Journal of African Media Studies

Scope & Guideline

Transforming the Discourse on African Media Studies.

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of African Media 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 Journal of African Media 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
ISSN2040-199x
PublisherINTELLECT LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2011 to 2024
AbbreviationJ AFR MEDIA STUD / J. Afr. Media Stud.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE MILL, PARNALL RD, BRISTOL BS16 3JG, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of African Media Studies primarily aims to foster a deeper understanding of media practices, representations, and their socio-political implications within the African context. It encompasses a wide range of topics that critically examine the role of media in shaping narratives, identities, and societal change across the continent.
  1. Media Representation and Identity:
    The journal explores how various media forms represent African identities and cultures, analyzing the impact of these representations on societal perceptions and self-identification within local and global contexts.
  2. Digital Media and Technology:
    A significant focus is on the influence of digital media technologies, including social media, on communication practices, audience engagement, and the re-negotiation of traditional media roles in the African landscape.
  3. Crisis Communication and Public Health:
    The journal addresses the role of media in public health communication, especially during crises such as pandemics, examining how information is disseminated and perceived by different audiences.
  4. Political Economy of Media:
    The journal investigates the intersection of media and politics, analyzing how media serves as a tool for political contestation, governance, and public engagement in various African nations.
  5. Cultural Production and Popular Media:
    It highlights the role of media in cultural production, particularly in music and film, and how these forms contribute to political discourse and social change.
  6. Gender and Media:
    The journal critically examines the portrayal and participation of gender in media, exploring issues of representation, empowerment, and the role of media in challenging gender norms.
The Journal of African Media Studies has demonstrated a dynamic evolution in its thematic focus, reflecting the changing realities and challenges faced by African societies. This section outlines the emerging themes that have gained traction in recent publications.
  1. COVID-19 and Media Responses:
    A substantial increase in publications addressing the media's role during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights its critical importance in crisis communication, public health messaging, and societal resilience.
  2. Youth Engagement and Social Media:
    Emerging themes around the engagement of young Africans with social media platforms, particularly in expressing identity, agency, and political participation, reflect a growing interest in youth narratives and digital activism.
  3. Climate Change Communication:
    Recent studies are increasingly focused on how African media addresses climate change, showcasing the importance of local narratives and discussions around environmental issues in the context of global discourse.
  4. Gender and Digital Media:
    There is a rising emphasis on gender dynamics within the digital media landscape, exploring how women use digital platforms for empowerment and activism, highlighting issues related to representation and gendered narratives.
  5. Humor and Political Discourse:
    The use of humor, particularly in the context of political commentary and public engagement during crises, is a notable trend, reflecting how humor serves as a coping mechanism and tool for critique in contemporary African societies.

Declining or Waning

While certain themes have been prominent in the Journal of African Media Studies, some areas appear to be declining in focus based on recent publications. This section highlights those areas that are receiving less attention in the current media discourse.
  1. Traditional Media Analysis:
    There seems to be a waning focus on traditional media forms, such as print journalism and conventional television, as the journal's recent publications increasingly emphasize digital platforms and new media technologies.
  2. Historical Media Studies:
    The exploration of historical contexts and their impact on contemporary media practices appears to be less prevalent, with a shift towards current events and immediate socio-political issues.
  3. Media Ethics and Regulation:
    Discussion around media ethics and regulatory frameworks has diminished, possibly overshadowed by more pressing themes related to crisis communication and digital media challenges.
  4. Local vs. Global Media Dynamics:
    While earlier publications examined the dichotomy between local and global media influences, recent articles have shifted towards a more integrated approach, possibly downplaying the distinct challenges faced by local media.
  5. Media Audience Research:
    Research focusing specifically on media audience behaviors and their reception of media messages has become less emphasized, with a more significant focus now on content analysis and media production.

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