Moving beyond Self-Castigation: Let's Reinvigorate Communication Policy Research Now!

Abstract

Communication policy researchers have eagerly joined communication scholars in continuing self-conscious debates regarding their theoretical status and practical significance. They have done so to the point of earnest self-castigation and by unjustly denigrating their work. Given the current critical junctures for communications, this research field cannot remain in this state. It is high time to move beyond self-castigation and reinvigorate communication policy research by acknowledging its much-needed voice, recognizing its merits, and highlighting areas in need of advance.