journalism and mass communication research topics

180 Powerful Journalism Research Topics To Focus On

Table of Contents

Finding a unique journalism research topic is one of the tricky tasks that require a lot of innovation. If you are a student who is pursuing a degree in communication or media studies, then you will often be asked to write essays or research papers on interesting journalism topics. Right now, do you want to write an informative journalism research paper? Are you searching for the best journalism research topics? Go through this blog post and get the top powerful journalism research topics and ideas that will help you boost your grades.

Tips for Selecting a Good Journalism Research Topic

Journalism is a broad field of study that mainly deals with the gathering and distribution of information to various media channels such as radio, TV, newspaper, and social media. In order to complete graduation, mainly, as a part of the final year academic project, the students who are pursuing media studies must submit a research paper or thesis on journalism topics.

When you are assigned a task to prepare a journalism research paper, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Remember, you can impress your professor and score high grades only if you have a unique topic.

In general, there are endless unique journalism research topics and ideas available, but the real challenge lies in identifying one specific journalism topic out of them all. Hence, to help you all, here we have shared a few important tips that you can follow during the topic selection.

• The topic you choose should match your interest.
• The topic should be exciting and informative for the readers.
• Avoid choosing too broad topics because they may require a lot of time to complete.
• If your topic is too broad, narrow it down to a specific research question that is easy to write about before the deadline.
• Instead of picking the frequently discussed research topics, go with the topic that focuses on unique issues that are fresh for the readers to learn and understand.
• The research topic you choose should support extensive research and contain relevant sources for reference.

Additionally, check whether the research topic you have selected stands in line with your professor’s instructions. Also, before finalizing the journalism research topic you have selected, make sure it satisfies all the above-mentioned tips. The journalism research topic is said to be good only if it meets the requirements shared above.

List of Journalism Research Paper Topics and Ideas

When it comes to writing a journalism research paper, you need to invest a lot of effort and time to search and find the best journalism research topic. Hence, to make your topic selection process easier, here, we have composed a list of exclusive journalism research topics and ideas.

Explore the complete list of ideas and pick a powerful journalism research topic of your preference.

Top Research Topics on Journalism

• What are the duties and roles of a professional journalist?
• How have technological and scientific developments affected journalism?
• Discuss how influential people control the freedom of journalists and the media.
• How has social media affected modern journalism?
• Explain the challenges that journalists in varying topographical situations face every day.
• How can journalists change the perception of women as being materialistic?
• A journalist should be well-versed in different topics about local and international news- Explain.
• How do the media facilitate the stereotypical representations of females by portraying them as materialistic objects?
• How has technology affected the mediums that journalists used to reach people?
• Discuss the major problems that are experienced by journalists as they discharge their duties.
• Are social media websites making third-person journalists?
• Is social media making print media obsolete?
• Can journalism be used to help improve marginalized sections in society?
• How has COVID-19 revealed the role of journalists at a global level?
• How are electronic media channels shaping modern-day journalism?
• Discuss the impact of Yellow journalism on the sports and entertainment industry
• How do power-hungry politicians misuse media houses and journalists?
• Discuss the dangers of investigative journalism
• Impact of fake journalism on people and society as a whole
• Political scandals cause media introspection.
• How are women journalists treated in the world?
• What are the challenges faced by women journalists in Middle-East countries?
• Discuss the role of journalism during World War I and World War II
• Impact of journalism on the lifestyle change of Henry Meghan
• Is it good to consider, social media and blogging as the future of journalism? Explain with justifications
• What is communication?
• Media, Censorship, and Propaganda.
• The freedom of speech and its impact on the media.
• The main aspects of communication.
• The triggering topics.
• The phenomenon of hype and its usage of the media.

Best Journalism Research Topics

• How can journalists help the masses understand topical issues better?
• What is the role of the media in reducing crime?
• Discuss the negative implications of media in influencing violence.
• What is the link between media and the growth of the fashion industry?
• What is the subsequent impact of media on the growth of an economy?
• Discuss the likely implications of partisan advertisement outlets.
• What are your thoughts on denying an operational license to partisan media outlets?
• Examine how media has impacted your living over the last ten years.
• Elaborate on the potential beneficiaries of media versus society-influenced violence.
• Investigate how the media industry has evolved because of technological advancement.
• How has journalism contributed to political turmoil in Kenya?

Read more: Excellent Communication Research Topics To Consider

Excellent Journalism Research Paper Topics

• How significant is the media in the war against crimes?
• Use of mainstream media in strategic communication
• How the media influence political patterns
• Media use by kids and adolescents
• How society benefits from a free media
• Scare strategies that the media use to accomplish goals
• How do the media influence immorality?
• Do video games form a part of the media?
• Media censorship and propaganda
• How the media portrays popular culture and identity

Research Paper Topics in Mass Communication and Journalism

• What are the benefits of international journalism ?
• How effective are social media marketing campaigns
• Explain how journalists altered the coverage of news relating to World War II.
• Define media downshifting and discuss why people are reverting to newspapers again.
• Discuss mass communication laws in the U.S.
• Define journalism ethics and highlight its importance in news coverage.
• Investigate why radio still commands a huge following.
• Explain different types of media and differ according to the audience.
• Investigate terrorism in media and highlight examples in the world today.
• Highlight some relevant media disasters and explain how to prevent them.

Journalism Thesis Topics

• How media houses benefit from advertising
• Explain why video blogs are the new diaries.
• How effective are media companies as compared to single bloggers with regard to news coverage?
• Define fan fiction and fandom in the media.
• Explain the critical attributes of communication.
• Discuss the peculiarities of children’s media.
• How do the media affect the political class in a country?
• Key stakeholders of modern media
• How the media influences the articulation of major social matters
• How the media preempt situations

Unique Journalism Research Topics

• Investigate how the government regulates the media.
• What is the role of mass media in spreading awareness?
• Explain how readers can confirm the truth and credibility of news articles.
• Discuss the relevance of media in the growth of a steadfast country.
• Explain how social media has impacted the reporting of police brutality cases.
• What was the impact of mass media on the scope of the Vietnam War
• Determine whether governments should have exclusive power to censor news reporters and journalists.
• Elaborate on the main drawbacks facing journalism.
• Discuss whether media outlets are responsible for the spread of unverified stories.
• Analyze why media agencies should cease using metaphors in headlines.
• Media psychology- How it applies to communication.
• Explain the role of media in the growth of the music industry.
• Analyze the influence of media on innovations.
• Explain the implications of a one-sided media and why it might be dangerous to society.
• Analyze the media violations of a person’s freedom and rights.
• Investigate the Black Lives Matter movement and analyze the role of media in advancing it.
• Examine how media affects the diminishing of traditions and culture.
• Why is the press essential in spreading political rivalry among the political subject and class?
• What role does mass media play in promoting learning activities?
• Examine the role of mass media on the political class of America in the 18th century.

Investigative Journalism Research Topics

• What is the role of transculturation in media translation
• Discuss the objectification of women and its adverse psychological impacts.
• Discuss whether politicians depend on media to retain their power.
• Explain why mass media is more of a propaganda tool for the government.
• Explain why the media should not include graphic images depicting violence or war brutality.
• What are the historical development and cultural impact of media in the U.S.?
• How some governments silence investigative journalists
• An investigation into the key stakeholders of modern media houses.
• How magazine covers are used to get more sales
• How journalists can maintain high-quality reporting without necessarily spending more
• What are the negative impacts of television advertisements on children?
• How the media is helping call centers to create jobs and help the unemployed members of society.
• Examine how the image of the Arab woman appears in Arab media.
• How the media makes the USA look like the ultimate ruler
• Conduct a comparative analysis of news reports between FOX and BBC News.
• How mainstream media is promoting the upsurge of public misinformation and fake news
• How influential politicians make key decisions for some media houses
• What are the moral lines that separate investigative journalism from the violation of people’s privacy?
• How the media is helping rebrand some countries- Case study of Nigeria.

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Interesting Journalism Thesis Topics

• Examine some of the most significant anticipated changes to journalism in days to come
• Is it true that the internet makes people read less about current events?
• Elaborate on different ways by which mass media outlets benefit from advertisements and product promotions.
• Discuss why it is not appropriate for celebrities and superstars to undergo trials by the media.
• Define stylized writing and elaborate on whether it is acceptable in today’s internet-reliant world.
• Discuss the critical negative influence mass media may have on students.
• Elaborate why televisions need to stop showing sexual content.
• Examine media and its influence in the articulation of social matters like racism.
• Investigate the impact of new media on digital learning budgets.
• Examine if journalism can seek the truth without breaking the journalism code.
• What are the causes and impacts of media addiction
• Discuss the effect of mass media on one’s emotional and psychological wellbeing.
• Highlight how disabled people are represented by the media today
• Discuss why we should trust the media to deliver accurate news.

Engaging Journalism Dissertation Topics

• Discuss the representation of women journalists in the media fraternity.
• Describe ways to regulate mass media to guarantee that students are only minimally exposed to inappropriate content
• Discuss the reasons that make the United States of America considered a global superpower from media perspectives
• The imperativeness of journalism for disadvantaged social groups
• A Critical review of the methodological trends and controversies surrounding the Use of opinion poll
• Critically analyze how the British journalists try to win over the royals
• Homophobia in modern sports and the role of media channels in increasing such negativism Homophobia
• Discuss the role of media in promoting same-sex marriage
• Evaluate the role played by media in helping GenZ athletes to seek their ‘authentic voice’
• Describe the impact of replacing sports journalism with mindless gossip columnists
• What were the restrictions on journalists for covering the FIFA World Cup 2022?

Great Journalism Research Paper Topics

• What is the effect of media on diplomacy
• A case study of pollution as a social issue and the media’s role in combating it.
• Investigate the impact of fear created by media reporting crimes.
• Hidden messages are passed through the media.
• Discuss the role of media as an agenda-setting tool.
• Elaborate on the flaws representation of black women in media.
• Discuss the use of women and their sexuality in mass media advertisements.
• How media images represent different entities
• Could virtual reality be the future of modern media?
• Do the media create or react to events?
• What moral distinctions exist between the invasion of privacy and investigative journalism?
• Are journalists nowadays more focused on attractiveness than on delivering more accurate news?
• Discuss the main issues that journalists face when performing their responsibilities.
• What impact have advances in science and technology had on journalism?
• What can journalists do to combat the idea that women are materialistic?

Captivating Journalism Research Ideas

• Is it possible for the media to serve society’s underprivileged groups?
• Describe how the American media presents adversaries and rivals from throughout the world
• Does the internet really cause individuals to read less about current events?
• Why has the internet changed the way news is reported?
• Examine some of the key upcoming developments in journalism that are most anticipated.
•  Can journalists continue to report on high-quality stories without spending more?
•  Nigeria is a case study of how the media is assisting in the rebranding of some nations
•  How powerful politicians affect some media outlets’ ability to make important judgments
•  A description of the difficulties emerging nations face when it comes to information freedom
• How sexual material is used on the front pages of health publications to draw readers
•  Does the media influence events or just report on them?
•  What impact does the internet have on how the media evolves?
•  Why is radio still a vital type of media in the twenty-first century?
•  Describe ways to control the media to limit the exposure of pupils to inappropriate information
•  Do powerful and influential big media firms have too much sway?
• Do they have to be broken up into smaller pieces?

Latest Journalism Research Topics

• Describe the Part of the Media in the Russia-Ukraine Crisis.
• Discuss the popular media tactics of political parties in the United States
• Consider the necessity for real-life tales in the media of today.
• Write about literary journalism in recent times.
• Investigative reporting on the Brazilian drug trade
• Mass media censorship in North Korea
• FIFA world cup 2022: restrictions on journalists for covering the event
• Critical analysis of how the British journalists try to win over the royals
• Describe the effects of media misdirection and misinformation.

The Bottom Line

From the list of outstanding journalism research topics and ideas suggested above, you can use any idea as an inspiration for writing a research paper. If you are not sure what topic to choose or how to write a journalism research paper, then take Public policy assignment help from us. We have a team of professional academic writers who have good knowledge of mass media and communication to craft a research paper on the best journalism topics.

Quickly avail of our writing service and get a top-quality, plagiarism-free research paper as per your requirements on time at an affordable rate.

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Journalism Research Topics: 120+ Ideas to Consider

Journalism is quite a broad industry that entails enumerating helpful information and showing it on different media channels, including television, social media, radio, and beyond.

For framing an outstanding research paper, your topic must enable your audience to focus on the key issues and make them keen to know more about your topic. However, finding the perfect topic isn’t easy.

Students often select their topic in haste and later realize that there needs to be more information or evidence to prove their hypothesis. Others get bored with their research after choosing a tedious journalism topic.

Journalism is an excellent subject that can open up many exciting ideas for students. However, this blog is genuinely written for you if you’re facing difficulty. Here are some unique journalism research topics you can use as inspiration.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Your Journalism Research Topic:

Finding a unique journalism topic is complex and requires extensive research and clever work. Generally, the internet is stuffed with thousands of journalism topics to write about, but the real struggle lies in identifying your “perfect” topic within that.

We have compiled a few suggestions that might help you create brilliant topics:

• Students must refrain from any extravagantly broad topic, as it can be time-consuming and lead to confusion among students.
• Choose a subject or topic that sparks your interest and curiosity level.
• Students need to narrow their research into essential research questions.
• Avoid providing a research paper based on goofy journalism topics to avoid misinterpretation or negative impact on your audience. Instead, ensure that your chosen topic will be informative for your readers.
• Choose a novel topic that emphasizes distinct issues so readers can understand the fundamental research.

Thus, if you are about to research your journalism topic, ensure it stands in line with your university guidelines. Furthermore, ensure that your topic adheres to all the above-mentioned suggestions.

120+ Journalism Research Topics

As intended professional journalists, brilliant journalism ideas will always be welcomed and appreciated by your professors.

As mentioned, journalism is compiling, collecting, and assessing unique data and information on major on-going events. Along with writing on special journalism topics, one should also be open to writing about innovative discoveries about a pre-existing event.

We have thoroughly compiled a list of some contemplated journalism research topics that you can use as inspiration to get started with the writing business right away:

Journalism Research Topics for High School Students

• Celebrities’ rights to privacy: How far should the paparazzi be allowed to infringe?
• Examining the impact of racism in the media, both positive and negative
• How do electronic media outlets influence journalism in the present era?
• The influence of famous personalities on the independence of the media and journalists.
• Challenges and opportunities for journalism in the 21st century
• Impact of the media on diplomacy
• Explain why it is inappropriate for famous people and idols to be subjected to media trials.
• Why is radio still a crucial medium of communication in the twenty-first century?
• Televisions must stop broadcasting sexual content.
• Investigating journalism as a dangerous profession
• Comment on the sexualization of women in media advertisements
• Describe the effects of media misdirection and misinformation.
• Describe ways to regulate mass media to guarantee that students are only minimally exposed to inappropriate content.
• Why is the United States of America considered a global superpower?
• The role of media outlets during the pandemic
• Imperativeness of journalism for disadvantaged social groups
• Is print media no longer necessary in the age of social media?
• How has technology altered media

Brilliant Mass Communication and Journalism Research Topics

Read Also – 400+ Philosophy Research Paper Topics

• The credibility of online journalism
• The role of journalism in war zones
• Current Changes in Journalism in the United States
• Theoretical and methodological trends in journalism
• The history of journalism
• Journalism and the construction of police brutality
• Media’s role in curbing corruption
• Political women in media culture
• A critical review of the methodological trends and controversies surrounding the use of opinion polls
• Media’s role in exposing corrupted politicians
• Government-sanctioned journalism in China
• News workers, technology, and journalism history
• Trends in fake news in the modern media space
• Media censorship in China
• The future of blogging and journalism in the United States
• Critical analysis of how the British journalists try to win over the royals
• Bridging media psychology and cognitive neuroscience

Sports Journalism Research Topics

• Empirical research on racial discrimination in sports
• The journey of a sportsperson: researching the importance of storytelling for sports persons
• A qualitative investigation into the lives of sportswomen
• Impact of sports journalism on the construction of “body image” in the mind of a younger generation
• Homophobia in modern sports and the role of media channels in increasing such negativism
• Ethics in sports journalism
• Protecting brand through media and journalism channels
• Trans journalist association for sports: opportunities and challenges
• TVG Network in sports reporting
• What happened to Adriano: investigating the Dark Story Behind the Retirement of “Next Door” Ronaldo
• Evaluating media’s role in helping GenZ athletes to seek their “authentic voice.”
• The challenges of sports media during Covid19 outbreak
• The part of sports journalism in entertaining the masses
• Richie Benaud, the voice of cricket and an influential broadcaster
• James Hird’s suspected drug overdose: invasive reporting violates the right to privacy
• Sports journalism as strategic sports marketing
• The dangers of sports journalism
• FIFA world cup 2022: restrictions on journalists for covering the event
• The harsh truth of replacing sports journalism with “mindless gossip columnists.”

Investigative Journalism and Media Topics for Research

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• Examining the impact of television advertising on the moral behaviors of young minds
• Representation of Muslim women and Islam by journalists
• The evolution of the media in the United States
• Sports journalism: Why is it challenging for sports journalists to succeed in sports broadcasting?
• Compare and contrast FOX and BBC news reports.
• Countering the false image of Arab women in the Arab media
• The influence of print media on the advancement of pop culture
• Transculturation in media translation
• Why do celebrity rumors frequently dominate media outlets as opposed to important news?
• The life and works of Eric Eyre
• Justify the lack of explicit depictions of atrocity in the media.
• Describe why the Government primarily uses the media as a propaganda tool.
• Examine whether politicians rely on the media to maintain their power.
• A critical analysis of freedom and the press.
• Money has corrupted the media: an overview.
• The life and works of Dean Banquet
• The correlation of media and Government
• Media bias in investigative journalism

Electronic Media Topics for Research

• Media Education in the Age of Disruptive Media
• Evaluating the future of broadcasting from a global perspective
• The internet explosion
• Is print media dead?
• Broadcasting in the era of electronic media
• Communication through electronic media platforms
• Analyzing the role of electronic media channels in shaping modern-day journalism
• The impact of electronic media on social behavior

Journalism Topics Straight From the Experts

• Describe the effects of biased journalism and why it could harm society.
• An in-depth look at international journalism
• Compare and contrast the Obama and Trump administrations’ treatment of the media.
• Research the “Black Lives Matter” movement and examine how the media contributed to its growth.
• The connection between politics and the media: Are there any media organizations that are politically apolitical?
• Does media coverage of conflict have any beneficial or adverse effects?
• Understanding journalism as a dangerous profession
• The influence of journalism and its impact on army operations
• Mass media censorship in North Korea
• Crisis of Credibility in Journalism and the Media in an Era of Radical Nationalism
• The business of journalism: fake news, but real money!
• How media channels are spreading hatred and violence
• Investigative reporting on the Brazilian drug trade

Literary Journalism Topics to Write About

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• Literary journalism in the twentieth century
• Employing metaphors in headlines.
• Justify the need for social media platforms to outlaw fake news.
• Are American enemies treated correctly by the media?
• How has journalism been affected by scientific and technological advances?
• American literary journalism
• Literary journalism and the drama of civic life
• Understanding the rise of literary journalism in the eighteenth century
• Researching Tesla’s unique business model
• The evolving ethics of journalism in the 21st century
• Consider the necessity for real-life tales in the media of today.
• A theoretical analysis of the theory of the social responsibility of journalism
• Communication theory in journalism: are journalists the new peacekeeping force?

Political Journalism and Mass Media Topics for Research

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• Propaganda in the mass media
• Understanding the psychology of media and politics
• Evaluating the credibility of public media organizations
• New complexities and practices in political journalism
• Popular political media tactics of political parties in the United States
• Can the media influence election outcomes?
• Investigations into the lives of prominent American politicians
• Political scandals cause media introspection.
• Evaluating the impact of politics on mass media
• The politics of public journalism

Unique Journalism Research Topics

• Look into the Government’s media regulation policies.
• Examining the media’s role in eradicating poverty
• Describe how readers may verify the accuracy and reliability of news reports.
• Part of the Media in the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
• How did the Vietnam War’s coverage in the media change over time?
• The authoritarian theory of the press
• Describe the fundamental problems that journalism faces.
• Examines the question of whether media outlets are to blame for the dissemination of dubious news.
• Comprehending the media’s role in eradicating illiteracy rates in developing and under-developed nations
• Contributions and the roles of journalists in COVID-19 pandemic management
• Transculturation’s significance in media translation
• Investigation into famous American politicians

Winding Up!!

Know that each research topic mentioned above has been carefully selected to help you with your research.

We understand coming up with the best topic will be something other than a walk in the park. It would be a challenging journey, mainly because no amount of diligent work can fully guarantee your expected results.

The above topics will allow you to efficiently conduct extensive research, interviews, and other practical methods of collecting relevant data for your research. Last but not least, remember this is your one shot, so give it your best effort. Good luck with your future endeavors!

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Faculty in Journalism, Culture and Communication analyze emerging and enduring forms of public communication and the institutional and economic conditions that sustain them. They employ a range of research methods, including ethnography, textual and historical analysis, and political economic approaches to media industries. As digital technologies have transformed mediated practices, the faculty has opened a series of new areas of inquiry, including computational journalism, the study of algorithms in institutions, and the cultural history of Silicon Valley.

Angèle Christin  is an associate professor. She is interested in fields and organizations where algorithms and ‘big data’ analytics transform professional values, expertise, and work practices. In her dissertation, she analyzed the growing importance of audience metrics in web journalism in the United States and France. Drawing on ethnographic methods, she examined how American and French journalists make sense of traffic numbers in different ways, which in turn has distinct effects on the production of news in the two countries. In a new project, she studies the construction, institutionalization, and reception of analytics and predictive algorithms in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Ted Glasser  is an emeritus professor.  His teaching and research focus on media practices and performance, with emphasis on questions of press responsibility and accountability. His books include  Normative Theories of the Media: Journalism in Democratic Societies,  written with Clifford Christians, Denis McQuail, Kaarle Nordenstreng, and Robert White, which in 2010 won the Frank Luther Mott-Kappa Tau Alpha award for best research-based book on journalism/mass communication and was one of three finalists for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s Tankard Book Award;  The Idea of Public Journalism , an edited collection of essays, recently translated into Chinese;  Custodians of Conscience: Investigative Journalism and Public Virtue , written with James S. Ettema, which won the Society of Professional Journalists’ award for best research on journalism, the Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism, and the Frank Luther Mott-Kappa Tau Alpha award for the best research-based book on journalism/mass communication;  Public Opinion and the Communication of Consent , edited with Charles T. Salmon; and  Media Freedom and Accountability , edited with Everette E. Dennis and Donald M. Gillmor.  His research, commentaries and book reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including the  Journal of Communication, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, Critical Studies in Mass Communication, Journalism Studies, Policy Sciences, Journal of American History, Quill, Nieman Reports  and  The New York Times Book Review .

James T. Hamilton  is a professor and the director of the Journalism Program. His work on the economics of news focuses on the market failures involved in the production of public affairs coverage and the generation of investigative reporting. Through research in the emerging area of computational journalism, he is exploring how to lower the cost of discovering stories about the operation of political institutions.

Xiaochang Li  is an assistant professor. She is broadly interested in the history of informatics, computation, and related data practices. Drawing upon media history, history of science, and STS, her work is concerned with how information technologies shape the production and circulation of knowledge and the relationship between technical practices and social worlds. Her current research examines the history of speech recognition and natural language processing and how the pursuit of language influenced the development of AI, Machine Learning, and contemporary algorithmic culture. Her work also touches on sound studies and the history of acoustics and she has previously worked on topics concerning transnational media audiences and digital content circulation.

Fred Turner  is a professor and cultural historian of media and media technologies. Trained in both Communication and Science and Technology Studies, he has long been interested in how media and American culture have shaped one another over time. His most recent work has focused on the rise of American technocracy since World War II and on the aesthetic and ideological manifestations of that rise in the digital era. Before earning his Ph.D., Turner worked as a journalist for ten years. He continues to write for newspapers and magazines and strongly supports researchers who seek to have a public impact with their work.

Like all Communication faculty, the members of the Journalism, Communication and Culture group routinely collaborate with colleagues from around the campus. The group enjoys particularly strong collaborations with sociologists, historians, art historians, and computer scientists.

Faculty — Journalism, Media and Culture

Doctoral Students — Journalism, Media and Culture

Selected Graduates

• Sanna Ali, Ph.D. 2023. AI Policy Analyst, Stanford Cyber Policy Center and RegLab
• Jeff Nagy, Ph.D. 2023. Assistant Professor, Communication and Media Studies, York University
• Anna Gibson, Ph.D. 2022. Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing
• Jihye Lee , Ph.D. 2022. Assistant Professor, School of Advertising and Public Relations, UT Austin
• Andreas Katsanevas, Ph.D. 2020. Technology Policy Researcher, Meta
• Sheng Zou,  Ph.D. 2020. Assistant Professor, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University
• Christine Larson , Ph.D. 2017. Assistant Professor, Journalism, University of Colorado, Boulder
• Yeon Joo , Ph.D. 2014. Associate Professor, Department of Digital Media, Myongji University, Seoul
• Morgan G. Ames , Ph.D. 2013. Assistant Adjunct Professor, School of Information, University of California, Berkeley
• Seeta Pena Gangdaharan , Ph.D. 2012. Assistant Professor, Department of Media and Communications, London School of Economics
• Mike Ananny , Ph.D. 2011, Associate Professor, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California
• Daniel Kreiss , Ph.D. 2010, Associate Professor, School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• John Kim , Ph.D. 2009, Associate Professor, Media and Cultural Studies, Macalaster College
• Erica Robles-Anderson , Ph.D. 2009, Associate Professor, Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University
• Isabel Awad , Ph.D. 2007, Associate Professor, Department of Media and Communication, Erasmus University (Netherlands)
• Cherian George , Ph.D. 2003, Professor, Associate Dean, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University
• Francis Lapfung Lee , Ph.D. 2003, Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, City University of Hong Kong

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Journalism and mass media research topics for your dissertation.

Journalism is basically getting information and distributing it to various media channels such as TV, Radio, newspaper, and social media. This is the reason why journalism is quite a wide field. This means that when you are looking for a journalism research topic for your undergraduate projects, master’s thesis or a dissertation, you have access to a limitless list. However, it is important not to choose a very broad subject as it may lead to confusion. When considering a dissertation topic, narrow it down to a specific question. This will give you more focus and an easier time when carrying out the research. Ensure your research topic is also not very narrow as that would give you a hard time looking for relevant information.

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Unlike other fields, a dissertation in journalism is considered to be of good quality if the information received from the interviewee is of good quality. A dissertation in journalism is more than an expression of theoretical knowledge, it has to be more practical and real. Here are just some subjects that one may choose to focus on when working on a journalism dissertation:

Research topics in journalism/news

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News is the most common aspect of journalism. This is basically the most straight-forward aspect of journalism. News journalists basically have to distribute facts just the way they are. There are several research topics that can be very appropriate for this journalism aspect:

1. The future of journalism. Is true journalism dead? Is social media, paparazzi, blogging the future of journalism?

2. Propaganda models. Which propaganda models do the media houses follow? How do different countries differ in how they practice journalism?

3. Privacy and journalism. A look at the relationship between British journalism and royal family. How has journalism contributed to Henry and Meghan’s change of lifestyle?

4. Journalism and business. Where do media people draw the line? Is the main goal to inform the public or to make money? How do different media houses compromise (in terms of quality) in a bid to attract and keep investors (advertisers).

5. Political instability in African countries. How has journalism contributed to political turmoil in Kenya?

6. Women journalists in media. How are women journalists treated in the world? What are the limitations faced by women journalists? Are there places that women journalists shouldn’t be sent to?

Dissertation topics on political and investigative reporting

Investigative journalism is an aspect of journalism that aims at uncovering the truth concerning an issue, an event, or even a person. For investigative and political journalism to be effective, information distributed must be factual.

1. Media and image. How does media help establish a country’s image? How can media help change Afghanistan’s negative image in the eyes of the world?

2. Media and power hungry politicians. What role does the media play in ensuring that such politicians are kept in check?

3. Dangers of investigative journalism. A look at several journalists who have suffered while doing investigative journalism. What steps can media houses take to keep their investigative journalists safe?

4. Media in the developing countries. How have politics shaped the developing countries? Why do politicians in developing countries keep giving empty promises that are never fulfilled?

5. What has made USA to be the superpower that it is? The competition between USA and China for the top seat, what role does the media play in this?

6. Corruption and politics. A look at Kenyan government and corruption. Why do the two co-exist so efficiently? How has corruption wounded Kenyan economy?

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Dissertation topics on film and animation

Film and animation involves concepts such as film making, screen writing, editing, and camera work. Film and animation is very broad and often studied separate from journalism. Here are several topics you can choose from:

1. Role of race and religion in Hollywood. How are Arabic men depicted in Hollywood cinema?

2. Hollywood and Bollywood. How can the two be compared? How have they affected the world economy? How have they changed cultures in the world?

3. Place of Nollywood on the film market. How can Nollywood filmmakers improve their industry?

4. Bollywood. How has Bollywood grown over time? How has its growth affected Indian economy?

5. Hollywood and violence. Has Hollywood led to increased cases of violence especially among the youths?

6. Television or cinema? Is television becoming more popular than cinema?

Dissertation topics on advertising/corporate communication

Corporate communication is an important aspect of mass media. Every organization needs a communication department to help in managing all communications in and out of the organization. Corporate communication helps make efficient communication between an organization with its suppliers, investors, customers, employees among others.

Advertising on the other hand involves promoting a product or a service using the known media channels. It is very popular with big corporations since it is one way you’re assured that your message will reach your audience.

So what can you cover on your dissertation?

7. What is the importance of advertising on the media? Can media exist without advertising?

8. Media is highly dependent on advertising as a means of earning an income. Does this compromise its standards?

9. Can large corporations that are doing perfectly well stay without advertising?

Research topics on business reporting

Business reporting helps analyze and report commercial activities that affect the economy. Business reporting is usually more detailed than some other aspects. It is also very factual, and requires the business reporters to make complex business reports simple for everyone to understand. There are lots of topics you can choose from when it comes to business reporting. They include:

1. Pandemics and economy. A look at different pandemics that have happened worldwide and their effect on the economy. What is the impact of Coronavirus on economy? How is it likely to cause the greatest recession to have ever been experienced?

2. Chinese economy. How has Chinese economy risen so steadily over the years? Will Covid-19 cause a halt on this steady rise?

3. Economy and social networking. How has social networking changed the way business is done? Is ecommerce the future of business?

Research topics on developmental journalism

Development is an essential part of our world. Development journalism deals with ideologies, policies, or events that help improve life. Development journalism is quite wide since it covers almost everything and anything that is meant to improve human life. Here are some topics you can choose from if you want to do a dissertation of developmental journalism:

1. Education still a distant dream for most children in poor countries. How can media handle the rising cases of illiteracy in undeveloped and developing countries?

2. FGM, rape and defilement, and domestic violence cases are still on the rise in many countries. How can media help in reducing these cases?

3. Poverty levels still alarming in developing countries. How can the media help in coming up with solutions for this?

Writing a dissertation on a journalism subject can be quite interesting. However, it is important to understand the nature of journalistic writing. Journalistic writing requires a more practical approach as compared to other fields. It is therefore important to use interviews, surveys, and other practical methods to collect data.

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250+ Communication Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Consider

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Picture this: you're sitting at your desk, racking your brain for a killer communication research paper topic. You've scrolled through countless websites, but nothing is resonating. Sounds frustrating, right?

Well, good news – your search ends here. Our blog has been carefully designed to combat this exact problem by providing a broad array of unique communication research topics. Aimed at students like you, it offers topics that are not only relevant, but also engaging and thought-provoking.

We invite you to dive into these communication research paper topics, sure to set your communication study on the right track. They're ready to be picked, expanded, or simply serve as a spark to ignite your creativity. Forget the nightmare of topic selection! With our blog, that's a problem of the past. Dive in this collection from our paper writers online and let the inspiration flow!

What Are Communication Research Topics?

Communication studies is an academic field that integrates aspects of sociology, psychology, media and politics to examine human communication. It's an incredibly dynamic field that explores how information is transmitted and understood among people, organizations, cultures, or nations. 

In this regard, communication research topics cover a wildly diverse range of areas. Some subjects might revolve around understanding social media algorithms, while others focus on the power of political speeches. Basically, if your research explores sending, receiving, and understanding of messages – it fits right into communication studies.

Characteristics of Good Communication Research Paper Topics

Finding the right communication topics for a research paper is like looking for the perfect ingredient. It's not just about grabbing the first thing you see. Instead, you need to select a topic that satisfies your professor’s requirements and adds value to the academic conversation. 

So, what makes a communication research paper topic truly stand out? The answer is simple. You should be governed by a few key attributes that elevate a topic from good to great. Below are some of these features:

• Present-time significance Choose a topic that resonates with contemporary issues. These subjects may vary from understanding the impact of social media on public discourse to exploring the ethics in digital advertising.
• Novelty Communication field is vast, but repetitive themes can lose their appeal. Strive for novelty. A fresh viewpoint or a new exploration in a familiar domain can make your paper truly distinctive.
• Practicality Grand ideas are wonderful, but an effective topic is the one that can be comfortably researched given your resources and timeframe. Consider your access to data, available literature, and your expertise while navigating through research topics for communication.
• Personal engagement A study should keep you involved. Your own enthusiasm can make the research process more rewarding.
• Precision A crucial attribute is the scope. An overly broad topic can lead to a surface-level discussion, while a hyper-narrow theme can limit the scope of your research. Make sure your communication research topic keeps that balance.

How to Choose a Communication Research Topic?

Selecting a good research topic in communication can be a time-consuming process since there are many areas to pick from. But with these steps, making a choice can be way easier.

• Discover Stay updated with the latest trends, theories, and debates in communication studies. This can help you identify emerging or important areas that could form the basis of your title.
• Ideate Generate a list of possible topics for communication research based on your readings, interests, and specific requirements. Ensure these themes are intriguing and meet instructions.
• Refine Critically assess your ideas considering the availability of resources for research. Narrow down your list to ideas that can be researched with the resources you have.
• Finalize Select a theme that you are genuinely interested in. Confirm your choice after discussing it with your mentors, peers or online research paper writing service .

Communication Research Topics List

Before you begin searching, remember to align your topic with your instructor's guidelines and course objectives. Our expert term paper writers have curated a list of engaging communication research paper topics. These ideas, both intriguing and diverse, can provide a robust starting point for your exploration.

• Impact of emojis on digital conversation.
• Non-verbal cues in virtual meetings.
• Evolution of political discourse on social media.
• Crisis communication in the age of Twitter.
• Role of memes in shaping public opinion.
• Ethics of persuasion in advertising.
• Are podcasts a new form of storytelling?
• Influence of cultural nuances on business communication.
• Fake news and media literacy.
• Language barriers in international diplomacy.
• Social media influencers as modern change-makers.
• Impact of technology on interpersonal communication.
• Role of humor in effective communication.
• How does workplace diversity affect communication styles?
• Accessibility in digital communication.

Interesting Communication Research Topics

Great communications research topics should also tackle real-world issues and invite further exploration. We've tailored our suggestions to align with these criteria, aiming to pique your curiosity. Here are fascinating topics that you might find interesting:

• Role of communication in climate change awareness.
• Deconstructing political rhetoric in election campaigns.
• Can emojis replace words in digital conversations?
• Impact of influencers on consumer behavior.
• Fake news and public trust in media.
• Miscommunication: Root causes and effects.
• Bridging cultural gaps in international negotiations.
• Understanding gender dynamics in conversation.
• Ethical boundaries in persuasive advertising.
• Memes as a form of political commentary.
• Podcasts: Reviving oral traditions in a digital age?
• Influence of social media on body image.
• Digital detox: A solution for information overload?
• Negotiating language barriers in global diplomacy.
• What impact does social media have on public opinion?

Good Communication Research Topics

If you are still in search of something more specific, the following communication research topics ideas can help. They cover a range of disciplines and avenues for exploration, from healthcare research topics to business topics and ideas.

• Crisis communication in natural disasters.
• Role of body language in job interviews.
• Digital activism: Effective tool or just noise?
• How does social media shape our self-image?
• Impact of AI on interpersonal communication.
• Ethics and transparency in public relations.
• Humor as a communication tool in education.
• Can language shape our perception of reality?
• Exploring intercultural communication in multinational companies.
• Analyzing propaganda techniques in modern media.
• Role of storytelling in organizational leadership.
• Communication strategies in health campaigns.
• Power dynamics in family conversations.
• Navigating digital communication etiquette: Do’s and don'ts.
• Is anonymity empowering or threatening in online communication?

Simple Communication Research Paper Topics

Browsing through tons of research topics in communication can quickly become overwhelming if not managed properly. To simplify the process, these easy yet comprehensive ideas may be of help.

• Role of silence in effective communication.
• Influence of celebrity endorsements on brand image.
• Impact of texting on language skills.
• Social media as a tool for social change.
• Power of non-verbal communication in public speaking.
• Exploring communication styles across cultures.
• Understanding effective communication in sports teams.
• Cyberbullying: A new face of aggression?
• Role of communication in customer service excellence.
• Music as a universal language: Myth or reality?
• Exploring personal space in different cultures.
• Are billboards still effective advertising tools?
• Impact of language proficiency on academic performance.
• Bridging generational gaps through effective communication.
• Role of communication in conflict resolution.

Latest Communication Research Topics

Keeping pace with the latest trends is crucial, as it allows you to tap into contemporary debates. It's about understanding the pulse of the present, exploring the new, and challenging the status quo. To help you get involved in these current discussions, here are some trending communication topics for research:

• Role of TikTok in shaping youth culture.
• Impact of remote work on team communication.
• Is cancel culture affecting freedom of speech?
• Rise of mental health conversations on social media.
• Understanding AI's role in customer service communication.
• Influencer marketing: Revolutionizing traditional advertising?
• Dealing with misinformation in the era of instant news.
• Impact of virtual reality on interpersonal communication.
• Communication strategies in pandemic crisis management.
• Role of livestreaming in shaping consumer behavior.
• Can chatbots replace human customer service?
• NFTs and their impact on digital art communication.
• E-sports communication: New rules of the game.
• Voice technology: Future of human-machine communication?
• Communication patterns in online learning environments.

Communication Research Topic Ideas for Students

Requirements to research differ depending on the academic level. If you are searching for research topics on communication divided into separate groups based on their academic complexity, don’t go any further. Below we selected the best communication research ideas for both college and university students.

Communication Research Paper Topics for College Students

College-level studies require a more sophisticated approach than a high-school one. You should explore beyond the surface and engage critically with various facets of communication. To meet these academic expectations, we offer you a selection of communication research topics for college students.

• Biases in news media coverage.
• Understanding communication breakdown in diplomatic relations.
• Role of data visualization in business communication.
• The psychology of persuasion in advertising.
• Impact of subliminal messaging in advertising.
• Cross-cultural communication in global business.
• Role of LinkedIn in professional networking.
• Impact of language nuances on legal communication.
• Political correctness in public discourse: Necessity or limitation?
• Social media algorithms and user behavior.
• Analyzing crisis communication in the airline industry.
• Impact of cyber communication on teenage self-esteem.
• Exploring echo chambers in digital media.
• Communication strategies for environmental advocacy.
• Role of whistleblowers in corporate communication.

Communication Research Paper Topics for University Students

University-level research is often more intensive and complex. To help you cope with this, we've prepared a selection of communication research topics for university students. These ideas should give you plenty of material to investigate.

• Impact of bilingualism on interpersonal communication.
• Role of visual aids in classroom communication.
• AI's influence on journalism: A revolution?
• Social networking sites: Anxieties and self-presentation.
• How does music communicate cultural identities?
• Body language in job interviews: What does it communicate?
• Gated communities and their communication culture.
• Graffiti: A form of social communication?
• Comics: Communicating societal issues through art.
• Silent films: Mastering communication without words.
• Decoding communication in dance forms across cultures.
• Role of color in marketing communication.
• Dealing with information overload in the digital age.
• Visual communication in the age of Instagram and Snapchat.
• The impact of dark social on marketing.

Research Topics in Communication by Subject

Navigating through different communication research paper topics can be daunting, which is why we've categorized them by subject for your convenience. Whether you're focused on interpersonal communication, media studies, or communication technology, there's something here for everyone. Below, you'll find an array of communication paper topics, thoughtfully organized to cater to your specific academic needs.

Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal messages. It's not just about what is said or expressed, but also how it's perceived and understood. Below are some interpersonal communication research paper topics you might find interesting:

• Impact of language barriers on interpersonal relationships.
• Perception of sarcasm in online communication.
• Power dynamics in family communication.
• Self-disclosure in romantic relationships: Benefit or bane?
• Face-to-face vs. digital communication.
• Exploring communication styles in leadership roles.
• Interpersonal communication in multi-generational workplaces.
• Art of persuasion in interpersonal communication.
• Examining the role of empathy in effective communication.
• Listening skills: Their impact on interpersonal relationships.
• The role of humor in easing interpersonal tensions.
• Social etiquette: Unspoken rules of interpersonal communication.
• Impact of cultural norms on interpersonal communication.
• Role of interpersonal communication in fostering team spirit.
• The psychology of small talk.

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

Intercultural communication investigates how people from different societies interact and communicate with each other. It encompasses various topics, including language acquisition, cultural identity, political discourse, cross-cultural differences in business communication, and more. Here are some intercultural communication topics for research papers to get you started:

• Body language: Deciphering variations across cultures.
• Cultural adaptations in international business communication.
• Etiquette in digital correspondence between representatives of different cultures.
• Role of cultural intelligence in effective intercultural communication.
• Impact of cultural stereotyping on communication.
• Religious sensitivities in intercultural dialogue.
• Challenges in international diplomacy.
• Interpreting emotions across cultures.
• Exploring cultural nuances in humor.
• Role of intercultural communication in global marketing.
• Cross-cultural adaptation of immigrants: Communication barriers and breakthroughs.
• Cultural perceptions of privacy in communication.
• Role of translation in intercultural understanding.
• Impact of globalization on intercultural communication.
• How cultural backgrounds affect negotiation tactics.

Communication Research Paper Topics on Public Relations

Public relations involve strategic communication and relationships between organizations, their target audiences, customers, suppliers, employees, media stakeholders, and other relevant publics. Below are some topics related to communication and public relations:

• Ethics in PR: Navigating gray areas.
• Social media's influence on modern PR strategies.
• Celebrity endorsements: A PR perspective.
• Public relations and communication in corporate social responsibility.
• PR for start-ups: Building a brand from scratch.
• The influence of PR on consumer decision-making.
• PR in sports: Handling controversies and scandals.
• Environmental PR: Advocating for sustainability.
• Impact of fake news on PR practices.
• Diversity and inclusion in PR campaigns.
• PR and event management: Making a splash.
• Dealing with PR failures: Lessons from high-profile cases.
• PR in the hospitality industry: Ensuring customer satisfaction.
• How does PR shape the public image of celebrities?
• Communication strategies for handling negative PR.

Mass Communication Research Topics

Mass communication is a mechanism for disseminating information and ideas to large audiences. It can be used for educational, marketing, or advertising purposes. Here are some of the best mass communications research topics on offer:

• Influence of political bias in news reporting.
• Analyzing audience behavior in the digital age.
• Impact of sensationalism on news quality.
• How mass communication shapes societal norms.
• Mass communication in health promotion campaigns.
• Effects of product placement in television shows.
• Understanding censorship in mass media.
• Media literacy: The need for critical consumption.
• Role of mass communication in electoral politics.
• Effects of celebrity culture on mass audiences.
• Representation of minority groups in mainstream media.
• Pop culture influence on youth.
• Role of mass communication in environmental awareness.
• Impact of digital platforms on print journalism.
• Mass communication and its effect on consumer behavior.

Communication Research Topics on Social Media

Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate, with far-reaching implications for marketing and public relations. Below are some research topics in communication for your next social media essay or project:

• Balancing privacy and connectivity on social platforms.
• What makes content shareable?
• Brands navigating cancel culture on social platforms.
• Social media and mental health: Exploring connections.
• LinkedIn etiquette: Navigating professional communication online.
• Snapchat's influence on short-term content consumption.
• Crisis management on social media: Case studies.
• The evolution of Facebook's news feed algorithm.
• How does social media affect political discourse?
• Twitch and the rise of livestreaming cultures.
• Ethical considerations in data mining on social platforms.
• Digital activism: Social media's role in social movements.
• Analyzing the growth and influence of TikTok.
• Determining the impact of fake news on voting preferences.
• Pros and cons of using AI for content moderation.

>> View more: Social Media Research Paper Topics

Communication Research Topics on Journalism

Journalism is an integral part of our society as it informs and shapes a public opinion. As this field evolves, especially with digital technology, new research angles constantly arise. We did our best to collect the best journalism communication related topics below:

• Challenges of investigative journalism in the digital age.
• Citizen journalism versus traditional journalism.
• The role of artificial intelligence in news generation.
• Journalism ethics in the era of "clickbait."
• Combating fake news: Strategies for news outlets.
• The impact of podcasts on journalism.
• Role of photojournalism in conflict reporting.
• Impact of social media on newsroom practices.
• 24/7 news cycle: A boon or a bane?
• Exploring objectivity in political journalism.
• The decline of print media: What's next?
• Environmental journalism and its role in climate change awareness.
• Multimedia communication: Integration of text, audio, and video.
• Journalism's role in fostering social change.
• The rise and impact of opinion journalism.

Communication Research Ideas on Negotiations

Negotiations are at the heart of business communication and diplomacy, making them a highly relevant topic of research. Explore these research topics about communication and negotiations:

• Role of cultural understanding in international negotiations.
• How do emotions affect negotiation outcomes?
• Strategies for dealing with deadlock.
• The art of persuasive language in communication.
• Power dynamics in business negotiations.
• The effect of gender stereotypes on negotiation.
• Online negotiations: New rules and dynamics.
• The psychology of 'win-win' scenarios.
• Pre-negotiation stage: Preparation and its importance.
• Building trust in communication processes.
• Negotiation styles across different industries.
• The role of ethics in negotiations.
• The impact of negotiation training on business outcomes.
• Strategies to handle aggressive negotiators.
• Do introverts or extroverts negotiate better?

Virtual Communication Topics for a Research Paper

Virtual communication refers to the process of exchanging information between two or more people within a simulated environment. This could be anything from social media platforms to online gaming forums, virtual reality, and computer-mediated conferencing. Here are some digital communication research paper topics to consider:

• Exploring how virtual teams bridge geographic divides.
• Investigating how emojis and emoticons are changing language norms.
• Defining digital etiquette and rules for the new age.
• Virtual communication and work-life balance.
• What is the role of virtual reality in revolutionizing communication?
• Is social media a friend or foe in professional communication?
• The evolution of language in the age of texting.
• How does 5G influence our communication habits?
• Is e-learning an effective method or just a convenient option?
• How to navigate misinformation in online conversations?
• Telemedicine marks a new era for healthcare communication.
• Are virtual meetings a productivity booster or a time waster?
• Is blockchain a game changer for secure communication?
• The use of virtual reality in public speaking training.
• Digital communication and the paradox of loneliness.

Communication Research Topics on Advertising

Advertising is the process of attracting attention to products and services through various forms of communication — from TV commercials to creative content marketing campaigns. Take a look at these advertising communication research ideas to pick a fitting topic:

• How does emotional appeal work in advertising campaigns?
• How do colors influence purchasing decisions in advertising?
• Can humor in advertising guarantee a positive response?
• The role of nostalgia in marketing campaigns.
• How do different cultures react to the same ad?
• Analyzing the communication techniques in Nike's 'Just Do It' campaign.
• Evaluating the 'Got Milk?' campaign: The role of concise messaging.
• The influence of McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' campaign on consumer behavior.
• The impact of Apple's 'Think Different' campaign on brand perception.
• Analysis of 'Share a Coke' ad: Personalization as a communication tool.
• The 'Because You're Worth It' campaign by L'Oreal: A study in self-affirmative messaging.
• 'Don't Be Evil': Understanding Google's corporate identity through its original slogan.
• How are 'Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt' (FUD) used in smear campaigns?
• How do 'Calls to Action' affect the success of digital campaigns?
• The role of user-generated content in advertising.

>> More ideas: Marketing Research Topics

Communication Research Topics on Leadership

Leadership is all about effective communication. Leaders must be able to communicate their vision effectively in order for their followers to understand and buy into it. Below are some communication research topic ideas for your leadership essay or scholarly study.

• Impact of transformational leadership communication on employee morale.
• Persuasive techniques of successful women leaders.
• Leadership and team productivity: The unspoken connection.
• Comparison of narrative styles among autocratic and democratic leaders.
• Communication pitfalls in leadership.
• Effect of non-verbal communication in leadership efficacy.
• Role of effective message conveying in conflict resolution among leaders.
• Analysis of Steve Jobs' leadership communication style.
• Assertive message conveyance and its effect on leadership success.
• How does style of expression influence perception of leadership?
• Importance of cultural intelligence in leadership communication.
• Emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership.
• Role of open dialogue in leadership and trust building.
• Examining the importance of listening skills in effective leadership.
• Communication strategies for leading remote teams.

Extra Communication Research Topic Ideas

As the field of communication is vast and encompasses multiple subjects, not all topics find their exact match in pre-established categories. For those unique, fascinating, and sometimes offbeat communication research paper topics, we have created an extra section. Here, you can explore additional ideas that although didn't neatly fit into a particular category, hold immense research potential.

Communication Research Questions

Are you about to write a research paper or a dissertation in communication but haven't settled on a topic yet? If so, then you can consider one of the following communication research questions:

• In what ways has COVID-19 influenced remote communication techniques?
• Can online video platforms replace face-to-face meetings fully?
• How do different age groups perceive and interpret memes?
• Is digital detox a viable solution for communication overload?
• How does color psychology influence marketing communication?
• What role does silence play in non-verbal dialogue?
• How do political leaders use body language in public speaking?
• How has podcasting influenced knowledge dissemination?
• What are the communication challenges faced by astronauts during space missions?
• Can communication training improve emotional intelligence?
• How does culture impact our perception of visual communication?
• How is AI changing the landscape of communication in healthcare?
• Does text messaging and instant messaging deteriorate writing skills?
• How does bilingualism influence communication styles?
• What role does music play in cross-cultural communication?

Research Topics on Communication for Exam

If you have scrolled down this far, chances are you are about to take an exam on communication topics. To help you make the best of your exam preparation, we've compiled a list of communication research paper topics that you might face on your exam.

• Evolving trends in workplace interactions.
• The impact of social media on personal connections.
• Ethical considerations in journalistic practices.
• Influence of culture on conversation styles.
• Symbolism in advertising messages.
• Effect of virtual reality on social interactions.
• The role of storytelling in organizational dialogue.
• Gender differences in dialogue styles.
• Importance of active listening in effective exchanges.
• How leadership effectiveness is influenced by dialogue techniques.
• Effects of mass media on societal behavior.
• AI's impact on future interaction systems.
• Technological advancements in telecommunication fields.
• How does noise affect the quality of conversation?
• Influence of personal branding on messaging.

Main Approaches to Studying Communication

Scholars have developed multiple frameworks to study this discipline. These techniques provide the backbone to many communication research studies and guide how we understand, analyze, and interpret messages. In the subsequent section, you can see 4 major approaches to studying communication, each offering a unique perspective.

Bottom Line on Research Topics About Communication

We hope that this assortment of communication research paper topics will aid you in finding the right idea. Keep in mind that the research questions are just a starting point. Don’t hesitate to build on them or explore related sub-topics based on the direction your project takes. And remember to always cite properly when using existing studies for your paper. From how to cite a book in APA to how to cite a journal in MLA or create a Chicago website citation , we’ve collected the latest guidelines and examples for any citation format.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or simply need some expert guidance, reach out to our team of academic professionals. They all have solid experience in the field and are eager to assist you. Just say " write my research paper ," and get your project done in no time.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

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• Journalism and Mass Communication: Research, M.A.

This is a named option in the Journalism and Mass Communication M.A.

The Research M.A program focuses on developing skills in mass communication research and typically leads to enrollment in a doctoral program. 

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Refer to the department website for more detailed admissions information.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Information

All applicants who are admitted for graduate studies are automatically considered for support. No separate application is required.

https://journalism.wisc.edu/graduate/financial-aid/

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Named option requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

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Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required courses, graduate school policies.

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Named Option-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate work from other institutions.

This program follows the Graduate School's policy for Satisfying Requirements with Prior Graduate Coursework from Other Institutions.

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This program follows the Graduate School's policy for Satisfying Requirements with Coursework from Undergraduate Career at UW–Madison .

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This program follows  the Graduate School's policy for Transfer from UW–Madison University Special Student Career at UW–Madison. 

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This program follows the Graduate School's Advisor policy and  Committees policy .

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This program follows the Graduate School's Time Limits policy .

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These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
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• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

We offer a mass communication research colloquium, a teaching colloquium and a professional development series of workshops for our graduate students, including sessions for academic and for industry and non-tenure track careers.

For a complete faculty/staff directory see this website .

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College of Letters & Science Journalism and Mass Communication journalism.wisc.edu

Lisa Aarli, Graduate Advisor [email protected] 608-263-4858 School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 5115 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706

Michael Wagner, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected] 608-263-3392 School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 5115 Vilas Hall 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

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Ph.D. in Mass Communications

Our doctoral program in mass communication, jointly administered with the Department of Life Sciences Communication, is internationally recognized for our faculty and areas of research. Applicants to the Joint Ph.D. in Mass Communications may apply to one or both departments, depending on your areas of research interest. Options are:

• Mass Communications: Journalism & Mass Comm (code G630L)
• Mass Communications: Life Sciences Comm (code G630A)

The Ph.D. degree in Mass Communications provides future academics and professionals with rigorous training in theory and research with highly individualized programs that students develop in consultation with their advisors. Our Ph.D. graduates become some of the most successful researchers and leaders in the field of mass communication.   We require our students to engage in a systematic search for answers to well-formulated and substantive questions. The research process culminates in the discovery and reporting of new knowledge to others.

A doctoral dissertation in Mass Communications demonstrates a student’s ability to examine in detail an important issue in the field, using original research. Faculty members expect the dissertation to be clearly presented while conveying the student’s close familiarity with his or her research area.

The program offers several internationally recognized areas of research and teaching excellence: 

• civic and political communication
• health and environmental communications
• history of media institutions
• information technologies
• social networking and digital media
• processes and effects of mediated communication
• law and ethics of media
• international and inter-cultural communication
• public opinion
• science and risk communication
• social marketing
• journalism studies
• media ecologies
• race and media

Working closely with their advisor and committee, students draw from courses offered in departments across campus to develop a plan of study in preparation for independent and original research in their area of specialization.

Visit the Ph.D. in Mass Communications website for more information.

Visit  Ph.D. in Mass Communications  for more information.

Ph.D. Handbook (PDF)

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Ph.D. alum wins dissertation award, promoting women and diversity in advertising

By Erin Wadsworth '22

The slogan “Diversity = Creativity = Profitability” is at the heart of The 3% Movement’s mission to eradicate gender bias in creative departments in U.S. advertising agencies.  

UNC Hussman alumna Teresa Tackett ’22 (Ph.D.) explored this movement’s mission, focusing on how women negotiated their paths to creative leadership in her award-winning dissertation. She examined professional imbalances in the advertising industry in which 89% of people holding the title of “creative director” are men.

Tackett’s dissertation, “ Mad (Wo)Men: How Female Creative Leaders in Advertising Resisted a Male-Dominated Leadership Culture ,” was recognized with the 2023 Mass Communication and Society Dissertation Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) in October 2023.

Tackett with her Mass Communication and Society Dissertation Award.

The research stemmed from her experience working with female leaders in the advertising industry. 

“I’ve been mentored really well by wonderful women who are leaders,” said Tackett. “When I realized that wasn’t the case for everyone, it gave me a lot to think about.”

During conversations with leaders in the advertising industry, she noticed gender biases as a predominant factor when it came to leadership advancement, especially in creative departments. Long working hours that accompany advertising agencies and parental responsibilities were a common topic in those conversations, particularly for women who cited childcare and other household responsibilities they completed during their “second shift” after a day of professional work. 

“That led me to think about gender bias in advertising and the industry itself,” Tackett said. “Who gets to be leaders, and why? What are the workplace policies and procedures for career advancement in creative departments, and who gets to decide that?”

Early in her graduate career, she discovered the advocacy work of The 3% Movement, an organization created in 2012 to address gender bias among creative leaders in the industry. At that time, only 3% of creative directors in American advertising agencies were women. By 2020, that number increased to 29%. 

Despite progress, the number plummeted back down to 11% in 2021. This dramatic change happened during Tackett’s time in UNC Hussman’s Ph.D. program, which coincided with pivotal societal issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and the Great Resignation. The zeitgeist elevated issues related to inclusion and belonging in the workplace that dovetailed with The 3% Movement’s mission.

“For years, people had been putting pressure on the industry, specifically advertising on the creative side, to be more equitable,” Tackett said. “With everything that was happening socially in our country, all of this came to the forefront for agencies, and they had to respond. For me as a researcher, it was really interesting to see what that response looked like.”

She interviewed 14 female leaders in the advertising industry with the title of creative director or higher to examine how women navigated their creative careers in a male-dominated space.

“When I dug into it, I learned from women who are at these agencies that there were actual real changes being implemented because of that,” Tackett said. “Agencies had pulled a lot of their data for the first time to see how representation played out.”

Several leaders at agenices Tackett interviewed had adopted “Free the Bid,” a pledge engendered by activist and film director Alma Har'el.

“If you’re bidding to work with this agency, there were three bids at a minimum, and one bid had to be a woman or person of color,” Tackett said. “Putting practices like that in place – it was really cool to see that there was actual change happening.”

Tackett’s dissertation committee included Lucinda Austin (adviser), Barbara Friedman , Lee McGuigan , Andy Andrews and Holly Overton . Friedman, an associate professor at UNC Hussman, is a leading scholar on gender, race and class in mass media.

"Tackett applied a historical lens to assess women's contemporaneous status in advertising, and while progress isn't what it ought to be, she identified several women-led interventions to demonstrate the industry's forward momentum,” Friedman said. “She offers recommendations for women's advancement, too – her professional experience as an ad executive combines with her scholarly work to represent a powerful force for change.”

Senior Associate Dean Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, Tackett and Austin at the 2022 UNC Hussman commencement ceremony.

Tackett’s research culminated with her award-winning dissertation. The AEJMC award recognizes one dissertation each year that advances mass communication research at the societal level, providing the author with a $3,000 cash prize and the opportunity to publish an article in the Mass Communication and Society journal. 

“To receive that award from Mass Communication and Society at AEJMC was just the highest honor, not only for me to be recognized, but that this kind of work was recognized,” Tackett said. “The division saw that these women’s voices and their experiences were important and worthy and made a great contribution to the literature.”

Tackett, now an assistant professor of advertising and public relations at the University of Arkansas, is taking the organizational and feminist perspectives that she applied to the advertising industry and applying them to other male-dominated spaces like politics, technology and finance. She is currently working with two UNC Hussman alumnae, Bridget Barrett ’23 (Ph.D.) and Andrea Lorenz ’23 (Ph.D.) , to study 2022 gubernatorial elections in which both candidates were women.

Tackett is looking forward to advising student research projects and continuing her own work in strategic communication scholarship, using qualitative research methods to shed light on the biases people continue to face in organizations and institutions and how activism challenges those injustices. 

“I’ll always pursue projects that focus on communication, advocacy and gender — specifically intersectionality within gender. I hope my work gives a voice to women of all races and ethnicities, different socioeconomic statues, differently abled and able-bodied women, women of different ages and gender identities — all women.” Tackett said. “How can we be more inclusive to all different types of people in the spaces that we’re working?”

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Lindemann wins the 2024 grimes memorial competition.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications announced on March 27 that Marissa Lindemann is the 2024 George and Eva Grimes Memorial Competition winner. Lindemann is a sophomore broadcasting and journalism double major from Des Moines, Iowa.

The George and Eva Grimes Memorial Competition tests students' ability to use written or visual storytelling to make a compelling case for the benefits of international experience. All CoJMC undergraduate and graduate students accepted into a UNL international experience can enter the competition. Students submit a 1,000-word essay or a thirty- to sixty-second video demonstrating how funds will support their international experience.

Entries are judged by members of the CoJMC Scholarship and Student Success Committee. This year's judges were Assistant Professors of Practice Sharon Baldinelli and Shoun Hill, Lecturer Bill Doleman, Administrative Associate Tiffany Groteluschen, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Kaitlin Van Loon and Alumni Relations, Director of Advising Alisa Smith and Event Coordinator Zac Franzen.

The Grimes Memorial Competition provides the winner a $2,000 award to support the cost of international travel. Lindemann will use the award to support travel to Namibia during the summer of 2024. She will spend three weeks participating in a UNL Study Abroad course, Namibia: Wildlife Conservation, examining varied approaches to conservation in the country and their impact on endangered species.

Following the course, Lindemann will remain in Namibia for the summer to complete an internship with a Wildlife Conservation Organization. During her experience, Lindemann will use her journalism and broadcasting education to create real-world conservation stories about people working to make the world more sustainable and the wildlife that inspires them.

"Congratulations to Marissa for winning the Grimes Competition," said Shari Veil, Jane T. Olson Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. "We are proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing the stories she will tell during her travels."

Established in 1991 by Lee, George and David Grimes, the George and Eva Grimes Memorial Competition commemorates the legacy of their parents. Both hailing from Nebraska, George and Eva Grimes began their journey at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1914. Notably, they both held the position of editor-in-chief at the Daily Nebraska, with Eva breaking ground as the first female editor in 1916, followed by George the subsequent year. After college and George's service in World War I, they spent their careers working in journalism before purchasing the Oxnard Press-Courier, which they owned until 1962. 

An endowment managed by the University of Nebraska Foundation supports the competition.

Greenlee Student Showcase debuts in April

Greenlee students: Sign up now to secure your spot at the 2024 Greenlee Student Showcase, GSJC’s new student exhibition. We’re thrilled to provide you with a unique platform to share your work with your classmates, our campus community and the industry at large.

The Greenlee Student Showcase, a part of the Greenlee School Awards and Honors Ceremony on April 25, offers you a unique opportunity. Not only will you showcase your work, but also make valuable industry connections and network with leaders in our field, potentially paving the way for your career growth.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity and  sign up now  to secure your showcase space. We look forward to seeing you this April!

Published: March 25, 2024