International Journal of Sport Communication

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Sports and Communication for a Dynamic Future

Introduction

Welcome to the International Journal of Sport Communication 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 International Journal of Sport Communication, 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
ISSN1936-3915
PublisherHUMAN KINETICS PUBL INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2018 to 2024
AbbreviationINT J SPORT COMMUN / Int. J. Sport Commun.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1607 N MARKET ST, PO BOX 5076, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61820-2200

Aims and Scopes

The International Journal of Sport Communication aims to advance the understanding of the complex interplay between communication, media, and sport. It focuses on various dimensions of sport communication, including the impact of media practices, audience engagement, and the role of cultural narratives in shaping sports discourse.
  1. Sport Media and Communication Practices:
    The journal explores how various forms of media, including traditional and social media, influence the communication strategies of sports organizations, athletes, and fans.
  2. Cultural Narratives and Representation:
    It examines the representation of diverse groups in sports, focusing on how cultural narratives shape public perceptions and the media portrayal of athletes and events.
  3. Fan Engagement and Consumer Behavior:
    Research in this area investigates how fans interact with sports through media channels, including social media, and the implications for consumer behavior and marketing strategies.
  4. Gender and Diversity in Sports:
    The journal highlights issues of gender equity and diversity in sports communication, analyzing how these factors impact coverage, representation, and audience engagement.
  5. Crisis Communication in Sports:
    It addresses how sports organizations manage communication during crises, including scandals, public relations challenges, and social issues affecting the sports landscape.
  6. Emerging Technologies in Sports Communication:
    The journal explores the impact of new technologies, such as AI and augmented reality, on sports communication and fan engagement.
The International Journal of Sport Communication has identified several emerging themes that reflect current trends in the field. These themes indicate a shift in focus towards more contemporary issues in sports communication.
  1. Social Media and Athlete Activism:
    An increasing number of studies explore how athletes use social media platforms for activism, reflecting a broader societal trend of athletes engaging in social and political issues.
  2. Mental Health in Sports:
    There is a growing emphasis on mental health topics within sports media, highlighting the importance of mental well-being among athletes and the role of media in shaping public discourse.
  3. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:
    Research examining diversity and inclusion within sports organizations is on the rise, focusing on how these initiatives affect communication strategies and audience perceptions.
  4. Impact of Digital Technologies on Fan Engagement:
    The exploration of how emerging digital technologies, such as AI and augmented reality, influence fan engagement practices is gaining traction, reflecting the evolving landscape of sports communication.
  5. Crisis Management and Communication Strategies:
    There is a notable increase in research focused on crisis communication strategies in sports, particularly how organizations respond to scandals and public relations challenges in real-time.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continuously evolves, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This reflects the shifting interests and challenges within the field of sport communication.
  1. Traditional Media Analysis:
    Research focused solely on traditional media analysis, such as print and broadcast journalism, has diminished as the field shifts towards more integrated approaches that encompass digital and social media.
  2. Static Representations of Athletes:
    There has been a waning focus on static representations of athletes, such as traditional biographies, as the journal increasingly emphasizes dynamic and interactive portrayals through social media.
  3. Overemphasis on Quantitative Methods:
    The reliance on quantitative methods in sport communication research has seen a decline, with a growing preference for qualitative and mixed-method approaches that provide deeper insights into communication practices.
  4. Single-Sport Studies:
    Research concentrating on single sports or leagues is less frequent, as the journal embraces broader, cross-sport analyses that reflect the interconnectedness of global sports culture.

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