Photo: Zaki Habibi

Media and Communications

Media and Communication Studies at the School of Education and Communication, Jönköping University, is a forward-thinking research environment focused on sustainable digital media and communication, culture and society.

We are a dynamic group of researchers investigating media and communication from the global north and south perspectives, including transnational productions, audiences and activism.

Our staff have international expertise in generating new concepts and theories and designing quantitative and qualitative methods for original research. Our work in production studies by professionals in dedicated studios trains video makers, podcasters and journalists in communication and transmedia storytelling.

Head of department

Dr Ernesto Abalo, ernesto.abalo@ju.se

Research Environment Leader

Professor Renira Gambarato, renira.gambarato@ju.se

Video about professor Gambarato's research

Quality in Teaching and Research Leader

Professor Annette Hill, annette.hill@ju.se

Video about professor Hill's research

Research Themes

There are three thematic strands to our research and teaching in media and communication.

First, the strategic theme of educommunication is at the core of the School of Education and Communication’s profile EduCom - educommunicating for social sustainability – a profile supporting projects and courses that challenge uneven power relations and social inequalities within digital communication and teaching and learning.

Second, the theme of sustainable digital media and communications investigates digital activism, environmental communication and eco media studies.

The third theme addresses media engagement and participation in public and popular spheres, including media industries and audiences, digital citizens and streaming platforms.

Photo: Zaki Habibi

Photo: Adhyani Wirajuda

Projects and Impact

We work with a range of international research projects, academic, civic and commercial partners, and global networks. For example, projects are publicly funded by the European Commission, Swedish Research Council, Bank of Sweden Foundation and the Wallenberg Foundation. We collaborate in academic and industry research, for example with the BBC, Channel 4, SVT and TV4 and Samsung Nordics and receive co funding for early career researchers by the Climate Council Jönköping.

Teaching and Learning

Undergraduate and postgraduate students participate in courses and programmes that range from production skills in digital media and communications, scientific training in critical thinking and quantitative and qualitative methods, and real world problem solving for climate and social change communications. The Masters Programme in Sustainable Communication is a pioneer with dedicated courses on topics concerning economic, social and environmental sustainability for digital media and communication.

Environment and Infrastructures

Located in the heart of Jönköping on the great lake of Vättern, media and communication is situated in a purpose built campus, with up to date production and artist studios and digitally equipped classrooms. There is a central library with dedicated staff to help with archives and literature and environmental communal spaces, including access to a roof top garden, orangery, and lakeside activities. Jönköping University has a Gränna Campus where we offer PhD summer residential courses on theory and methods.

Researchers

Professors

Associate Professors

Researchers and Post-docs

Doctoral students

Lecturers

Otto Hedenmo

Projects

Publications

Andersson, P., Augustine, L., Gambarato, R. (2025). Advancing social sustainability through the development of action competence: A scoping literature review. MDPI
Alvén Sjöberg, J. (2025). Critical Making Workshops: Deltagarbaserad metod för samskapande. Göteborg: FORTE
Abalo, E. (2025). Challenging ageist stereotypes, but in the interest of whom? Responsibilization and digital welfare communication to older adults in Sweden.
Gambarato, R., Heuman, J. (2025). Streaming Media and Cultural Memory in a Postdigital Society. Taylor and Francis
Abalo, E. (2025). Digital first or digital only? Swedish welfare user interfaces and the challenges for older citizens. The Journal of Aging and Social Change 15(1), 99-120
Hill, A. (2025). Introduction – Audience engagement and experiences. In: Routledge Media and Cultural Studies Companions Abingdon: Routledge
Gambarato, R. (2025). Introduction - Audience modes: A granular approach. In: Annette Hill & Peter Lunt (Ed.), Routledge Media and Cultural Studies Companions Abingdon: Routledge
Tsertsidis, A., Rapado, I. (2025). Examining the availability of information on welfare technologies for people living with dementia in Sweden: a scoping review. Taylor & Francis
Alzamora, G., Gambarato, R. (2024). Ativismo transmídia na Amazônia [Transmedia activism in the Amazon]. In: Lucia Santaella & Kalynka Cruz (Ed.), Amazônia digital (pp. 133-152). São Paulo: Estação das Letras e Cores
Wappelhorst, A. (2024). What do cycling researchers do? [blog post].
Abalo, E. (2024). Senior citizens as the target group? Digital welfare user interfaces and the shift in responsibility.
Hedenmo, O. (2024). Elusive promises of mediated collaboration: An exploration of media-driven potentials and pitfalls in collective climate change mitigation. (Doctoral thesis, Jönköping: Jönköping University, School of Education and Communication)
Hedenmo, O., Berglez, P. (2024). Att åstadkomma samverkan: Sju kommunikativa framgångsfaktorer. Jönköping
Gambarato, R., Heuman, J. (2024). Transcending the blurred boundaries of Chernobyl. Prague: CZECH-IN
Hill, A. (2024). Streaming platform imaginaries: audiences and Southeast Asian streaming. Continuum. Journal of Media and Cultural Studies

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