call for papers

The Community Journalism Interest Group (COMJIG) is interested in research focused on any and all aspects of community journalism. We emphasize that community need not just be defined as within traditional geographical or social boundaries, but that given technological advances it may also be applied to journalism and its relationship to communities of interest online.
Our goal is to identify and present original, meaningful research that advances the understanding of the role of journalists and news organizations as members of communities, geographic or digital. We have particular interest in issues unique to those situations where as a function of geography or technology the community and news organization tend to be or have the potential to become highly engaged. Quantitative and qualitative methods are equally welcomed, as are attempts at mixed methodology. Theoretical groundings are appreciated. Only serious and complete research-based studies will be considered. Do not submit opinion essays, incomplete pilot studies, literature reviews, or other incomplete or unscholarly works.
Papers should be a maximum of 7,500 words long (about 25 pages, double-spaced) and adhere to APA or Chicago citation style. Please provide a running title on each page and include an abstract of no more than 75 words.
In evaluating papers for research presentations, COMJIG makes no distinction between faculty and graduate student work.
COMJIG encourages graduate student submissions in its Top Student Paper competition. To be considered for the competition, papers must be wholly the work of students. The author(s) of the top student paper will receive a $100 award and a certificate.
Likewise, COMJIG encourages faculty submissions in its Top Faculty Paper competition. To be considered for the competition, papers must be wholly the work of faculty. The author(s) of the top faculty paper also receives a $100 award and a certificate.
Information concerning submissions: Contact COMJIG Research Chair Joe Marren by e-mail (marrenjj@buffalostate.edu) or telephone (716-878-3794).