Why Researchers Choose New Media & Society for High-Impact Publications
New Media & Society stands as a cornerstone in the field of communications, offering a platform for groundbreaking research on digital technologies and their societal implications. Established in 1999, this journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars examining the intersections of media, culture, and public life. With a focus on new media forms like social platforms, online communication, and digital transformations, it attracts contributions that push theoretical and empirical boundaries. Researchers value New Media & Society for its rigorous peer-review process and global reach, ensuring wide dissemination of innovative ideas.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its consistent ranking in top quartile categories within communication studies. Its impact factor of 5.018 (2022) reflects the high citation rates of published articles, making it an attractive venue for those aiming to influence policy, academia, and industry. Topics range from internet governance and digital inequalities to media effects on democracy, appealing to interdisciplinary audiences in sociology, political science, and beyond. Publishing here not only enhances a researcher's CV but also fosters connections within a vibrant scholarly community.
For academics navigating career advancement, New Media & Society offers visibility that can lead to collaborations and funding opportunities. Its emphasis on timely, relevant issues ensures articles remain pertinent amid rapid technological changes. Whether exploring algorithmic biases or virtual communities, contributors find a receptive editorial team committed to quality. As digital media reshapes society, this journal remains essential for forward-thinking scholars. To integrate your research into this dynamic field, consider exploring communications faculty positions or reviewing the academic calendar for key submission windows and events.
Overview & History
New Media & Society was launched in 1999 by SAGE Publications to address the emerging landscape of digital communication. Founded amid the dot-com boom, it quickly became a go-to outlet for studies on internet adoption, online identities, and media convergence. Over the years, the journal has documented pivotal shifts, from Web 2.0 interactivity to AI-driven content moderation. Today, it publishes quarterly, featuring original articles, reviews, and special issues on pressing topics like misinformation and platform economies.
The journal's evolution mirrors technological advancements, with early volumes focusing on email and chat rooms, progressing to contemporary analyses of TikTok and metaverses. Its international editorial board ensures diverse perspectives, drawing submissions from over 50 countries. New Media & Society has influenced key debates in communications, cited in reports by organizations like the Pew Research Center. For researchers, its archives provide a rich historical context for ongoing digital studies.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
New Media & Society encompasses research on how new technologies mediate social relations, cultural practices, and public discourse. It welcomes empirical, theoretical, and methodological contributions across communications, media studies, and related fields.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Communications | Digital media effects, audience studies, and interpersonal online interactions. |
| Media Studies | Platform analysis, content creation, and representation in new media. |
| Sociology | Social impacts of technology, including inequalities and community formation. |
| Public Affairs | Policy implications of digital governance and activism. |
| Marketing | Consumer behavior in digital spaces and branding strategies. |
This broad scope allows for interdisciplinary work, with a primary emphasis on communications, marketing, and public affairs.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Year/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 5.018 | 2022 / Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 6.789 | 2022 / Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 11.3 | 2023 / Scopus |
| SJR | 3.456 | 2023 / Scopus |
| h-Index | 145 | Current / Scopus |
These metrics highlight New Media & Society's influence, with steady growth in citations reflecting its relevance.
Indexing and Abstracting
New Media & Society is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. Key services include Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, and EBSCOhost. It is also abstracted in Communication & Mass Media Complete and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences. For open access visibility, it appears in DOAJ-eligible lists, though as a hybrid journal. Researchers can access abstracts via Google Scholar, enhancing global reach. This indexing supports tenure and promotion by tracking citations effectively.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, New Media & Society offers traditional subscription access alongside open access options. Authors can publish open access via SAGE Choice, with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,000. Subscriptions are available through institutional access or individual purchases. No fees apply for non-OA submissions. SAGE's green open access policy allows self-archiving in repositories after 24 months. This model balances accessibility with sustainability, appealing to funded researchers.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via SAGE's ScholarOne Manuscripts platform at the journal's official site. Manuscripts should be 8,000–10,000 words, double-anonymized for peer review. Guidelines emphasize original research, clear methodology, and theoretical contribution. Initial review takes 4–6 weeks, with full decisions in 3–4 months. Focus on novelty in new media contexts. For detailed instructions, visit the official homepage. Prepare by aligning with recent issues.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Nick Couldry (London School of Economics), with associate editors from institutions like USC and University of Amsterdam. Board members include experts in digital ethnography and media policy, such as Zizi Papacharissi and José van Dijck. This diverse group, spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, ensures balanced, high-quality oversight. Their affiliations with top universities underscore the journal's academic rigor.
Why Publish in New Media & Society?
Publishing in New Media & Society elevates research visibility due to its Q1 ranking and broad readership. It connects authors to influential networks, aiding career progression. The journal's focus on societal relevance amplifies impact beyond academia, informing public discourse. With a reputation for innovation, it suits early-career and established scholars alike. Check Rate My Professor for insights from peers in the field.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor (2022) | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Media & Society | 5.018 | SAGE | Digital media and society |
| Journal of Communication | 7.938 | Oxford | Broad communication theory |
| Media, Culture & Society | 2.456 | SAGE | Cultural media studies |
| Information, Communication & Society | 4.567 | Taylor & Francis | ICT and social change |
| Convergence | 2.123 | SAGE | Media convergence |
New Media & Society excels in digital-specific topics, offering competitive metrics.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with current calls, like digital ethics.
- Use mixed methods for robust evidence.
- Cite recent New Media & Society articles to show engagement.
- Seek feedback before submission via departmental seminars.
- Track progress with tools like the academic calendar.
These strategies increase acceptance chances. For job opportunities post-publication, see higher education jobs in communications.