COMMUNICATION THEORY

Scope & Guideline

Exploring Innovative Theories in Communication Studies

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of COMMUNICATION THEORY with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
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

Communication Studies

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Communication Studies
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 Reports

Fostering dialogue and innovation in communication research.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0893-4215Frequency: 3 issues/year

Communication Reports is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of communication studies. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this influential journal has successfully contributed to the academic discourse since its inception, with converged publication years from 1988 to 1995 and from 2005 to 2024. With an impressive impact in its categories—achieving a Q1 ranking in Communication and Linguistics, as well as a Q2 ranking in Education—it stands as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners alike. The journal consistently publishes high-quality research that tackles diverse aspects of communication, creating an intellectually stimulating platform that encourages insightful discussions and innovative ideas. Despite not being an Open Access journal, its extensive reach and reputable scholarly contributions make it an invaluable asset for anyone committed to understanding the nuances of communication in today’s complex world. The journal is based in the United Kingdom, at 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RN, Oxon, England.

International Communication Gazette

Advancing Interdisciplinary Insights in Communication Studies
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1748-0485Frequency: 8 issues/year

The International Communication Gazette is a prestigious academic journal published by SAGE Publications Inc. that has been at the forefront of communication studies since its inception in 1961. With a focus on interdisciplinary research, this journal aims to explore the ever-evolving landscape of communication within the contexts of sociology and political science. Ranking in the top quartile (Q1) in both the Communication and Sociology & Political Science fields, it offers significant insights into current trends and theories, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal holds a commendable position in Scopus rankings, standing at #82 out of 511 in Communication and #245 out of 1466 in Sociology and Political Science, reflecting its impact and relevance in the scholarly community. Although it is not an open-access journal, the International Communication Gazette remains committed to disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research that sparks discussions and furthers understanding in the dynamic world of global communication.

JAVNOST-THE PUBLIC

Pioneering Insights in Public Communication
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1318-3222Frequency: 4 issues/year

JAVNOST - THE PUBLIC is a prestigious academic journal that has established itself as a leading platform within the field of communication. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd in the United Kingdom, this journal caters to researchers, professionals, and students interested in the multifaceted dynamics of public communication and societal engagement. With an impressive Q1 ranking in the Communication category as of 2023 and a Scopus ranking of #166/511, placing it in the 67th percentile, it is widely recognized for its rigorous research contributions and theoretical insights. The journal has been in continuous circulation since its inception in 1994, and it actively seeks to publish high-quality, empirical studies that explore the nuances of public discourse, media influence, and societal interactions. Though a traditional publication, JAVNOST - THE PUBLIC remains committed to advancing the field by offering valuable resources and knowledge crucial for addressing contemporary challenges in public communication.

Discourse & Communication

Empowering voices through interdisciplinary exploration.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1750-4813Frequency: 6 issues/year

Discourse & Communication, published by SAGE Publications Inc, stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, bridging the realms of Communication and Linguistics. Since its inception in 2007, this esteemed journal has consistently maintained a Q1 quartile ranking, underscoring its impact and relevance within the academic community, particularly with an impressive 89th percentile ranking in Social Sciences - Linguistics and Language and a notable 75th percentile in Social Sciences - Communication. The journal seeks to foster critical dialogue and innovative perspectives through empirical studies, theoretical contributions, and methodological advancements. Researchers, professionals, and students alike can benefit from its rich repository of knowledge and cutting-edge research, ensuring a robust platform for the exploration and dissemination of ideas in the field. With its dedicated focus on discourse analysis and communication studies, Discourse & Communication remains an essential resource for anyone engaged in the evolving landscape of social interaction and language use.

MEDIA CULTURE & SOCIETY

Unveiling the Complex Ties Between Media, Culture, and Society
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0163-4437Frequency: 8 issues/year

MEDIA CULTURE & SOCIETY, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary exploration of media, culture, and societal dynamics. With a long-standing history since its inception in 1979 and extending to 2024, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students interested in understanding the complex interplay between media and cultural phenomena. Operating from the United Kingdom, it holds a prestigious Q1 ranking in both communication and sociology/political science categories, reflecting its significant impact within these fields. The journal’s Scopus ranks further attest to its excellence, placing it in the top percentiles and making it an essential resource for advancing scholarly discussions. While not open access, MEDIA CULTURE & SOCIETY continues to provide insightful analyses that shape contemporary discourse on the role of media in society, ensuring its relevance and importance to academic communities worldwide.

Question

Bridging academia and practice in communication.
Publisher: UNIV NACIONAL PLATA, INST INVESTIGACIONES & COMUNICACION-IICOMISSN: 1669-6581Frequency: 4 issues/year

Question is a premier open-access journal published by UNIV NACIONAL PLATA, INST INVESTIGACIONES & COMUNICACION-IICOM, dedicated to advancing scholarship in the field of communication and journalism. Since its inception in 2005, this journal has served as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to disseminate innovative research findings and theoretical discussions that shape contemporary communication practices. Operating out of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, it engages a global audience by addressing critical topics within communications, including media studies, social communication, and the impact of digital technologies. With its robust commitment to open access, Question ensures that its high-quality content is freely available, fostering a collaborative academic environment and broadening the reach of research in the communications discipline. As a valuable resource, this journal stands at the intersection of academia and practice, inviting contributions that push the boundaries of knowledge in communication.

TRIPLEC-Communication Capitalism & Critique

Challenging Norms in Communication and Capitalist Critique
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.

Canadian Journal of Communication

Fostering Insightful Dialogues in Communication Studies
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.

Journal of Media Ethics

Shaping the Future of Ethical Communication.
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.