 September 2026
Anticipated Start Date: 1 January 2027 (4-month appointment)
Compensation Details: $31,768 plus Vacation Pay
Position Profile:
The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University invites applications for the Asper Fellowship in Media. The role of the Fellow is to promote public discussion of a range of issues shaping Canadian media today. These issues include but are not limited to the role of artificial intelligence within journalism practice, changing news business models, climate change, and the intersection of media and marginalized or targeted groups in Canada and abroad. The ideal candidate brings to the classroom both technical, multimedia skills and an awareness of broader questions within the field. We especially encourage applications from media practitioners of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including those who study or produce media for and about marginalized or under-represented communities.
The Asper Fellowship in Media (formerly the CanWest Global Fellowship) was established in 2006 through a donation from The CanWest Global Foundation. The aim of the Fellowship is to enrich academic programs in media and journalism at Western, expand research on significant topics in Canadian media, and promote public discussion about Canadian media and the media industry, including the business of media. Appointments are for one-term (four months) during the academic year.
The Fellow is in residence for one term for the coming year, January–April 2027 and will be appointed in the relevant appointment type and rank. The successful applicant will receive compensation of $31,768 plus vacation pay and up to $10,000 to support project activities during the tenure of the fellowship. Support for travel and housing is also available. The amount awarded for project support will depend upon the scope of the proposed project and an approved budget, to be determined in consultation with the Dean.
Academic Expectations:
During the term of the Fellowship, the Asper Fellow will teach one course in an area of expertise directed to one or more of the Faculty's programs, with a particular interest in multimedia. We are especially keen to attract a Fellow who can teach specific technical skills such as social media production and best practices, podcasting, live broadcasting across different platforms, investigative reporting, and or best practices for the use of AI in content production and dissemination. Asper Fellowship teaching takes place in person. The Fellow will also deliver a public lecture, panel, multimedia, or other format event to the Faculty and University community and will be engaged in a significant media-related project that will lead to broader public dissemination.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required:
We anticipate that this position will appeal to journalism/media practitioners or to journalism/media scholars who would value an opportunity to engage in focused teaching and scholarly reflection. We also anticipate that the successful applicant will bring strong journalism leadership experience and multimedia skills, and will use the Asper Fellowship opportunity to enrich teaching and scholarship or media making at Western.
Affirmation Policy Statement
Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.
The Faculty:
The Faculty of Information and Media Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary Faculty. We offer an undergraduate program in Media and Communication Studies (MACS), including a related stream in Media and the Public Interest (MPI) with an enrolment of approximately 1,000 students, and graduate programs in Journalism and Communication, Media Studies, Library and Information Science, and Health Information Science. Information about the Faculty can be found at https://www.fims.uwo.ca/.
The University:
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff, and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real- world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence, and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following: a curriculum vitae; sample publications (maximum 25 pages), and/or links to creative works; names and contact information of three references; a cover letter describing their qualifications and project interests, and a completed Western Full-Time Faculty Application form found here: http://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/faculty/Application-FullTime-Faculty-Position- Form.pdf
Applications should be sent as a single PDF file via email to:
Susan Knabe, Acting Dean
Faculty of Information and Media Studies Western University
FIMS and Nursing Building 2050 London, ON, Canada N6A 5B9
fimsdeanapps@uwo.ca
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applicants will begin after 15 September 2026.
Existing Vacancy Disclosure Statement: This position is an existing vacancy.
Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communications skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please contact Lilianne Dang at (519) 661-2111 ext 86548.
Posting Number: FIMS-2026-061