The European Commission recently fined Google a record €2.42 billion (~$2.73 billion) for anti-trust violations in relation to its Google’s Shopping search comparison. One of the most significant anti-trust rulings in Europe since the 2004 Microsoft decision, it reflects the European Commission's assessment of Google's effect on competition in digital markets. In light of this decision it is fair to ask how must we assess the impact of large tech companies like Google on the free flow of information and our ability to make informed choices and decisions. 

This week we look for answers in new media and media development research that investigates the challenges of digitalisation and a dramatic change within the traditional institutional and economic framework of independent media. We also announce the 2017 IAMCR conference 'Transforming Culture, Politics & Communication: New media, new territories, new discourses' and the pre-conference 'Reflections on Foreign Aid, Philanthropy and Change in Media Systems' organised by the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA), the School of Media and Communication at the University of Leeds, the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI) at the University of Westminster, and Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) to be held between 15 and 20 July 2017 in Cartagena, Colombia.