JOCMAS SPECIAL EDITION - Theme: Navigating the Future of Journalism, Media and Communication

31-07-2026

The Journal of Communications, Media and Society (JOCMAS), the flagship peer-reviewed journal of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), invites original manuscripts for a Special Issue arising from the inaugural State of Journalism, Media and Communication Conference (SJMCC 2026).

 Introduction and Rationale

The journalism and communication landscape is undergoing profound transformation. Artificial intelligence, platformisation, algorithmic governance, digital misinformation, declining public trust, evolving business models, and changing audience behaviours continue to reshape how information is produced, distributed, consumed, and regulated. At the same time, journalism faces increasing pressure to uphold democratic values, professional ethics, and public accountability within rapidly changing technological environments.

Held under the theme Navigating the Future of Journalism, Media and Communication, the inaugural SJMCC 2026 brought together scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and students from across the world to examine these emerging realities and propose innovative pathways for the future of journalism and communication. Discussions underscored the need for interdisciplinary research that is theoretically robust, methodologically rigorous, and socially relevant while responding to contemporary challenges confronting the media industry.

Building on the success of the conference, this Special Issue seeks high-quality scholarly contributions that extend the conversations initiated at SJMCC 2026. We welcome papers that offer theoretical, empirical, methodological, and policy-oriented insights into the future of journalism, media and communication, particularly from African and Global South perspectives.

 Themes and Topics of Interest

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Artificial Intelligence, automation and journalism
  • Platform governance, digital platforms and communication
  • Journalism ethics, accountability and public trust
  • Misinformation, disinformation and fact-checking
  • Media freedom, democracy and governance
  • Political communication and election campaigns
  • Media ownership, sustainability and business models
  • Digital journalism and newsroom innovation
  • Data journalism and computational communication
  • Journalism education and curriculum transformation
  • Media and Information Literacy (MIL)
  • Science, health, climate and environmental communication
  • Strategic communication and public relations
  • Media, gender, diversity and inclusion
  • Digital cultures, audiences and participatory media
  • Social media, privacy, surveillance and data governance
  • Communication for development and social change
  • Media policy, regulation and digital rights
  • Indigenous media and African communication systems
  • Emerging theories and methodologies in media and communication research

 Who May Submit

The Special Issue welcomes submissions from:

  • Researchers and academics
  • Media and communication practitioners
  • Policymakers and regulators
  • Doctoral and postgraduate researchers
  • Interdisciplinary scholars working in related fields

Authors who presented papers at SJMCC 2026 are especially encouraged to submit expanded versions of their work. High-quality submissions from scholars who did not participate in the conference are also welcome.

 Submission Guidelines

  • Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.
  • Submissions should comply with the JOCMAS Author Guidelines available on the journal website.
  • All manuscripts will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process.
  • Both conceptual and empirical papers are welcome.

Authors should submit manuscripts through the JOCMAS online submission system:

JOCMAS Online Submission Portal

 Important Dates 

Activity

Date

Call for Papers Released

July 2026

Manuscript Submission Deadline

30 September 2026

First Review Decisions

30 November 2026

Revised Manuscripts Due

31 January 2027

Final Acceptance

31 March 2027

Publication of Special Issue

June 2027

 

Guest Editors

Dr. Paul Herzuah
HoD, Media Studies Studies Department
University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Ghana

Samuel Danso
Lecturer, Media Studies
University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Ghana

Philip Atawura
Assistant Lecturer, Institute of Journalism
University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Ghana

 Contact

For enquiries relating to this Special Issue, please contact:

The Editorial Office
Journal of Communications, Media and Society (JOCMAS)
School of Journalism and Media Studies
University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Ghana

Email: jocmas@unimac.edu.gh (or the journal's official editorial email)

 This Special Issue provides an opportunity to shape contemporary debates on journalism, media and communication while contributing to scholarship that informs policy, professional practice, and media education in Africa and beyond. We look forward to receiving your submissions and continuing the important conversations initiated at the inaugural SJMCC 2026.