COMMUNICATION THEORY

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Critical Dialogue in Communication Theory

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of COMMUNICATION THEORY through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore COMMUNICATION THEORY in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1050-3293
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1991 to 2024
AbbreviationCOMMUN THEOR / Commun. Theory
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DEPT, 2001 EVANS RD, CARY, NC 27513

Aims and Scopes

Communication Theory focuses on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical research within the field of communication, emphasizing the interplay between media, technology, and society. The journal seeks to advance the understanding of communication processes by exploring diverse perspectives and methodologies.
  1. Interdisciplinary Communication Studies:
    The journal covers a broad range of communication-related topics, integrating insights from various disciplines including sociology, psychology, political science, and media studies, fostering a comprehensive understanding of communication phenomena.
  2. Theoretical Innovations:
    Communication Theory emphasizes the development and critique of theoretical frameworks that explain communication processes, such as media effects, public sphere theory, and the role of technology in shaping communication.
  3. Empirical Research:
    The journal publishes empirical studies that investigate communication practices and their social implications, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide evidence-based insights.
  4. Cultural and Global Perspectives:
    There is a strong focus on cultural diversity and global perspectives in communication, exploring how different cultural contexts influence communication practices and media consumption.
  5. Critical and Reflexive Approaches:
    The journal encourages critical reflections on communication theories and practices, addressing issues of power, ethics, and social justice in communication.
Recent publications in Communication Theory indicate a shift towards emerging themes that reflect current societal changes and technological advancements. This section outlines the most notable trends observed in the journal's recent issues.
  1. Digital Communication and Technology:
    A growing emphasis on digital communication, including the implications of social media, artificial intelligence, and digital propaganda, reflects the increasing relevance of technology in shaping communication practices.
  2. Critical Communication and Social Justice:
    There is a notable trend towards exploring critical perspectives on communication, particularly concerning issues of identity, race, and social justice, highlighting the role of communication in addressing societal inequalities.
  3. Public Sphere and Civic Engagement:
    Recent studies focus on the evolution of the public sphere in the digital age, examining how communication shapes civic engagement, public discourse, and political participation.
  4. Disinformation and Misinformation:
    The journal is increasingly publishing research on disinformation and misinformation, particularly how they affect public perception and communication strategies in contemporary media landscapes.
  5. Ethics and Moral Frameworks in Communication:
    Emerging themes include discussions on ethics in communication practice, exploring moral frameworks that guide communication in various contexts, including journalism and public relations.

Declining or Waning

While Communication Theory continues to evolve, some themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This section highlights areas that have become less central to the journal's focus.
  1. Traditional Media Effects Theories:
    The journal has seen a decrease in publications centered around traditional media effects theories, as scholars shift their focus to more nuanced understandings of media influence in the context of digital and social media.
  2. Static Models of Communication:
    There is a noticeable decline in the use of static or linear models of communication, as the field increasingly embraces dynamic and contextual models that better capture the complexities of contemporary communication.
  3. Historical Communication Studies:
    Research focused solely on historical perspectives of communication has waned, giving way to studies that integrate historical insights with current issues and trends in communication.

Similar Journals

Communications-European Journal of Communication Research

Unveiling Innovations in Communication Scholarship
Publisher: DE GRUYTER MOUTONISSN: 0341-2059Frequency: 4 issues/year

Communications-European Journal of Communication Research is a premier journal published by DE GRUYTER MOUTON, dedicated to fostering scholarly discourse in the field of communication studies. With a publication history spanning over four decades, from 1976 through to 2024, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners interested in the latest advancements and theoretical developments in communication. The journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and has earned a commendable reputation, evidenced by its ranking in the Q2 quartile in both Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Communication categories for 2023. Its Scopus rankings signify its relevance and impact, positioning it within the top quartile of the discipline's literature. Although not an open access journal, it provides access to a wide range of research that contributes significantly to the understanding of communication practices across diverse contexts. Scholars, professionals, and students alike will find a wealth of knowledge that not only sharpens their academic pursuits but also enriches practical applications in the communication landscape.

Canadian Journal of Communication

Connecting Ideas, Cultivating Understanding
Publisher: UNIV TORONTO PRESS INCISSN: 0705-3657Frequency: 4 issues/year

Canadian Journal of Communication, published by University of Toronto Press Inc., serves as a vital conduit for scholarly discourse within the field of communication studies. With an ISSN of 0705-3657 and an E-ISSN of 1499-6642, this esteemed journal holds a Q2 ranking in the category of Communication according to 2023 metrics, reflecting its commitment to high-quality research and innovation. Located in Canada and covering converged years from 2016 to 2024, the journal provides a comprehensive platform for the exchange of ideas, critical analyses, and theoretical advancements that shape our understanding of communication in contemporary society. Although it does not currently offer open access, the journal’s influence is demonstrated by its position in Scopus, ranking #332 out of 511 in the Social Sciences Communication category. This publication is essential for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their knowledge in communication contexts and explore the intricate dynamics that define human interaction.

TRIPLEC-Communication Capitalism & Critique

Decoding Digital Dynamics in Communication Practices
Publisher: TRIPLECISSN: 1726-670XFrequency: 2 issues/year

TRIPLEC-Communication Capitalism & Critique is a distinguished open-access journal published by TRIPLEC since its establishment in 2003. With a strong focus on the intersections of communication practices and capitalist frameworks, this journal provides a vital platform for scholars and practitioners examining the implications of digital technologies and media on society. Based in Austria, TRIPLEC has garnered an impressive reputation, currently holding a Q1 ranking in Communication and a Q2 ranking in Computer Science Applications for 2023. This places it among the top resources in the social sciences, ranked #109 out of 511 communication journals, underscoring its impact and relevance. The journal's commitment to open access ensures that cutting-edge research is freely available, fostering an inclusive knowledge exchange that inspires discourse and innovation. With converged years from 2010 to 2024, TRIPLEC serves as an essential reference for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the critical analysis of communication capitalism.

Comunicacion y Sociedad-Guadalajara

Unlocking knowledge in the realm of communication.
Publisher: UNIV GUADALAJARAISSN: 0188-252XFrequency: 1 issue/year

Comunicacion y Sociedad-Guadalajara is a distinguished peer-reviewed journal published by UNIV GUADALAJARA that plays a vital role in the field of communication studies. With an ISSN of 0188-252X and an E-ISSN of 2448-9042, this journal has embraced Open Access since 2023, ensuring that groundbreaking research is accessible to a wider audience. Hailing from Mexico, it serves as a platform for innovative research and critical discourse in communication, ranking Q2 in the Communication category and securing a notable Scopus rank of #[232/511, positioning it within the top 54th percentile of its field. Covering converged years from 2009 to 2010 and from 2013 to 2024, the journal's objective is to foster scholarly dialogue and advance knowledge across diverse aspects of communication. With a commitment to excellence, Comunicacion y Sociedad-Guadalajara stands as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to engage with contemporary issues in communication.

JOURNAL OF BROADCASTING & ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Connecting Research and Practice in Broadcasting
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0883-8151Frequency: 4 issues/year

The JOURNAL OF BROADCASTING & ELECTRONIC MEDIA, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier academic publication in the field of communication, officially recognized in the Q1 category for its exceptional quality and impact. With a rich history dating back to 1985, this journal serves as a vital platform for innovative research and critical discussions surrounding broadcasting and electronic media, addressing contemporary issues in digital communication, media technology, and audience studies. The journal boasts an impressive Scopus rank of #73 out of 511 in the Social Sciences - Communication category, placing it within the top 15% of its field. Researchers, professionals, and students alike benefit from its insightful articles that contribute to understanding the evolving landscape of media and communication. Although it does not currently operate under an Open Access model, its rigorous peer-review process ensures that published works meet high academic standards, sustaining its reputation as a cornerstone for scholarly discourse in the media industry.

International Journal of Business Communication

Illuminating the Path to Effective Business Engagement
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 2329-4884Frequency: 4 issues/year

International Journal of Business Communication is a distinguished academic platform published by SAGE Publications Inc that serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of Business, Management, Economics, and related disciplines. With its ISSN 2329-4884 and E-ISSN 2329-4892, the journal has attained a prestigious Q1 category status in both business and economics, placing it among the top-tier publications in these sectors. Its impressive Scopus ranking—15th in Economics and 18th in Business—reflects its significance and influence, evidenced by its remarkable performance in the 94th and 90th percentiles respectively. The journal spans from 2015 to 2024, offering comprehensive insights into contemporary business communication practices, theories, and technologies essential for thriving in today's dynamic environments. Although it is not open access, the knowledge contained within its articles is invaluable for advancing understanding and fostering innovation in business communication.

Communication Studies

Fostering Innovation in Communication Theory and Practice
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1051-0974Frequency: 5 issues/year

Communication Studies is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of communication, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd in the United Kingdom. With an ISSN of 1051-0974 and an E-ISSN of 1745-1035, this journal has established itself as a pivotal platform for scholarly work since its inception in 1989. As a member of the esteemed Q1 quartile in communication for 2023, it ranks within the top echelons of the Scopus database, placed at #106 out of 511 in social sciences communication, signaling its influential contribution in the field, with a striking 79th percentile ranking. The journal publishes original research, theoretical discussions, and critical reviews that address various aspects of communication processes and practices, making it invaluable for researchers, professionals, and students who wish to stay abreast of the latest developments. While it currently does not offer Open Access options, its extensive reach and rigorous peer-review process ensure the publication of high-quality, impactful research. For inquiries, the editorial office can be contacted at 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RN, Oxon, England.

COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

Fostering Understanding in the Art of Communication.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0093-6502Frequency: 8 issues/year

COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, published by SAGE Publications Inc, stands as a premier journal in the fields of Communication and Linguistics, boasting an impressive impact factor that reflects its influential contributions to academic scholarship. Since its inception in 1974, this esteemed journal has provided rigorous, peer-reviewed research that delves into the dynamics of human communication, making it a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. With a commendable ranking within the Q1 category for both Communication and Linguistics and consistently placed within the 99th percentile across Scopus ranks, COMMUNICATION RESEARCH is at the forefront of academic inquiry, fostering a deeper understanding of communication processes in diverse contexts. While not an Open Access journal, it offers extensive access options facilitating widespread dissemination of knowledge. Researchers can look forward to an engaging array of cutting-edge studies and theoretical advancements in forthcoming issues, making it an indispensable tool for those studying the complexities of language and communication.

CIC-Cuadernos de Informacion y Comunicacion

Fostering Interdisciplinary Insights in Information Sciences
Publisher: UNIV COMPLUTENSE MADRID, SERVICIO PUBLICACIONESISSN: 1135-7991Frequency: 1 issue/year

CIC-Cuadernos de Informacion y Comunicacion is a leading academic journal published by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, serving as a vital resource for scholars and practitioners in the fields of information and communication studies. Launched in 1995 as an Open Access journal, it provides an invaluable platform for disseminating innovative research and critical analysis related to communication theory, media studies, and information technology. With its focus on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, CIC encourages submissions that explore contemporary challenges and advancements in the information landscape. Although the H-index and Scopus rankings are currently not specified, the journal’s commitment to excellence and accessibility positions it as an important contributor to academic discourse. The journal is based in Madrid, Spain, and aims to reach a global audience of researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to furthering knowledge in the rapidly evolving domains of communication and information sciences.

Journal of Media Ethics

Fostering Ethical Discourse in a Digital Age.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2373-6992Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Media Ethics, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a pivotal platform for scholars and practitioners interested in the intersection of media, ethics, and communication. Operating since 2015, this esteemed journal has consistently contributed to the discourse on ethical frameworks in contemporary media practices, making significant strides in the fields of communication and philosophy. With an impressive Q2 category ranking in Communication and a Q1 category ranking in Philosophy as of 2023, the journal demonstrates its influence and relevance, achieving Scopus ranks that place it in the top 87th percentile for Philosophy and the 62nd percentile for Communication. Despite being a subscription-based journal, it caters to an interdisciplinary audience eager to explore the ethical dimensions of media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find valuable insights and innovative research within its pages, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations in framing media narratives.