JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION

Scope & Guideline

Innovating the Future of Communication Scholarship.

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF 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 JOURNAL OF 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
ISSN0021-9916
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1951 to 2024
AbbreviationJ COMMUN / J. Commun.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DEPT, 2001 EVANS RD, CARY, NC 27513

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Communication primarily focuses on the intersection of media, culture, and society, offering insights into how communication shapes and is shaped by various social dynamics. It emphasizes diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks to address contemporary communication issues.
  1. Media Influence and Social Dynamics:
    Research on how different media forms, including social media, influence public opinion, social behavior, and community interactions.
  2. Cultural Communication:
    Exploration of communication practices within specific cultural contexts, highlighting the role of culture in shaping communication strategies and media consumption.
  3. Political Communication:
    Analysis of communication strategies in political contexts, including elections, propaganda, and public relations, particularly in Asian societies.
  4. Digital Communication and Technology:
    Studies on the impact of digital technologies on communication practices, including the effects of social media, algorithms, and digital platforms.
  5. Social Justice and Advocacy:
    Investigating the role of communication in social movements, activism, and the promotion of social justice, particularly in relation to marginalized communities.
  6. Health Communication:
    Exploring communication strategies in public health contexts, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and their effects on public perception and behavior.
  7. Intercultural Communication:
    Research on how individuals and groups communicate across cultural boundaries, including studies on diaspora communities and transnational interactions.
The Journal of Communication has witnessed several emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and technological advancements. These trends indicate a shift in focus towards more relevant and pressing issues in communication research.
  1. Impact of Social Media on Society:
    An increasing number of studies are exploring the multifaceted impacts of social media on various aspects of life, including mental health, political engagement, and community building.
  2. Intersections of Religion and Communication:
    Research focusing on Islamic communication and its implications in various contexts, particularly in Asia, is gaining momentum, highlighting religion's role in shaping communication practices.
  3. Climate Change Communication:
    There is a growing emphasis on how media frames and communicates climate change issues, reflecting the urgent need for effective public engagement in environmental matters.
  4. Racial and Ethnic Discrimination in Media:
    The examination of media's role in perpetuating or combating racial and ethnic discrimination, particularly in the context of anti-Asian sentiments during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, is increasingly prominent.
  5. Digital Activism and Social Justice:
    Research on the role of digital platforms in facilitating activism and social justice movements is on the rise, reflecting the power of communication in driving societal change.
  6. Health Communication Strategies:
    Emerging studies are focusing on innovative communication strategies in public health, especially in response to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of effective messaging.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Communication has consistently expanded its scope, some research themes appear to be diminishing in prominence. These areas reflect shifts in societal relevance or methodological focus.
  1. Traditional Media Analysis:
    Research focusing solely on traditional media forms (e.g., print journalism) is becoming less frequent as the emphasis shifts toward digital and social media contexts.
  2. Static Models of Communication:
    The use of static or linear models of communication is declining in favor of dynamic, interactive models that better capture the complexities of contemporary media interactions.
  3. Geographical Limitations in Communication Studies:
    There is a noticeable decrease in research confined to specific geographical contexts without considering transnational or global perspectives, reflecting a growing emphasis on interconnectedness.
  4. Censorship and Control in Media:
    While still relevant, the scope of studies focusing solely on censorship practices is waning as researchers increasingly explore broader themes of media freedom and digital governance.
  5. Overly Technical Analyses:
    Research that relies heavily on technical analyses of communication without contextual or cultural considerations seems to be receiving less attention, as interdisciplinary approaches gain traction.

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