Editorial

Main Article Content

Jim Macnamara
Robert Crawford

Abstract

Welcome to the first issue of Public Communication Review.
Borrowing an approach from journalism, it is appropriate in this first issue to briefly explain the who, what, where, when, why and how of this publication.


Who and where?

Public Communication Review is published by the Australian Centre for Public Communication (ACPC) at the University of Technology Sydney.


Why?

The Centre was established in 2002 to facilitate research in the field of public communication and to engage with industry and the professions through the dissemination of research and stimulation of debate on important issues, encouraging innovation, and promoting ethical practice. The ACPC is very much a result of UTS’ vision and goal to integrate theory and practice. Along with undertaking partnership and contract research, hosting seminars on key issues, and conducting short courses, the Centre decided that a quality journal is a key channel for achieving its objectives.

When we asked the question ‘why launch another journal’, the members and the Advisory Board of the Australian Centre for Public Communication agreed that integration of theory and practice and our holistic view of the field of public communication fill a gap in the field.


What?

While recognising and respecting the specialist disciplinary fields of public relations, advertising, journalism and media studies, we use the title ‘public communication’ to draw focus to the interrelated and inter-dependent nature of a range of public communication practices. We define public
communication as comprising advertising, public relations, organisational and corporate communication, and political communication including campaigns and engagement in the public sphere, as well as media communication generally. These practices are also closely inter-connected
with journalism – albeit, sometimes in a tensioned relationship. We believe that this holistic view brings a new perspective and vantage point for exploring public communication. It recognises convergence and an increasing blurring of boundaries between practices of production, practices of distribution, and practices of consumption in the ‘Second Media Age’, and it facilitates discussion of common concerns and interests across practices of public communication.


When?

We intend to publish two issues a year.


How?

We have decided that Public Communication Review will be an e-journal as this allows research to be distributed more quickly than print publications and it enables the journal to respond to topical issues. Furthermore, it reflects the practices of the digital media age which are a focus of this journal.

On behalf of the Centre and the University of Technology Sydney, I thank the distinguished scholars who have agreed to be members of the Editorial Board and welcome you to Public Communication Review.

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