The Communications Journal publishes research in journalism and mass communication, including media theories and practices, digital media and technology, journalism and news production, media policy and regulation, communication in society, advertising and public relations, and media literacy and education.
2. Types of manuscripts
The journal considers original research papers, survey articles, synopses, review papers, book reviews, and related articles in journalism and mass communication. Ideal manuscript length is typically 2,500–5,000 words.
3. Manuscript preparation
File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) only.
Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
Spacing: 1.5 line spacing.
Title: Concise and informative.
Abstract: Must be able to stand on its own.
Keywords: Provide relevant keywords.
Main text: Clearly structured argument/study design.
Tables and figures: Numbered and labelled.
References / citation style: Follow the 7th/8th edition MLA or APA format strictly.
A paper-format sample is available on the journal website Guidelines page.
4. Originality, plagiarism and exclusive submission
Submit original research work only.
Do not misrepresent research results.
Do not submit the same work to more than one journal.
Do not resubmit previously published work.
Avoid plagiarism; provide proper acknowledgments and citations.
Obtain consent from all co-authors before submission.
Changes in authorship/order after submission are not accepted.
5. Research ethics
Where appropriate, research should be approved by an appropriate ethics committee in accordance with the legal requirements of the study's country. Any unethical practices found in the manuscript are the sole responsibility of the authors.
6. Conflict of interest
Authors must disclose any financial gain, personal relationships, organizational ties, or other associations that may influence or be perceived to influence their work.
7. Funding disclosure
Authors should disclose funding sources that supported the work, where applicable. [Editable: add any journal-specific funding statement requirements here.]
8. Author contribution
All listed authors must consent to be identified as authors. The corresponding author is responsible for informing all co-authors about editorial communications.
9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy
The Communications Journal does not accept papers that are written or assisted by AI. Authors must confirm that the manuscript was not written or assisted by generative AI tools.
10. Peer review
The journal is peer-reviewed. Submissions are first assessed by an editor for fit and quality. Suitable manuscripts are sent for peer review (typically two or more independent referees). The review process commonly takes about one month; timing may vary.
11. Publication fee (Article Processing Charge)
If a paper is provisionally accepted, author(s) must pay an Article Processing Charge of ₹1000 + 18% GST. Payment method will be notified by the editor after acceptance. For queries, contact editor@thecommunicationsjournal.com or WhatsApp +91-98915 32183.
12. Revision process
Authors may be asked to revise manuscripts based on editorial and reviewer feedback before a final decision.
13. Copyright and licensing
A copyright agreement form is provided once the manuscript is reviewed and provisionally accepted. Authors retain the copyright and full publishing rights without restrictions after publication; no permission is required from the journal or publisher for future use.
14. Withdrawal, corrections and retractions
Authors who disagree with copyright agreement terms may withdraw the manuscript. [Editable: add formal correction/retraction policy wording when finalized.]
15. How to submit
Register/login to this OJS site and use New Submission. Do not email manuscripts as the primary submission method.
Submission Preparation Checklist
All submissions must meet the following requirements. Confirm each item before submitting.
The manuscript is original.
The manuscript has not been simultaneously submitted to another journal, and has not been previously published.
The manuscript follows the journal's Author Guidelines (including format, citation style, and length guidance).
The manuscript contains the required title, abstract and keywords.
References follow the journal's required MLA/APA style and have been checked for accuracy and completeness.
Author information (names, affiliations, and corresponding author details) has been entered correctly; ORCID is included where available.
All tables and figures are numbered and labelled; permissions have been obtained for third-party material.
The manuscript complies with ethical requirements applicable to the study.
Relevant conflicts of interest have been disclosed (or the author confirms there are none).
The author has complied with the journal's AI policy: the manuscript was not written or assisted by AI.
The author understands the publication fee of ₹1000 + 18% GST payable after provisional acceptance.
The author has reviewed the copyright/licensing conditions described in the Author Guidelines.
Research Articles
Original research articles presenting significant findings in journalism, media and communications. This is the primary section for research-paper submissions.
Review Articles
Critical or systematic reviews of literature and debates in media and communications.
Research Notes
Shorter research notes, synopses or focused contributions that advance discussion in the field.
Book Reviews
Reviews of scholarly books relevant to journalism, media and communications.
Copyright Notice
A copyright agreement form will be provided once the manuscript is reviewed and provisionally accepted. Authors retain the copyright and full publishing rights without restrictions after publication.
Privacy Statement
The names and email addresses entered in this journal site will be used exclusively for the stated purposes of this journal and will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party.
