African Journalism Studies

Scope & Guideline

Fostering insights into the evolving landscape of African communication.

Introduction

Welcome to the African Journalism Studies information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of African Journalism Studies, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2374-3670
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2015 to 2024
AbbreviationAFR JOURNAL STUD / Afr. Journal. Stud.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

African Journalism Studies focuses on the dynamics of journalism and media practices within the African context, emphasizing local narratives, representation, and the impact of digital technologies on journalism. The journal aims to contribute to the understanding of journalism as a critical tool for social justice, democracy, and empowerment across the continent.
  1. Media Representation and Social Justice:
    The journal explores how media representations affect marginalized communities and social justice issues, emphasizing the role of journalism in advocating for equity and justice.
  2. Digital and Indigenous Media Practices:
    It examines the intersection of digital technologies and traditional media, particularly how indigenous languages and local contexts shape journalism practices and audience engagement.
  3. Crisis Reporting and Misinformation:
    The focus includes the challenges and strategies of reporting during crises (e.g., health pandemics, political unrest), with a particular emphasis on misinformation and fact-checking.
  4. Journalism Education and Training:
    Analysis of journalism education practices in Africa, looking at how training adapts to the evolving media landscape and the preparation of students for a rapidly changing industry.
  5. Political Economy of Media:
    Investigates the relationships between media practices and political dynamics, including issues of censorship, regulation, and the influence of political actors on media narratives.
Recent publications in African Journalism Studies reveal emerging themes that indicate a shift in research focus towards contemporary challenges and innovations in journalism across Africa. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to current socio-political and technological developments.
  1. Misinformation and Media Literacy:
    There is a growing emphasis on studying misinformation and media literacy, especially in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, as journalists and audiences navigate the complexities of digital news consumption.
  2. Environmental Journalism:
    An emerging focus on environmental issues and climate justice highlights the importance of media in shaping narratives around ecological crises, particularly in the context of African nations.
  3. Community Journalism and Citizen Engagement:
    Research increasingly explores the role of community journalism and citizen engagement, emphasizing grassroots journalism practices and their impact on local narratives.
  4. Digital Transformation and Journalism:
    The impact of digital transformation on journalism practices is being extensively studied, revealing how technology reshapes news production and consumption in African contexts.
  5. Decolonial Perspectives in Journalism:
    There is a rising interest in decolonial approaches to journalism, examining how historical legacies influence contemporary media practices and advocating for more inclusive narratives.

Declining or Waning

While African Journalism Studies has consistently engaged with numerous themes, some areas have shown a decline in publication frequency or emerging prominence. This reflects shifting priorities in the field and the evolving nature of journalism in Africa.
  1. Traditional Media Critique:
    There has been a noticeable decline in the focus on traditional media critiques, possibly overshadowed by the rise of digital platforms and the need to address newer forms of media engagement.
  2. Historical Journalism Analysis:
    Research centered on the historical analysis of journalism practices appears to be waning, as contemporary issues and immediate challenges take precedence over historical investigations.
  3. Ethics in Journalism:
    Discussions surrounding ethical journalism practices, while still relevant, have seen a reduction in frequency, suggesting a shift towards more pressing contemporary issues such as digital misinformation.
  4. Global Comparisons of Journalism Models:
    The comparative studies of African journalism with global models have decreased, indicating a more localized focus on African contexts rather than drawing parallels with global trends.
  5. Cultural Studies of Journalism:
    The intersection of cultural studies and journalism has seen a decline, as the journal increasingly prioritizes empirical and practice-oriented research over theoretical cultural critiques.

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