Table of Contents
Contemporary quantitative and qualitative public relations research methods in Arab scholarly studies: A meta-research
*Wail A. Barry, Abdu Mohamed Dawood Hafiz
Abstract: Communication scholars in the Arab countries have started to address new fields of scholarly literature in the public relations discipline over the last decade. The crucial change induced by the Arab Spring in many Arab countries has propelled public relations scholars to investigate the type of changes that affect scholarly research methods in the genre of communication at large, and public relations in particular. In the current study, the meta-analysis method was utilised to examine a total of 61 scholarly work...
Abstract: Communication scholars in the Arab countries have started to address new fields of scholarly literature in the public relations discipline over the last decade. The crucial change induced by the Arab Spring in many Arab countries has propelled public relations scholars to investigate the type of changes that affect scholarly research methods in the genre of communication at large, and public relations in particular. In the current study, the meta-analysis method was utilised to examine a total of 61 scholarly work...
The pertinence of a communication for sustainable development course in university: A case of Universiti Sains Malaysia
*Mohamad Saifudin Mohamad Saleh, Ali Mehellou
Abstract: In line with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s designation as Malaysia’s “university in a garden”, the Communication for Sustainable Development course is offered by the School of Communication on a compulsory basis for all undergraduate communication students, and on an optional basis for other students. This study aims to examine students’ perception on the relevance of the Communication for Sustainable Development course at USM. Sixteen undergraduate students from three different batches...
Abstract: In line with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s designation as Malaysia’s “university in a garden”, the Communication for Sustainable Development course is offered by the School of Communication on a compulsory basis for all undergraduate communication students, and on an optional basis for other students. This study aims to examine students’ perception on the relevance of the Communication for Sustainable Development course at USM. Sixteen undergraduate students from three different batches...
Unravelling clickbait news as viral journalism in Malaysia: Its phenomenon and impacts
*Lim Shiang Shiang, Sharon Wilson
Abstract: Clickbait has been widely employed by news journalists as a strategy of viral journalism aimed at grabbing attention and generating high click-through rates. It is common for news journalists to imitate the tactics used by media influencers. However, the true cost of this practice remains unknown, especially in the context of journalism as a professional field, because clickbait is often associated with sensationalised headlines aimed at enticing readers. This research aims to examine the prevalence of clickbait practices as a form of viral journalism among journalists...
Abstract: Clickbait has been widely employed by news journalists as a strategy of viral journalism aimed at grabbing attention and generating high click-through rates. It is common for news journalists to imitate the tactics used by media influencers. However, the true cost of this practice remains unknown, especially in the context of journalism as a professional field, because clickbait is often associated with sensationalised headlines aimed at enticing readers. This research aims to examine the prevalence of clickbait practices as a form of viral journalism among journalists...
Crafting standards of news quality on cross-media platforms: Exploring the perspectives of multimedia journalists through interpretative phenomenological analysis
Ima Liana Esa, *Wan Hartini Wan Zainodin, Massila Hamzah
Abstract: This study explores the crafting of news quality standards on cross-media platforms to enhance journalistic practices among multimedia journalists (MJs) in broadcast media organisations in Malaysia. Guided by the News Value Theory, semi-structured interviews with 15 MJs were conducted and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify the superordinate and subordinate themes. Findings reveal three superordinate themes, namely commodities, journalism principles and newsworthiness to shareworthiness. In crafting the standards of quality in news on cross-media platforms, media organisations should develop and enforce a...
Abstract: This study explores the crafting of news quality standards on cross-media platforms to enhance journalistic practices among multimedia journalists (MJs) in broadcast media organisations in Malaysia. Guided by the News Value Theory, semi-structured interviews with 15 MJs were conducted and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify the superordinate and subordinate themes. Findings reveal three superordinate themes, namely commodities, journalism principles and newsworthiness to shareworthiness. In crafting the standards of quality in news on cross-media platforms, media organisations should develop and enforce a...
Visual significations of Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child
*Zhen Fang, Noraien Mansor
Abstract: Visual signs can be differentiated into denotative and connotative messages, where denotative messages form the perceptual foundation of an image, and connotative messages engage with a deeper, culturally cognisant layer, imbued with subjective interpretations and aesthetic significations. This study embarks on a qualitative textual analysis with the main aim to elucidate the connotation and denotation of visual significations in two pivotal Chinese animated films, Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child. Guided by Roland Barthes’ Semiotic theory and Chen’s study, the research delves into the connotative and denotative meanings...
Abstract: Visual signs can be differentiated into denotative and connotative messages, where denotative messages form the perceptual foundation of an image, and connotative messages engage with a deeper, culturally cognisant layer, imbued with subjective interpretations and aesthetic significations. This study embarks on a qualitative textual analysis with the main aim to elucidate the connotation and denotation of visual significations in two pivotal Chinese animated films, Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child. Guided by Roland Barthes’ Semiotic theory and Chen’s study, the research delves into the connotative and denotative meanings...
Unveiling women leadership dynamics in public relations: Insights and influential factors
Yang Yueqin, *Ong Ai Ling
Abstract: The rapid evolution of information technology and the globalisation of markets underscore the paramount importance of competition for highly skilled professionals in the corporate landscape. Within this context, women leaders play a pivotal role in the development of public relations (PR) by virtue of their distinctive leadership styles and artistic approaches This research paper aims to investigate the various elements as well as factors that contribute to the phenomenon of women leadership. Employing a dual methodology of theoretical exploration and quantitative analysis, the paper attempts to establish a nuanced understanding of the correlation between...
Abstract: The rapid evolution of information technology and the globalisation of markets underscore the paramount importance of competition for highly skilled professionals in the corporate landscape. Within this context, women leaders play a pivotal role in the development of public relations (PR) by virtue of their distinctive leadership styles and artistic approaches This research paper aims to investigate the various elements as well as factors that contribute to the phenomenon of women leadership. Employing a dual methodology of theoretical exploration and quantitative analysis, the paper attempts to establish a nuanced understanding of the correlation between...
Public reception on the use of AI influencers in beauty brand campaigns on Instagram
*Dasrun Hidayat, Nabila Damayani Marzaman, Maylanny Christin
Abstract: he use of artificial intelligence (AI) influencers as models in brand campaigns in recent years, particularly in beauty brands, has sparked scepticism and distrust among the public. This study aims to explore the impact of AI influencer usage on message reception within beauty brand campaigns on Instagram according to the audience reception theory. Using a quantitative approach with random sampling techniques, the research covers the entire active Instagram user population in Indonesia, with 100 respondents. The analysis reveals a decline in message reception when AI influencers are employed in beauty brand campaigns on Instagram. Factors...
Abstract: he use of artificial intelligence (AI) influencers as models in brand campaigns in recent years, particularly in beauty brands, has sparked scepticism and distrust among the public. This study aims to explore the impact of AI influencer usage on message reception within beauty brand campaigns on Instagram according to the audience reception theory. Using a quantitative approach with random sampling techniques, the research covers the entire active Instagram user population in Indonesia, with 100 respondents. The analysis reveals a decline in message reception when AI influencers are employed in beauty brand campaigns on Instagram. Factors...
Framing and othering the T20 group in Malaysia: An analysis of news articles from selected mainstream and independent news portals
*Seach Jin Beng
Abstract: Malaysian news portals often feature news related to the B40 group as they are considered the socially disadvantaged group. Conversely, the T20 group in Malaysia refers to 20% of the population earning the highest income which serves as the complete opposite of the B40 group. Primarily deemed as a privileged group, this study examines how the T20 group is unfairly framed and othered in the media by drawing upon Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s concepts of media framing and othering. The study examines the linguistic elements in selected articles that depict the T20 as “unaffected”, “undeserving”, and “unrealistic”. This negative portrayal is used to...
Abstract: Malaysian news portals often feature news related to the B40 group as they are considered the socially disadvantaged group. Conversely, the T20 group in Malaysia refers to 20% of the population earning the highest income which serves as the complete opposite of the B40 group. Primarily deemed as a privileged group, this study examines how the T20 group is unfairly framed and othered in the media by drawing upon Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s concepts of media framing and othering. The study examines the linguistic elements in selected articles that depict the T20 as “unaffected”, “undeserving”, and “unrealistic”. This negative portrayal is used to...
Freedom of expression in films: A qualitative study exploring challenges and opportunitiesin Pakistan
Haseeb Muhammad Bin Qasim Khan, Muhammad Haseeb Shakil, *Nurul Wahidah Binti Mahmud Zuhudi, Sayyed Zaman Haider, Rabika Nadeem
Abstract: The study delves into the complicated prospect of freedom of expression in the film industry, specifically focused on Pakistan. It starts by recognising the historical and worldwide importance of free speech in cinema and its vital role in formulating cultural stories. The study adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews and the participants of the study comprised filmmakers and actors. The study aimed to identify challenges and opportunities essential for steering innovative boundaries...
Abstract: The study delves into the complicated prospect of freedom of expression in the film industry, specifically focused on Pakistan. It starts by recognising the historical and worldwide importance of free speech in cinema and its vital role in formulating cultural stories. The study adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews and the participants of the study comprised filmmakers and actors. The study aimed to identify challenges and opportunities essential for steering innovative boundaries...
Stylistic analysis of election campaign visuals in the secure and intensely competitive constituencies of the 2021 Sarawak State Election
*Siti Haslina Hussin, Malia Taibi, Ammar Redza Ahmad Rizal
Abstract: This study analysed election campaign visuals in the secure and intensely competitive constituencies of Kuching and Kota Samarahan during the 2021 Sarawak State Election. Using Crystal and Davy’s (1969) framework of stylistic analysis and Benoit’s (2017) functional theory of political campaign communication, 20 posters and 12 banners were analysed to examine their graphetic, typographical and textual features. Findings show that graphetically, the campaign visuals in secure...
Abstract: This study analysed election campaign visuals in the secure and intensely competitive constituencies of Kuching and Kota Samarahan during the 2021 Sarawak State Election. Using Crystal and Davy’s (1969) framework of stylistic analysis and Benoit’s (2017) functional theory of political campaign communication, 20 posters and 12 banners were analysed to examine their graphetic, typographical and textual features. Findings show that graphetically, the campaign visuals in secure...
