The panel discussion “Diverse Public?”, moderated by Andreas Schulz-Tomančok, showcased four compelling projects from the Institute for Comparative Media and Communication Studies (CMC). The event was part of the Gender & Diversity Lectures, a series hosted by the Austrian Academy of Sciences and organised by the Working Group on Non-Discrimination (AKG).

Eva Tamara Asboth explored how political positions were negotiated in women’s magazines around Austria’s Constituent Assembly election in 1919—the first in which women were eligible to vote. Although Christina Krakovsky was unable to attend, her research on the conditions for constructive participation in journalism was introduced and discussed by the panel. Krisztina Rozgonyi and Marie Rathmann concluded the project presentations with their respective work on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the ethical frameworks and guidelines that shape media organisations and public communication.

In the final part of the discussion, the panelists reflected on the democratic relevance of their work, the importance of gender-sensitive methodologies, and the institutionalisation of gender and diversity research. They also addressed the limitations and broader implications of tackling inequality—positioning these themes as cross-cutting concerns that inform and connect all of their projects.