Table of Contents

Social media approach to crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic:A case study of Saudi Arabia
*Norizzati Azudin, Rosninawati Hussin & Suria Hani A. Rahman
Abstract: This study examines the use of Twitter as a communication tool by the government of Saudi Arabia in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. To identify the content used by Twitter, this study employed content analysis along with the application of the user and gratifications theory. For this qualitative research, data were collected for one month, from March 1 to March 31, 2020, when COVID-19 first hit the country. The data collected focused exclusively on the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH), as it is the most important, prominent, and active government agency addressing this crisis through social media. The results show that the Saudi government used Twitter not only to...
Public perception of public administration: An analysis of YouTube comments on the corruption case at the University of Lampung
*Tina Kartika, Abdul Firman Ashaf
Abstract: Corruption committed by the former Rector of the University of Lampung (UNILA) has cast the Indonesian people in a bad light. Educational institutions are expected to produce a generation of intelligent, honest, and highly dedicated people. However, the former Rector was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Committee (CEC) on August 19, 2022. News about corruption cases often gets the attention of the public. The purpose of this study is to analyse the public perception of UNILA’s former Rector’s corruption case in 2020-2023 based on YouTube video comments. Five YouTube videos published from August 21 – 29, 2022 were subjected to a quantitative content...
The semiotic analysis of counter-myths and dominant myths in three Indonesian horror movies
*Muhamad Gibraltar, Hamedi Mohd Adnan, Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad
Abstract: Movie scenes reflect a society’s sociological perspectives, including the dynamic relationship between dominant myths and counter-myths. Sociologically, there are some Indonesians who still believe in and practise counter-myths, including witchcraft and supernatural beliefs (animism and dynamism), while still believing in dominant myths like Islamic teachings. Based on this assumption, this study semiotically examines the references found in the scenes of three contemporary Indonesian horror movies (Pengabdi Setan, Suzanna: Bernapas Dalam Kubur, and Sebelum Iblis Menjemput Ayat 1) that reflect dominant myths and counter-myths...
Usage and communication effects of new media public service platforms amongst students of Xinjiang universities in China
*Lyu Jiaqi, Normaliza Abd. Rahim & Roslina Abdul Latif
Abstract: In the field of cultural communication, new media has become increasingly prominent due to numerous beneficial characteristics such as high efficiency, simplicity, wide reach, and interactivity. It is well suited for the fast-paced nature of the contemporary society and caters to people’s needs, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. The pandemic caused significant disruptions in people’s lives, making it difficult for individuals requiring medical assistance and life support to receive timely help. In this regard, new media public service platforms, such as TikTok public service videos, Sina Weibo public service topics, Waterdrop...
Exploring the global landscape: How digital communication and advanced technology empower SMEs
Muhammad Haseeb Shakil, *Nurul Wahidah Binti Mahmud Zuhudi, Muhammad Mukarram, Ali Sajjad, Aqsa Akbar
Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between digital communication and the globalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on the role of technology as a mediator. Globalisation has created numerous new opportunities and challenges for SMEs, and effective communication has become a critical factor for their success. With the increasing availability and adoption of digital technologies, SMEs now have new means to overcome communication barriers and expand their reach to global markets. However, technology adoption alone may not be sufficient, and effective communication strategies are required to...
Shifting newsroom practice: Mobile phone adoption at the BBC World News and Al Jazeera English
*Normahfuzah Ahmad
Abstract: Mobile phones have become the sine qua non in our daily life. The adoption of mobile phones as a reporting tool has shifted newsroom practice and revolutionised journalism, amplifying news omnipresence. The affordances brought forth by digitalisation have made it important that news channels re-model their newsroom practice to suit the demands and market of their changing audience. This study aims to discuss the changes in newsroom practice at two renowned rolling news channels. Specifically, it intends to examine the adoption practice of mobile phones at the BBC World News and Al Jazeera English. Adopting a qualitative approach, in-depth...
The new way of leadership. Characteristics of future leaders based on a netnography research
*Andrea Sólyom, Andrea Juhászné Klér, Judit Oldal, Nur Haniz Mohd Nor
Abstract: In today’s ever-changing world, digitalisation has a powerful impact on leadership. In our research, we focus on how leaders can lead in each situation by letting go of the classic “how to do it well” guiding principle, and instead listen and feel the situation, as well as rely on their own self-awareness and the quality of their team and collaboration. This study aims to identify the characteristics that leaders should adopt to succeed in a world of continuous change. Aiming to identify which character traits are most important, both in practice and in literature, we employed systematic literature review and netnography to answer this question. The systematic review...
SEARCH Journal 2023 Volume 15 Issue 2 Preliminary
ABOUT THE JOURNAL
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication such as International Relations, Media Management, Film and Media Arts, Digital Education and Communities, Communication and Policies, Globalization and Social Impact, Youth and Media...
Empowering voices through feminist ethics: A case study of Feng Yan’s documentaries and the evolving landscape of Chinese female directors since the New Documentary Movement
*Chenxi Li, Professor Dato’ Dr. Noraien Mansor, YuDong Zhu
Abstract: The landscape of documentary films has seen a significant exploration of feminist themes, predominantly in Western contexts. However, there is a notable gap in research concerning the unique cultural and historical backdrop of Chinese female-directed documentaries, particularly in relation to feminist ethics (Lu, 2018). This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the characteristics of feminist care ethics in Chinese female directors’ documentaries post-New Documentary...
Exploring the impact of user-generated content on place branding: A study of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia on Instagram
*Muhammad Afiq Sukiman, Chew Yuin Y, Tan Poh Ling
Abstract: UNESCO World Heritage Sites are protected areas within a city that require responsible preservation and offer economic benefits to the local community. In today's competitive tourism industry, destinations use branding techniques to showcase their uniqueness. Similarly, branding for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Melaka and Penang, is crucial to creating more opportunities for discovery by both tourists and locals. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, are popular...