Communication Theory

COMMUNICATION THEORY is a premier peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing the theoretical foundations of communication studies. Published by Oxford University Press, the journal serves as a critical forum for scholarship that develops, refines, and challenges conceptual frameworks across all subfields of communication. Its scope encompasses a broad range of topics, including but not limited to mass communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, political communication, media effects, information theory, discourse analysis, and new media technologies. The journal prioritizes original research articles that offer novel theoretical insights, as well as rigorous review essays that synthesize existing literature to propose new paradigms. Occasional special issues focus on emerging or contested areas of theory. The primary target audience includes academic researchers, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates in communication, media studies, sociology, and related social sciences. While not an open access journal by default, authors may opt for open access publication through Oxford’s transformative agreements or payment of an article processing charge. COMMUNICATION THEORY holds a distinguished standing in the field, evidenced by a 2026 Impact Factor of 7.500, placing it in the Q1 quartile of the Journal Citation Reports. This elite ranking reflects its exceptional influence and high citation rates, establishing it as an essential resource for scholars seeking to engage with the most rigorous and impactful theoretical work in communication research.