Journal of African Media Studies

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Knowledge in African Communication.

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of Journal of African Media Studies 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 Journal of African Media Studies in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
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.

Similar Journals

International Journal of Media & Cultural Politics

Illuminating the Intersections of Media and Society
Publisher: INTELLECT LTDISSN: 1740-8296Frequency: 3 issues/year

The International Journal of Media & Cultural Politics, published by INTELLECT LTD, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the rapidly evolving fields of communication and cultural studies. With an ISSN of 1740-8296 and an E-ISSN of 2040-0918, this journal has established itself as a key resource since its inception in 2009, with significant contributions from 2013 to 2023. It is categorized within the Q3 quartile for Communication and Q2 for Cultural Studies, reflecting its commitment to high-quality research and its influential role in shaping contemporary discourse, evidenced by its Scopus rankings of #322 in Cultural Studies and #289 in Communication. Although not an open access journal, its comprehensive access options and rigorously peer-reviewed articles make it an essential read for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to understand the intricate intersections of media, politics, and culture in today’s society, fostering a deeper engagement with critical issues in these domains.

JCMS-Journal of Cinema and Media Studies

Fostering Innovative Research in Film and Media
Publisher: UNIV TEXAS PRESSISSN: 2578-4900Frequency: 4 issues/year

JCMS-Journal of Cinema and Media Studies, published by University of Texas Press, stands as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners in the realms of cinema, media, and visual arts. With an ISSN of 2578-4900 and an E-ISSN of 2578-4919, the journal has been a part of the academic landscape since its inception in 2018 and will continue to contribute valuable research until 2024. Notably ranked in the top tiers of Scopus, securing Q1 status in Visual Arts and Performing Arts and Q3 in Communication, JCMS features articles that critically engage with both traditional and contemporary issues in media studies. Located in the United States, the journal is committed to providing open access to a wide array of interdisciplinary research, fostering dialogue among researchers, students, and media professionals. By serving as a nexus for innovative scholarship and creative discourse, JCMS enriches our understanding of cinematic and media practices and their impact on society today.

Review of Communication Research

Elevating Research in Communication Theory and Practice
Publisher: REVIEW COMMUNICATION RESEARCHISSN: 2255-4165Frequency: 1 issue/year

Review of Communication Research is a prestigious open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of communication studies. Published by REVIEW COMMUNICATION RESEARCH from its base in Madrid, Spain, this journal has established itself as a vital platform for scholarly discourse since its inception. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the Q1 quartile of communication journals for 2023, it holds a commendable position, placing it within the top 13% of approximately 511 journals in the communication category on Scopus. Since becoming open-access in 2013, the journal has enabled researchers, professionals, and students to access high-quality research without financial barriers, thereby fostering a greater dissemination of knowledge and dialogue within the community. Covering a wide array of topics from communication theory to media studies, the Review of Communication Research continues to contribute significantly to the understanding and evolution of communication in today’s interconnected world. Researchers are encouraged to engage with and submit their findings to this influential journal to further enrich the scholarly landscape.

Profesional de la Informacion

Championing Quality Research for a Global Audience
Publisher: EDICIONES PROFESIONALES INFORMACION SL-EPIISSN: 1386-6710Frequency: 6 issues/year

Profesional de la Informacion is a leading academic journal dedicated to advancing research in the fields of Communication, Cultural Studies, Information Systems, and Library and Information Sciences. Published by EDICIONES PROFESIONALES INFORMACION SL-EPI, this journal has established itself as a pivotal resource for scholars and practitioners alike since its inception in 2006, holding an impressive Q1 ranking across its categories in 2023. With an impactful presence reflected in its Scopus Rankings—33rd out of 511 in Communication and 26th out of 280 in Library and Information Sciences—Profesional de la Informacion provides a forum for innovative research and discussion. Although it operates under a subscription model, the journal’s commitment to quality research contributes significantly to the knowledge base within its fields, making it an essential read for those who are passionate about information and communication studies. Positioned in the vibrant academic landscape of Barcelona, Spain, this journal encourages submissions that explore contemporary challenges and advancements in these vital areas of study, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of scholarly discourse.

Global Media and Communication

Innovating Research at the Intersection of Media and Society
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 1742-7665Frequency: 3 issues/year

Global Media and Communication is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the fields of media and communication studies, published by SAGE Publications Ltd. With an ISSN of 1742-7665 and an E-ISSN of 1742-7673, this journal offers a platform for scholarly discourse and innovative research that explores the intricate relationships between global media practices and communication strategies. Recognized as a Q1 journal in both the Arts and Humanities (Miscellaneous) and Communication categories for 2023, it stands out in its commitment to delivering high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that contribute to the understanding of contemporary media landscapes. Located in London, United Kingdom, the journal benefits from being at the heart of cultural and digital innovation. Researchers, professionals, and students can look forward to insightful articles that not only critique existing frameworks but also propose new methodologies, ensuring that Global Media and Communication remains a vital resource for anyone interested in navigating the evolving dynamics of media and communication on a global scale.

Communication & Society-Spain

Championing High-Quality Research in Communication Studies
Publisher: UNIV NAVARRA, SERVICIO PUBLICACIONESISSN: 2386-7876Frequency: 4 issues/year

Communication & Society-Spain, published by Universidad de Navarra, is an esteemed open access journal dedicated to advancing scholarship in the dynamic fields of communication and cultural studies. Since its inception in 1988, the journal has maintained a commitment to disseminating high-quality research that engages with contemporary issues and contributes to the evolving discourse around communication theories and practices. With a commendable Q1 ranking in both Communication and Cultural Studies categories, it stands as a prominent source for researchers and professionals alike, reflecting its robust presence in the academic community—evidenced by its Scopus rankings placing it in the top percentiles within both fields. The journal's scope encompasses diverse perspectives and methodologies, thereby fostering interdisciplinary dialogue essential for understanding the complexities of communication in society. With a publication history that spans from 2010 to 2024 and a ranking of #87 out of 1304 in Cultural Studies, our commitment to open access ensures that impactful research is readily available to all, promoting further scholarly engagement and innovation.

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.

Chinese Journal of Communication

Exploring the Nexus of Communication and Culture in China
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1754-4750Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Chinese Journal of Communication, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, has established itself as a pivotal platform for scholarly discourse in the field of communication, particularly within the context of Chinese media and its global interactions. With a notable Q1 ranking in the 2023 Communication category and a commendable Scopus ranking of #77 out of 511 journals, it represents a significant contributor to the advancement of communication studies. The journal's focus extends from theoretical frameworks to empirical research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the evolving communication landscape. Available in both print (ISSN: 1754-4750) and digital formats (E-ISSN: 1754-4769), the journal does not operate on an Open Access basis, yet it remains a highly sought-after resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to explore communication phenomena from a Chinese perspective. Given its publication history converging from 2010 to 2024, it serves as a valuable reference point for ongoing academic investigations and is instrumental in shaping future research directions in this dynamic field.

Popular Communication

Transforming Insights into Impactful Dialogue
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1540-5702Frequency: 4 issues/year

Popular Communication, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal in the field of Communication, recognized for its Q1 ranking in the 2023 Scopus category. With an ISSN of 1540-5702 and an E-ISSN of 1540-5710, this journal has been converging significant research from 2010 to 2024, highlighting contemporary trends and evolving dynamics in popular communication practices. The journal is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on the intersection of media, culture, and communication, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in understanding the impact of communication in society today. Although it does not offer Open Access options, it remains a cornerstone for scholarly discourse, with an impressive rank of #96 out of 511 in Social Sciences Communication, placing it in the 81st percentile. Contributions to this journal play a critical role in advancing knowledge and encouraging further scholarship in the diverse realm of popular communication.

Convergence-The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies

Exploring the Frontiers of New Media Innovation
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1354-8565Frequency: 6 issues/year

Convergence - The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, published by SAGE Publications Inc., stands at the forefront of scholarly discourse in the dynamic field of new media technologies. With an impressive impact factor reflected in its prestigious Q1 quartile rankings in both Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Communication categories, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students. Since its inception in 1995, Convergence has been dedicated to exploring the intersections of media, technology, and communication, offering original research, critical reviews, and theoretical discussions that illuminate the evolving digital landscape. With a commitment to high-quality scholarship, Convergence is positioned as a premier venue for pioneering studies that shape our understanding of media technologies and their cultural implications, making it an essential read for anyone eager to stay informed and engaged with contemporary media research.