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
Research Environment Leader
Quality in Teaching and Research Leader
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
- Hannes Ewehag
- Britt-Marie Leivik Knowles
- Anne-Sophie Naumann
- Sofie Norrlund
- Jens Sjöberg
- Annika Wappelhorst
Lecturers
Projects
Publications
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Abalo, E. (2025). The scientification of risks and the risks of scientification: Insights from the coverage of artificial turf pitches as microplastic pollutants in Sweden.
In: Mette Marie Roslyng, Anna Rantasila & Anna Maria Jönsson (Ed.), Routledge Studies in Media, Communication, and Politics New York: Routledge
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Berglez, P., Eberwein, T., Krakovsky, C., Jansová, I., Miteva, N., Nord, L. ... Císařová, L. (2025). European media systems in dynamic transition: Comparative results from five countries. European Journal of Communication
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Wappelhorst, A. (2025). Rethinking Mobilityscapes – How Bicycle Activists Challenge Car-Centric Urban Atmospheres.
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Andersson, P., Augustine, L., Gambarato, R. (2025). Advancing social sustainability through the development of action competence: A scoping literature review. MDPI
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Alvén Sjöberg, J. (2025). Critical Making Workshops: Deltagarbaserad metod för samskapande. Göteborg: FORTE
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Abalo, E. (2025). Challenging ageist stereotypes, but in the interest of whom? Responsibilization and digital welfare communication to older adults in Sweden.
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Gambarato, R., Heuman, J. (2025). Streaming Media and Cultural Memory in a Postdigital Society. Taylor and Francis
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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
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Hill, A. (2025). Introduction – Audience engagement and experiences. In: Routledge Media and Cultural Studies Companions Abingdon: Routledge
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Gambarato, R. (2025). Introduction - Audience modes: A granular approach. In: Annette Hill & Peter Lunt (Ed.), Routledge Media and Cultural Studies Companions Abingdon: Routledge
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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
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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
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Wappelhorst, A. (2024). What do cycling researchers do? [blog post].
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Abalo, E. (2024). Senior citizens as the target group? Digital welfare user interfaces and the shift in responsibility.
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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)
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