Groups

Visit the ADVD website.

The Advertising Division, which serves as a bridge between academia and the professional community in the field of advertising. Our division plays a vital role in shaping the advertising industry of today and tomorrow through various initiatives and activities. One of our key initiatives is hosting five paper competitions, including research, teaching, PF&R, special topics, and student categories, at the annual AEJMC conference. We also present awards for the top faculty paper, top student paper, and outstanding professional service. In addition, we organize a pre-conference workshop on advertising teaching, and publish the Journal of Advertising Education and AdNews, a divisional newsletter.

Currently, the Advertising Division is focused on three major goals. First, we aim to increase our membership, particularly among graduate students and ethnic minorities, to foster a diverse and inclusive community. Second, we are constantly looking for ways to better demonstrate our appreciation for high-quality research activities within the division. Third, we are committed to building and maintaining strong relationships with other divisions to enhance collaboration and networking opportunities.

Become a member of the Advertising Division and be a part of shaping the future of the advertising industry. By joining us, you will have access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to the advancement of advertising education and research.

Visit the BAMJ website.

The Broadcast and Mobile Journalism division, which is dedicated to the teaching, practice, and research of electronic news. Formerly known as the Electronic News division (EEND) and originally named the Radio-Television Journalism division (RTVJ), the division has strong ties with the industry through the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA). This allows us to stay connected with the latest developments in broadcast and online journalism.

The goals of the Broadcast and Mobile Journalism division include enhancing engaged learning of radio, television, and online journalism at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We also promote research and scholarly inquiry in broadcast and online journalism through the publication of the journal, Electronic News.

Our division aims to foster a sense of public service, professional responsibility, and freedom among practitioners and academics in radio, television, and online journalism. We strive to ensure that our students are well-equipped to excel in the ever-evolving field of electronic news.

Visit the SHER website.

Communicating Science, Health, Environment & Risk division (ComSHER) was approved as a division in 2010. The mission of the CommSHER division is to provide a forum for the advancement of the field of science communication and the professional development of its members. Current objectives of the division include: (1) Providing a community for those interested in science communication and to facilitate ethical and responsible practices; (2) Encouraging acceptance of “science” to include the environment, health and technology, not just science in the narrowest sense, and (3) Supporting a diversity of research methodologies and approaches in an ongoing effort to facilitate robust research in the area.

(The group was initially established as the Science Communication Interest Group in 1991 and officially changed its name to Communicating Science, Health, Environment, Risk Interest Group in Fall 2009 to more accurately reflect the depth of what the field of science communication currently covers.)

Visit the CTEC website.

The Communication Technology division, a community that brings together researchers, teachers, and professionals who are passionate about exploring how new communication technologies are shaping media and society.

Our division focuses on innovative uses of new media technologies such as blogging and podcasting, as well as technology adoption and digital divide issues. We are dedicated to understanding how these technologies impact communication patterns, social relationships, political activism, and cultural practices. Our research delves into the implications of these advancements on various aspects of society, including journalism, public relations, marketing, and entertainment.

By joining the Communication Technology division, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals and contribute to cutting-edge research in the field. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to shed light on the complex interactions between technology, media, and society in the modern digital age.

Visit the CTAM website.

The Communication Theory & Methodology (CTAM) division, established in the mid-1960s, is dedicated to advancing the study of communication through theory-based, methodologically sound research across various subdisciplines. Our goal is to promote a better understanding of how communication operates within these fields, including exploring different theories that explain communication processes and the methodologies used to study them.

By focusing on quality research, CTAM has been at the forefront of innovation in communication research. We were the first AEJMC division to introduce discussants at the conference, a practice that has since been adopted by other divisions. Our commitment to research is reflected in the amount of conference programming space devoted to showcasing cutting-edge research in the field. Effective communication is essential for researchers and practitioners alike to make informed decisions and develop successful strategies. By staying at the forefront of theory and methodology, CTAM continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of communication research.

Get involved with CTAM and contribute to our mission of advancing the study of communication.

Visit the CCSD website.

The Cultural and Critical Studies division, which encourages humanistic, interdisciplinary research into communication. Our division focuses on promoting research and scholarship in the field of communication that includes diverse perspectives such as literary analysis, cultural studies, critical theory, and creative and philosophical essays.

We are excited to invite scholars and researchers to submit their work to our division for consideration. The Cultural and Critical Studies division sponsors various scholarly activities, such as research-paper sessions and theme presentations, at the annual AEJMC conference. These activities serve as a platform for interdisciplinary research and discussion on the role of communication in shaping culture and society.

We welcome members that explore communication from a variety of perspectives and methodologies. You have the potential to contribute valuable insights to the field and engage with other scholars in meaningful conversations.

Visit the HIST website.

The History division focuses on all aspects of journalism and mass communication history, with the aim of researching and understanding the historical development and impact of mass media and related fields. Our members employ various research methods to explore how mass media has evolved over time and how it has shaped society. Our division aims to facilitate communication among its members through publications, websites, and other platforms to encourage collaboration and sharing of knowledge. Our primary objective is to shed light on the historical significance and context of mass media to further our understanding of its role in society.

Members of our division work in a variety of areas and methods, but our primary goal is the same: to illuminate the historical functions and contexts of mass media and associated fields. We believe that by understanding the historical development of mass media, we can better grasp its impact on society today.

We offer several annual awards, including a Book Award, the Covert Award for the best journal article on journalism history, and Best Conference Papers awards for the top three student papers presented at the annual conference.

Visit the INTC website.

International Communication division, which was launched in 1965, continues to thrive and evolve in response to the changing landscape of global media and communication. Since its inception, our division has been dedicated to studying the processes and effects of mass communication on an international scale. As globalization accelerates and technology continues to reshape the way we communicate, we have broadened our focus to encompass a wide range of topics related to international journalism and media. In line with our commitment to fostering academic discourse in this field, the division publishes the International Communication Research Journal in English, featuring research and analysis that contribute to a deeper understanding of international communication dynamics.

As we navigate through the complexities of a rapidly changing world, we remain dedicated to providing a platform for scholarly dialogue and knowledge exchange in the realm of international communication. We welcome contributions from researchers and practitioners, and we look forward to engaging in fruitful discussions that will enhance our collective understanding of the ever-evolving global media landscape.

Visit the LAWP website.

The Law and Policy Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). Our division is dedicated to exploring a wide range of legal and policy issues that surround mass communication and free expression. Our members are actively involved in conducting research on topics such as first amendment issues, defamation, privacy invasion, copyright law, broadcast regulation, and legal protections for newsgathering, among others. We support our members’ research and teaching efforts in these areas and strive to promote professional freedom and responsibility within the field.

In addition to our research activities, the Law and Policy Division also plays a prominent role in AEJMC’s efforts to promote public understanding of free expression issues. Through our Speakers Bureau, we serve as a bridge between academic discourse and public awareness on topics related to free expression.

We welcome your participation in our division and invite you to explore the opportunities for collaboration and professional development that we offer.

Visit the MMAG website.

The Magazine Media division is a dynamic group of journalism educators and scholars who teach courses on the production and business of magazines—broadly re-defined to include many new forms in the current digital world—and study their cultural roles and effects on society and audiences. The division’s members are professors and students at higher-learning institutions who share a continued interest and/ or professional experience in magazine writing, editing, design, and management, along with a passion for longform and lifestyle journalism.

The division publishes Magazine Matter, a biannual newsletter, and Journal of Magazine Media, the peer-reviewed journal. Digital AND print versions of the journal are available. The digital version of the Journal of Magazine Media is included in the membership fee for the Magazine Media division.

Visit the MCSD website.

The exciting opportunities available within the Mass Communication and Society division (MCSD) of AEJMC. Our division encompasses a wide range of traditional disciplines, such as advertising, public relations, and journalism, as well as newer, convergent areas of study. We welcome diverse methodological approaches to the study of media and its societal influences. As one of the largest and most active divisions within AEJMC, MCSD is dedicated to promoting research, teaching, and professional freedom and responsibility in the field of mass communication. We are proud to co-sponsor AEJMC’s annual midwinter conference, providing a platform for scholars to share their latest research and insights.

In addition to our commitment to academic excellence, MCSD offers numerous opportunities for recognition and support to both faculty and graduate students. From research grants to top teaching awards, dissertation awards, and service awards, our division is known for its generous support of its members. MCSD publishes Mass Communication and Society, a respected research journal published by the Taylor and Francis Group. This journal serves as a forum for cutting-edge research and scholarship in the field of mass communication.

Visit the ETHC website.

The Media Ethics Division, a department within our organization that is dedicated to research and teaching in the fields of mass communication ethics. With over 300 scholars involved, the division has been a key player in promoting ethical standards and practices within the media professions. Since its establishment in 1999, the division has been focused on fostering partnerships between academia and the industry, conducting ethical analysis, and advancing ethics education. Through our collaboration with professionals in the field, we aim to positively influence media practices and uphold ethical standards.

Our division of experts is dedicated to providing valuable insights and resources to help media professionals navigate ethical dilemmas and make informed decisions. We are committed to the ongoing development of ethical guidelines and best practices, with the goal of promoting ethical behavior and responsible journalism.

Visit the MMEE website.

The Media Management, Economics & Entrepreneurship division, a thriving community of scholars, researchers, and professionals dedicated to advancing the fields of mass media management and economics. Our division promotes teaching, research, and public service activities in these important areas, with a focus on fostering international collaboration and the exchange of ideas. In the division, we have five main goals: research, teaching, internationality, promotion of young academics, and professional freedom and responsibility. We strive to create a platform for the exchange of minds, where experiences, ideas, and visions in media management, economics, and entrepreneurship can be shared and discussed.

Our mission is to serve our members and the larger AEJMC community by conducting research, publishing scholarly work, and facilitating discussions on key issues in media management and economics. We also recognize outstanding research papers through our Best Paper Award at the annual AEJMC conference. Become a part of our division and contribute to our vibrant community of scholars. Whether you are a researcher, educator, or industry professional, we welcome your insights and expertise in advancing the field of media management and economics.

Visit the MACD website.

The Minorities and Communication Division (MACD), a dedicated group committed to advancing research, teaching, and professional freedom and responsibility scholarship in the realm of racial and ethnic minorities and mass communication. In MACD, our mission is to explore the relationship between racial and ethnic minorities and mass communication, focusing on critical economic, political, legal, ethical, and social issues that define the role these populations have played and continue to play in media and mass communication education.

Our programming and service center on promoting cultural literacy and diversity among academics, professionals, and students. We aim to heighten knowledge and strengthen skill sets to better manage the complexities and respond to the disparities that manifest in a multicultural media landscape.

Join us in furthering this important work and to be part of a community dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable media environment.

Visit the NOND website.

The Newspaper & Online News Division, formerly known as the Newspaper Division, which focuses on key concerns facing journalism education, the newspaper industry, and society as a whole. Our division covers a wide range of topics including ethics, new technology, readership, minority recruitment, and the media’s role in society. We are dedicated to conducting research and publishing valuable insights that will benefit the field of journalism and contribute to the advancement of the industry.

One of our flagship publications is the Newspaper Research Journal, a respected academic journal that presents cutting-edge research and analysis on various aspects of newspaper and online news. We publish our division newsletter, Leadtime, which provides updates on the latest developments in the industry and highlights important discussions within our community.

We encourage you to visit the Newspaper Research Journal website at https://journals.sagepub.com/home/nrj to access a wealth of valuable resources and stay informed about the latest research and trends in journalism.

Visit the PLCD website.

The Political Communication Division was approved as a division in 2019. This development marks a significant milestone for our group, which was initially established as an Interest Group in 2010. The division’s mission is to promote scholarship and teaching concerned with the interplay of communication and politics. We aim to provide resources and networking opportunities for political communication faculty, graduate students, and professionals. By fostering collaboration and exchange of ideas, we hope to contribute to the advancement of research and practice in this important area of study.

As a member of the division, you will have access to a range of benefits, including conferences, workshops, and publications. We also offer opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development.

Visit the PRDV website.

The AEJMC’s Public Relations Division is the largest organization of public relations educators in the world, with over 500 members representing institutions of higher learning in the United States and about two dozen countries globally. Our mission is to advance public relations teaching, research, and professional freedom and responsibility. As a member of our division, you will have access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities, including

• Research paper competitions for faculty and graduate students at our annual conference
• Sponsorship of the esteemed Journal of Public Relations Research
• Discussions, faculty paper competitions, and a monograph series focused on teaching public relations
• A quarterly membership newsletter to keep you informed of the latest developments in the field
• Special programs to support international research by graduate students and promote diversity among prospective educators - Liaison with professionals in the field to foster collaboration and exchange of knowledge
  

Join our division, to be part of a vibrant community of public relations educators dedicated to advancing the field through excellence in teaching, research, and professional practice.

Also see the PR Division GUIDE TO MEMBERSHIP.

Visit the SCHJ website.

The Scholastic Journalism division, which serves as a liaison between secondary school journalism teachers/media advisers and college-level journalism educators. Our members, many of whom are student press association directors, are dedicated to providing support and guidance to those involved in scholastic journalism. One of our primary concerns is ensuring that journalism education standards are upheld and that teachers receive adequate training to effectively educate their students. We are committed to advocating for student free expression rights and empowering young journalists to use their voices to make a difference.

Through our programming at the summer conference and our midwinter meeting at The Poynter Institute, we strive to support our members and facilitate discussions on important issues and trends in scholastic journalism. It is our goal to stimulate interest in this field among educators and students alike.

Consider becoming a member of our division and joining us in our mission to promote excellence in scholastic journalism.

Visit the VISC website.

The Visual Communication division is dedicated to the study of visual communication and issues related to the professional practice of visual media production for presentation. Our division members encompass a wide range of expertise and interests in various forms of visual media, including advertising, broadcast, digital imaging, film, graphic design, multimedia, web design, photojournalism, and more. We also explore topics such as visual literacy, visual aspects of political campaigns, propaganda images, and visual images and culture.

The division publishes Visual Communication Quarterly, a peer-reviewed journal that showcases cutting-edge research in the field of visual communication. We also host several annual competitions, including the Best of the Web competition in collaboration with the Communication Technology Division, the AEJMC logo competition, the Creative Projects competition, as well as student and faculty paper competitions.

We encourage you to explore the opportunities and resources available within the Visual Communication division of AEJMC. We welcome new members and look forward to collaborating with you on research, projects, and events in the future.

Visit the COMJ website.

The Community Journalism Interest Group, which was established in 2004. As you may know, community media make up the vast majority of news outlets, yet they are often overlooked or dismissed by scholars in favor of larger regional, state, national, and international media.

The Interest Group focuses on the crucial role that journalism plays in communities, with a particular emphasis on small- or niche-market media outlets, which we refer to as “The bottom of the iceberg.” These outlets have unique benefits and face distinct challenges compared to larger media organizations, and it is essential that we study and support them.

Our interest group provides a space for scholars and practitioners to come together to discuss and explore the importance of community journalism. We aim to highlight the valuable contributions of these media outlets to our understanding of society and democracy.

Visit the ESIG website.

The Entertainment Studies Interest Group (ESIG), which was established in 2000 as a unique niche within AEJMC. ESIG is the only interest group or division that specializes in entertainment studies, covering a broad range of disciplines including sports, video games, and entertainment media.

ESIG provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to engage with and collaborate on research, teaching, and professional development in the field of entertainment studies. Our programming offers a diverse range of topics and perspectives, serving as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the intersections of media and entertainment. One of the key initiatives of ESIG is our frequent co-sponsorship of a mid-winter meeting aimed at graduate students. This event provides an excellent opportunity for emerging scholars to present their research, network with colleagues, and engage in discussions about the latest trends and developments in the field of entertainment studies.

We invite you to join ESIG and becoming part of our vibrant community of scholars, educators, and professionals who are passionate about exploring the role of entertainment in society.

Visit the ICIG website.

Established in 1994, the Internships and Careers Interest Group is dedicated to promoting knowledge about careers and internships in journalism and mass communication to AEJMC’s membership, as well as to educators and professionals worldwide. Our membership is open to any educator or professional with an interest in journalism careers, including faculty members, administrators, career counselors, and journalism practitioners.

One of our key objectives is to sponsor conference programming that delves into important issues and recent trends regarding careers in the various journalism fields and industries. We also aim to encourage and support research that examines critical issues in the field experience, service-learning, and career worlds.

By joining ICIG, you will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, stay informed about the latest developments in journalism careers, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field. We welcome new members who are passionate about journalism and eager to make a difference in the field.

Visit the PJIG website.

The Participatory Journalism Interest Group (PJIG), formerly known as the Civic and Citizen Interest Group. Established in 1994 during the early years of civic/public journalism, our group has evolved to focus on new ways of fostering civic engagement through citizen-based participatory journalism. The landscape of journalism has changed significantly in recent years, with the rise of blogging, hyper-local media, and audience contributions to online news operations. In response to these developments, our group underwent a name change in 2013 to better reflect our interests and goals.

PJIG is now a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to researching and teaching about participatory journalism. We welcome academics, journalists, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of journalism and civic engagement.

We invite you to join us at our upcoming events, conferences, and workshops to engage in stimulating discussions and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

Visit the RMIG website.

The Religion and Media Interest Group (RMIG) that was established in 1996. The RMIG is dedicated to the exploration of the intersection of media and religion in our world.

We encourage scholarly analysis (both quantitative and qualitative) of this intersection in three areas:

1. Religion portrayed in secular media
2. The manner in which religious institutions and organizations use the media to propagate their message
3. The impact of religion and/or religiosity of media consumers and its impact on their media use

By joining the RMIG, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and research on these important topics. Our group is a supportive and collaborative community of scholars who are passionate about understanding the relationship between religion and media. We welcome new members and value diverse perspectives and expertise in our group.

Visit the SPIG website.

The Small Programs Interest Group (SPIG), which was established in 1994 as a forum primarily for faculty in small programs emphasizing teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate students. Our members come from various backgrounds, including small journalism and mass communication departments in large universities, as well as those from colleges or universities that are considered small. Each member defines “small” in their own terms, but what unites us is our dedication to being teachers first.

SPIG offers a platform for its members to exchange ideas and best practices on teaching, advising, and mentoring. We frequently organize programs at the annual AEJMC conference that focus on teaching, and our conference panels and listserv have been cited as invaluable resources by our members.

We publish the Teaching Journalism and Mass Communication Journal. Join SPIG and become part of a supportive community that values teaching excellence and student mentorship. You will have the opportunity to network with likeminded colleagues, engage in professional development opportunities, and contribute to the advancement of teaching in journalism and mass communication programs. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and working together to enhance the teaching experience for faculty in small programs.

Visit the SPRT website.

The Sports Communication Interest Group, which was established in 2010 as a support system for AEJMC members who are scholars and teachers of sports-related courses. The interest group, known as SPRT, caters to individuals in the fields of journalism, broadcasting, advertising/marketing, and sports information/public relations. Our agenda is designed to provide a balanced approach that emphasizes teaching, scholarship, and issues of professional freedom and responsibility within the realm of sports communication. By joining the interest group, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, participate in discussions and events related to sports communication, and collaborate on research projects.

If you are passionate about sports communication and are interested in furthering your knowledge and professional development in this field, we invite you to join the Sports Communication Interest Group. You will have the chance to engage with a supportive community of scholars and practitioners. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and working together to advance the field of sports communication.

Visit the CSGE website.

The Commission on Graduate Education (formerly known as the Graduate Student Interest Group), was founded in 1993 with the mission of providing support and representation for graduate students within our organization.

In 2011, the group was renamed and has recently been changed to a commission in 2022. The Commission on Graduate Education is dedicated to addressing student issues and amplifying the student voice within the larger body of the AEJMC. A significant portion of the group’s student-centered programming takes place at the annual AEJMC national conference. This is a valuable opportunity for graduate students to engage with their peers, share ideas, and participate in discussions relevant to their academic and professional development.

Get involved with The Commission on Graduate Education and take advantage of the resources and support available to you as a graduate student within AEJMC. Together, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all students.

Visit the LGBTIA+ website.

(Please extend our commission grace while we update our website to reflect our new position in the AEJMC Community.)

Visit the CSMN website.

The Commission on the Status of Minorities (CSMN) is concerned regarding the lack of racial to join this DIG and cultural diversity in our programs and curricula. It is essential that we address this issue and work towards creating a more inclusive and representative environment within our field. It is important to investigate the current state of diversity within our programs. By gathering data on the demographics of our community, we can better understand the challenges and barriers that may be preventing underrepresented groups from fully participating and excelling in the field of journalism and communication.

The Commission promotes:

• Increase recruitment efforts targeting underrepresented groups, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities.
• Implement training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Review and revise our curriculum to incorporate diverse perspectives and voices.
• Create mentorship and support programs for underrepresented students, to help them navigate the challenges they may face in our programs and in the field of journalism and communication.

Taking these steps, we can create a more inclusive and representative environment within our programs and better prepare our students to succeed in an increasingly diverse and globalized industry.

Visit the CSWM website.

The primary goal of Commission on the Status of Women (CSMM) is to advocate for the improvement of the status of women in journalism and mass communication education, as well as in the workforce. This includes promoting feminist scholarship in these fields and planning and presenting programs that support and advance the role of women in journalism and mass communication.

By working towards these goals, CSWM aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in journalism and mass communication, where their voices are valued and their contributions are recognized. It is crucial that we continue to advocate for gender equality and empowerment in these fields, and CSW plays a vital role in bringing about positive change.

Support the efforts of Commission on the Status of Women and to get involved in any programs or initiatives that they may be organizing. Together, we can work towards a more gender-inclusive journalism and mass communication industry.