Table of Contents
Screening Islam in Malaysian horror films: A tale of the lost and found
*Suria Hani A. Rahman, Fauziah Hassan, Rosidayu Sabran, Rosninawati Hussin, Sofia Hayati Yusoff, & Norhayati Rafida Abdul Rahim
Abstract: This paper analyses Malaysian horror films and how the films represent Islam in the realm of darkness and in various monstrous manifestations. Deemed as a popular genre, two (2) Malay films titled Al-Hijab (Partition, 2011) and Khurafat (The Superstition, 2011) were selected to identify the emergence of social and political ideology in Malaysian horror films and how these meanings are associated with the representation of Islam/religion. Although religion and horror perhaps seem antithetical, their connection can be observed through mysticism and certain traditional pre-Islamic beliefs that can be found in Malaysia. A narrative analysis was...
Abstract: This paper analyses Malaysian horror films and how the films represent Islam in the realm of darkness and in various monstrous manifestations. Deemed as a popular genre, two (2) Malay films titled Al-Hijab (Partition, 2011) and Khurafat (The Superstition, 2011) were selected to identify the emergence of social and political ideology in Malaysian horror films and how these meanings are associated with the representation of Islam/religion. Although religion and horror perhaps seem antithetical, their connection can be observed through mysticism and certain traditional pre-Islamic beliefs that can be found in Malaysia. A narrative analysis was...
Framing news in the time of war: A comparative study between international and regional televisions
Wesam Almahallawi, *Ihab Ahmed Awais
Abstract: This paper analyses the news coverage by Al Jazeera Arabic and CNN during the 2014 Israeli-Palestinian conflict, investigating the differences in news framing between international and regional media outlets. Using content analysis, the study evaluated how these outlets structure their news reports by assessing five frames outlined by Semetko and Valkenburg (2000): conflict, human interest, economic consequences, attribution of responsibility, and morality. The findings indicate that regional media outlets emphasise human interest and moral frames, highlighting the suffering of women and children in war and the ethical dilemmas arising during the conflict...
Abstract: This paper analyses the news coverage by Al Jazeera Arabic and CNN during the 2014 Israeli-Palestinian conflict, investigating the differences in news framing between international and regional media outlets. Using content analysis, the study evaluated how these outlets structure their news reports by assessing five frames outlined by Semetko and Valkenburg (2000): conflict, human interest, economic consequences, attribution of responsibility, and morality. The findings indicate that regional media outlets emphasise human interest and moral frames, highlighting the suffering of women and children in war and the ethical dilemmas arising during the conflict...
Effective health communication strategies in the military hospital of West Java: A civil society approach
*Rudy Dwi Laksono, Ike JunitaTriwardhani, Rini Rinawati
Abstract: This study examines the effectiveness of health communication strategies at the Military Hospital of West Java, within a madani society that values active citizenship, democratic participation, and social justice. Using a qualitative approach, the research explored how traditional and modern communication methods are integrated to enhance patient engagement and health outcomes. Findings show that combining face-to-face interactions with digital tools like social media and telehealth significantly improves patient involvement and understanding. Culturally sensitive health education, which respects local customs and languages, is more...
Abstract: This study examines the effectiveness of health communication strategies at the Military Hospital of West Java, within a madani society that values active citizenship, democratic participation, and social justice. Using a qualitative approach, the research explored how traditional and modern communication methods are integrated to enhance patient engagement and health outcomes. Findings show that combining face-to-face interactions with digital tools like social media and telehealth significantly improves patient involvement and understanding. Culturally sensitive health education, which respects local customs and languages, is more...
Framing faith: Analysing the influences on Malaysian media coverage of religious conflicts
*Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri, Muhammad Raqib Mohd Sofian, Muhamad Zaki Mustafa
Abstract: Due to its deeply held beliefs, cultural relevance and potential for conflict, religion frequently plays a delicate role in a plural country like Malaysia. Differences in religious practices, beliefs, and values can cause conflicts and make it difficult to maintain peace and harmony in a society where many different religions coexist. Using Shoemaker and Reese’s Hierarchy of Influences Model, this study investigated how religious conflicts are covered in Malaysian media. Religious conflicts are frequently and widely covered in Malaysia’s diverse society, which is a reflection of the complicated relationship between the impacts of journalistic practices. The...
Abstract: Due to its deeply held beliefs, cultural relevance and potential for conflict, religion frequently plays a delicate role in a plural country like Malaysia. Differences in religious practices, beliefs, and values can cause conflicts and make it difficult to maintain peace and harmony in a society where many different religions coexist. Using Shoemaker and Reese’s Hierarchy of Influences Model, this study investigated how religious conflicts are covered in Malaysian media. Religious conflicts are frequently and widely covered in Malaysia’s diverse society, which is a reflection of the complicated relationship between the impacts of journalistic practices. The...
Special Issue: 4th International Conference on Islam, Media and Communication (ICIMaC2024) Full Issue
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...
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...
Communicative discourses and ideological practices in Indonesia’s digital political spheres
*Umaimah Wahid, Raden Wahyu Utomo Martianto, Deddy Mulyana
Abstract: Discursive spaces are necessary for maintaining democratic politics. Media serves as one of the key components in attempting to preserve the sanity of democracy and protect it from oligarchic practices entrenched in many political parties and the Indonesian government. The present research is aimed at understanding the representation of deliberative democracy in the public sphere by analysing the podcasts presented in the Akbar Faizal Uncensored (AFU) YouTube channel and examining the ideological practices that unfold in the podcasts. This study employed the qualitative method and critical paradigm approach while applying John Fiske’s...
Abstract: Discursive spaces are necessary for maintaining democratic politics. Media serves as one of the key components in attempting to preserve the sanity of democracy and protect it from oligarchic practices entrenched in many political parties and the Indonesian government. The present research is aimed at understanding the representation of deliberative democracy in the public sphere by analysing the podcasts presented in the Akbar Faizal Uncensored (AFU) YouTube channel and examining the ideological practices that unfold in the podcasts. This study employed the qualitative method and critical paradigm approach while applying John Fiske’s...
News images and ideology: Investigating visual representation in news on selected Malaysian television stations
*Juliana Abdul Wahab, Azmil Tayeb, Syaza Fuhat
Abstract: This study critically examines the ideology shaping Malaysian television media during Malaysia’s 2022 transition to its Unity Government. Focusing on Astro Awani and Berita RTM, a content analysis of visual news elements reveals a clear ideological bias that privileges the ruling coalition. Both networks predominantly featured visuals from government press conferences, serving to disseminate state-sanctioned narratives. Berita RTM in particular, amplified Anwar Ibrahim’s persona and reinforced a state-centric discourse that sidelines opposition voices. Although Astro Awani is privately owned and presents a broader range of perspectives through...
Abstract: This study critically examines the ideology shaping Malaysian television media during Malaysia’s 2022 transition to its Unity Government. Focusing on Astro Awani and Berita RTM, a content analysis of visual news elements reveals a clear ideological bias that privileges the ruling coalition. Both networks predominantly featured visuals from government press conferences, serving to disseminate state-sanctioned narratives. Berita RTM in particular, amplified Anwar Ibrahim’s persona and reinforced a state-centric discourse that sidelines opposition voices. Although Astro Awani is privately owned and presents a broader range of perspectives through...
SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research (SEARCH) 2025 Volume 17 Issue 1 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...
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...
SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research (SEARCH) 2025 Volume 17 Issue 1 Full Issue
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...
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...
Beyond the buzz: The role of KOLs’ communication in affecting generation Z’s purchase intention
Lim Ying San, Jeslyn Lee Jinn Yee, *Ng Tuan Hock
Abstract: In line with the Malaysian government’s effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, digitalization continues to proliferate the business world. Further, many businesses are now using social media to engage with consumers. The popularity of social media in business has created a new phenomenon in the market called Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). KOLs are highly influential and can communicate as well as influence a large audience. However, not all KOLs have the same ability to communicate and to influence audiences. Hence, this research investigates the influence of KOL on consumer purchase intention in Malaysia’s e-commerce...
Abstract: In line with the Malaysian government’s effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, digitalization continues to proliferate the business world. Further, many businesses are now using social media to engage with consumers. The popularity of social media in business has created a new phenomenon in the market called Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). KOLs are highly influential and can communicate as well as influence a large audience. However, not all KOLs have the same ability to communicate and to influence audiences. Hence, this research investigates the influence of KOL on consumer purchase intention in Malaysia’s e-commerce...
