Academic Publishing in Media and Communication Studies in the Digital Age:Overcoming Structural Barriers to Integrate Global South Scholarship
Category: Publication
Keywords: communication, online media, asymmetries, global communication, communication studies
The internationalization of research in the Media and Communication field holds immense potential, yet also faces numerous challenges when it comes to including scholars from the Global South. Against this background, emerging technologies and practices - such as digital media, online publishing, and non-profit open-access initiatives - are powerful tools for democratizing scholarly dissemination. Accordingly, such technologies offer the opportunity to overcome geographical barriers and connect with audiences worldwide, enabling scholars from peripheral and semi-peripheral countries to share their findings globally without being hindered by traditional gatekeepers that may favor Western-centric perspectives. Additionally, non-profit open access and open science initiatives promise to offer unrestricted access to research findings, breaking free from financial constraints that disproportionately affect scholars from resource-constrained regions. This special issue aims to expand our understanding of such phenomena and bring together contributions - especially cross-national comparison empirical studies - to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the internationalization of academic production and collaboration among countries in the South with or without partners from the Global North. We welcome manuscript submissions related (but not limited) to the following topics. Disparities in knowledge production and research dissemination among countries of the Global South and the Global North when it comes to Communication and Media studies. Inequities in access to academic resources, such as research funding, infrastructure, updated facilities, and technological resources, exploring their respective impact on research from the Global South. Structural barriers to the global circulation of knowledge, namely challenges to the international dissemination of findings by researchers, students, and academic publications in Communication. Challenges encountered by students and researchers from the Global South in pursuing academic mobility and establishing international collaboration opportunities. Obstacles and opportunities in Communication Studies for fostering a more equitable and inclusive educational environment that recognizes diverse perspectives worldwide. The roles of digital media/online publishing and non-profit open access in leveling the playing field of scholarship publishing for scholars from the Global South. Case studies highlighting successful dissemination of Global South scholarship, as well as difficulties faced by non-Global North publication outlets and academic associations. Critique of ideologically biased academic standards and procedures that disadvantage the Global South, unrelated to academic rigor and research integrity. Discrepancies in publishing opportunities and impacts among English and non-English speaking countries. Evaluation of policies and strategies aimed at reducing disparities in the internationalization of communication studies. Investigation of the role of international academic networks and collaboration in promoting equitable internationalization and knowledge exchange in communication studies. Exploration of intersectionality and power dynamics in internationalization efforts, influencing the participation and recognition of scholars from underrepresented backgrounds. Innovative solutions to level the playing field for scholars in the Global South and non-English speaking countries. Future directions of internationalization in communication studies, including potential shifts in paradigms, practices, and policies.
Initiator(s):
NordMedia Network
Deadline: 01.08.2024
Language(s): English
Publication-Type: Article
Post created by: Carmen Pereyra