Why Researchers Choose Media, Culture & Society for High-Impact Publications
Media, Culture & Society stands as a cornerstone in the field of broadcasting, radio, and television studies, offering researchers a platform to explore the intricate intersections of media, culture, and societal dynamics. Established in 1979 by SAGE Publications, this journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars examining how media shapes public discourse, identity, and power structures. With a focus on critical analyses of media institutions, cultural production, and technological influences, it attracts contributions from interdisciplinary perspectives, including sociology, communication, and cultural theory.
The journal's reputation for rigorous peer review and intellectual depth makes it a preferred choice for academics seeking to disseminate groundbreaking research. Its impact factor of 2.4 (2022 Clarivate Analytics) underscores its influence, placing it among the top outlets for media studies. Researchers value Media, Culture & Society for its commitment to open dialogue on contemporary issues like digital media ethics, globalization of culture, and the role of broadcasting in democracy. Whether investigating radio's historical role in social movements or television's impact on cultural narratives, the journal provides a space for nuanced, evidence-based scholarship.
Publishing in Media, Culture & Society enhances visibility and citation potential, connecting authors with a global audience of policymakers, educators, and fellow scholars. The hybrid open access model allows flexibility in dissemination, while the journal's indexing in major databases ensures wide accessibility. For those in broadcasting, radio, and television, submitting here means contributing to foundational debates that influence media policy and practice worldwide.
To advance your academic career, consider exploring academic media positions or checking the academic calendar for upcoming deadlines.
Overview & History
Media, Culture & Society was launched in 1979 to address the growing need for scholarly inquiry into media's societal role. Founded amid the rise of cultural studies, it quickly became a key venue for examining broadcasting's evolution from analog to digital eras. Over four decades, the journal has published seminal works on topics like media globalization, audience reception, and cultural imperialism, shaping the discipline's theoretical frameworks.
Under SAGE Publications, it maintains a quarterly publication schedule, fostering debates on radio's community-building potential and television's narrative power. Its enduring relevance lies in adapting to new media landscapes, from satellite broadcasting to streaming platforms, while upholding a commitment to critical theory.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a broad yet focused scope, emphasizing empirical and theoretical research on media's cultural and social dimensions. It welcomes studies on broadcasting technologies, radio journalism, television programming, and their societal implications.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Broadcasting, Radio, and Television | Core focus on production, distribution, and reception of broadcast media. |
| Media Studies | Analyses of media institutions, policies, and cultural impacts. |
| Cultural Studies | Explorations of identity, representation, and power in media texts. |
| Sociology | Social effects of media on communities and public opinion. |
| Communication | Theories of interpersonal and mass communication via broadcast channels. |
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 2.4 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 4.2 | Scopus 2022 |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| h-Index | 85 | Scopus |
| Submission to Decision | 3-6 months | Publisher data |
Indexing and Abstracting
Media, Culture & Society is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring discoverability. Key inclusions are Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), and Arts & Humanities Citation Index. It is also abstracted in International Bibliography of the Social Sciences and Communication & Mass Media Complete. For open access visibility, it appears in DOAJ-eligible hybrid formats. Researchers can access articles via the official journal homepage or Scopus for metrics.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Media, Culture & Society offers traditional subscription access alongside open access options. Authors can publish open access by paying an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,000 USD, covering peer review and dissemination. Subscription access is available through institutional libraries. SAGE's green open access policy allows self-archiving in repositories after 12 months. No fees apply for non-OA submissions.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via SAGE's online portal at the journal site. Manuscripts should be 6,000-8,000 words, double-spaced, with Chicago style citations. Originality is checked via iThenticate. Peer review is double-anonymized, typically taking 3-6 months. Guidelines emphasize clear abstracts, relevance to scope, and ethical standards. Prepare by reviewing media studies PhD programs for aligned research.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team includes renowned scholars like Editor-in-Chief John Corner (University of Leeds), alongside associates from institutions such as the University of Westminster and New York University. Their expertise spans media theory, cultural policy, and digital broadcasting, ensuring diverse, high-quality oversight. Board members contribute to special issues on emerging topics like media and migration.
Why Publish in Media, Culture & Society?
Publishing here offers prestige and reach, with articles cited in policy reports and curricula. The journal's interdisciplinary appeal amplifies impact across broadcasting, radio, and television fields. Authors benefit from SAGE's global distribution network, enhancing career profiles. For Media, Culture & Society impact factor seekers, it's a gateway to influential scholarship. Explore rate my professor for faculty insights or tenure-track positions in media.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media, Culture & Society | 2.4 | SAGE | Broadcasting and cultural analysis |
| Journal of Communication | 5.3 | Oxford | Broad communication theories |
| International Journal of Cultural Studies | 1.8 | SAGE | Cultural identities and media |
| European Journal of Communication | 2.1 | SAGE | European media policies |
| Television & New Media | 1.9 | SAGE | Digital television innovations |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work closely with the journal's emphasis on societal media impacts.
- Use robust methodologies, such as qualitative audience studies or quantitative content analysis.
- Craft a compelling abstract highlighting novelty in broadcasting or radio contexts.
- Engage with recent issues for theoretical grounding.
- Seek feedback from peers before submitting; consider media studies conferences.
- Follow guidelines meticulously to avoid desk rejection.
For career growth, visit adjunct faculty jobs or postdoc positions in communication.