Journal of Radio Studies

Journal of Radio Studies. It was a biannual peer-reviewed academic journal that focused on the scholarly examination of radio broadcasting, audio media, and their cultural, historical, and industrial contexts. Published by the Broadcast Education Association (BEA), it served as a central forum for research intersecting mass communication, technology studies, and American studies. The journal's publication run spanned from 1992 until 2005, after which it was succeeded by the Journal of Radio & Audio Media.

History and scope

The journal was established in 1992 under the auspices of the Broadcast Education Association, an organization historically linked to the National Association of Broadcasters. Its creation responded to a growing academic interest in radio studies as a distinct field within the broader landscape of media scholarship. Founding editors sought to provide a dedicated venue for work that moved beyond purely technical or industry-focused analyses, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches drawing from cultural studies, political economy, and social history. The scope explicitly included historical analyses of figures like Guglielmo Marconi and institutions such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, studies of regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission, and examinations of formats from AM broadcasting to National Public Radio. This period also saw increased scholarly attention to radio drama, war correspondents during conflicts like World War II, and the rise of talk radio personalities such as Rush Limbaugh.

Content and editorial focus

The journal published original research articles, essays, and reviews covering a wide spectrum of topics related to audio communication. A significant portion of its content was devoted to historical scholarship, exploring the medium's evolution from the wireless telegraphy era through the Golden Age of Radio and into the digital age. Studies often analyzed specific programs like *The War of the Worlds*, networks including the Columbia Broadcasting System, and the impact of legislation such as the Communications Act of 1934. Contemporary analyses addressed industry consolidation, the emergence of satellite radio services like Sirius XM, and the pedagogical role of college radio stations. The editorial focus consistently emphasized the social and cultural impact of radio, featuring research on communities ranging from the American South to international contexts influenced by the British Empire or the Cold War.

Abstracting and indexing

During its active publication, the journal was abstracted and indexed in several major academic databases, which facilitated its integration into scholarly discourse. It was covered by services including Communication Abstracts, a key resource in the field of media research. It was also indexed in the MLA International Bibliography, which is maintained by the Modern Language Association, reflecting its relevance to cultural and textual analysis. Furthermore, it was listed in Academic Search Premier, a database provided by EBSCO Information Services, and Ulrich's Periodicals Directory, a standard bibliographic reference for serials publications. This indexing placed it alongside other prominent journals in communication studies and American history.

Impact and reception

The journal is widely recognized for having played a pivotal role in legitimizing and consolidating radio studies as a serious academic discipline. It provided a crucial platform for scholars whose work might have been marginalized in more general journalism or television studies publications. Its influence is evident in the subsequent growth of scholarly monographs, conference panels at events like the National Communication Association convention, and dedicated courses at universities such as the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Texas at Austin. The decision by the Broadcast Education Association to relaunch and refocus the publication as the Journal of Radio & Audio Media in 2005 is itself a testament to its foundational impact and the evolving nature of audio media research in the 21st century.

Related publications

The primary and direct successor to the journal is the Journal of Radio & Audio Media, which continues to be published by the Broadcast Education Association and broadens its scope to include digital podcasting, streaming media, and mobile communication. Scholars in the field also frequently publish in related interdisciplinary journals such as Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, Media, Culture & Society, and The Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television. Research on specific historical or cultural aspects of radio often appears in publications like American Journalism and Popular Music and Society, while industry perspectives are covered in trade publications like Broadcasting & Cable.

Category:Academic journals published in the United States Category:Communication studies journals Category:Media studies journals Category:Publications established in 1992 Category:Publications disestablished in 2005