Journalism Studies – Communications Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Journalism Studies for High-Impact Publications

Journalism Studies serves as a cornerstone in the field of communications, providing a rigorous platform for exploring the evolving landscape of journalism. Established in 2000, this Taylor & Francis journal has built a reputation for publishing cutting-edge research that bridges theory and practice. Researchers are drawn to its commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, covering topics from traditional reporting to digital disruptions and global media ethics. The journal's impact factor of 2.917 underscores its influence, placing it among the top-tier periodicals in communication studies. With a focus on empirical and theoretical contributions, it attracts submissions from academics worldwide, fostering debates on press freedom, audience engagement, and journalistic innovation.

The scope extends beyond conventional boundaries, incorporating insights from sociology, political science, and cultural studies. This makes it particularly appealing for scholars investigating how journalism shapes public discourse in an era of misinformation and algorithmic curation. Publication in Journalism Studies enhances a researcher's profile, offering opportunities for citation and collaboration. Its hybrid model allows authors to choose open access, amplifying reach without compromising quality. Editorial standards ensure peer-reviewed excellence, with an emphasis on methodological rigor and originality.

For those navigating academic careers, submitting to this journal aligns with strategic publication goals. It supports early-career researchers through constructive feedback and established scholars via thematic special issues. Metrics like CiteScore 5.4 highlight its accessibility in global databases, aiding discoverability. Whether examining legacy media transitions or emerging platforms, contributors find a welcoming venue that values diverse perspectives. To explore related opportunities, consider browsing academic jobs in communications.

Delve deeper into the journal's contributions and prepare your manuscript for submission today.

Overview & History

Journalism Studies was launched in 2000 by Taylor & Francis, filling a gap for a dedicated outlet in journalism scholarship. Initially quarterly, it expanded to eight issues per year, reflecting growing interest in the field. The journal emerged amid digital media's rise, aiming to chronicle journalism's adaptation to technological and societal shifts. Over two decades, it has published over 1,500 articles, influencing curricula and policy discussions. Key milestones include special issues on war reporting and citizen journalism, establishing its role in timely interventions. Today, it remains a vital resource for understanding journalism's past, present, and future.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal encompasses a wide array of topics within communications, emphasizing journalism's theoretical and practical dimensions. It welcomes studies on news production, media ethics, audience analysis, and comparative journalism systems.

Key Journal Metrics

Indexing and Abstracting

Journalism Studies is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide visibility. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and Communication & Mass Media Complete. Additional coverage includes MLA International Bibliography and EBSCOhost, facilitating access for researchers globally. This indexing supports robust citation tracking and interdisciplinary discovery.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, it offers subscription-based access with an open access option. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for gold open access is £2,950 (approximately $3,800 USD), waivable under certain conditions. No fees apply for traditional publication. Taylor & Francis provides transparent policies on archiving and reuse via Sherpa/RoMEO, classified as green.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Manuscripts are submitted via the ScholarOne platform. Guidelines require 8,000-10,000 words, APA style, and anonymized reviews. Authors must declare conflicts and ensure originality. Initial screening checks fit, followed by double-blind peer review. Revisions are common, with decisions typically within three months. Detailed instructions are available on the journal site.

Editorial Board Highlights

The board features experts like Editor-in-Chief Karin Wahl-Jorgensen from Cardiff University, specializing in public engagement. Members hail from institutions such as Columbia and Oxford, bringing global perspectives. Their expertise spans digital journalism and ethics, guiding the journal's direction.

Why Publish in Journalism Studies?

Publishing here offers prestige and reach, with articles averaging 50+ citations. It supports career advancement through high visibility in Q1 rankings. The journal's focus on impactful topics aids funding applications and tenure dossiers. Open access options extend audience to policymakers and practitioners.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Journalism Studies distinguishes itself with its balanced theoretical-empirical mix.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

Align your work with current calls, use robust methods, and engage literature deeply. Seek pre-submission feedback and follow formatting precisely. Highlight novelty and implications for the field. Track trends via academic calendar for deadlines.