investigative journalism dissertation topics

Research Topics & Ideas: Journalism

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research Project

Research topics and ideas about journalism

If you’re just starting out exploring journalism-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of journalism-related research ideas , including examples from recent studies.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Journalism-Related Research Topics

Analyzing the impact of social media on news consumption patterns among millennials.
Investigating the role of investigative journalism in combating political corruption.
The impact of digital transformation on traditional print media business models.
Examining the ethical challenges of undercover reporting in investigative journalism.
The role of citizen journalism in shaping public opinion during major political events.
Analyzing the effectiveness of fact-checking platforms in combating fake news.
The impact of smartphone journalism on the quality of news reporting.
Investigating the representation of minority groups in mainstream media.
The role of photojournalism in humanizing the impacts of climate change.
Analyzing the challenges of maintaining journalistic objectivity in conflict zones.
The impact of artificial intelligence on newsroom operations and reporting.
Investigating the influence of media ownership on editorial independence.
The role of journalism in shaping public policy on environmental issues.
Analyzing the portrayal of mental health issues in news media.
The impact of live streaming technology on broadcast journalism.
Investigating the challenges faced by freelance journalists in the digital era.
The role of journalism in promoting government accountability in emerging democracies.
Analyzing the effects of sensationalism in news reporting on public trust.
The impact of virtual reality technology on immersive journalism.
Investigating the role of press freedom in protecting human rights.
The challenges of reporting on science and technology in mainstream media.
Analyzing gender representation in sports journalism.
The impact of media consolidation on diversity of perspectives in news.
Investigating the ethical implications of drone journalism.
The role of independent media in fostering democratic processes.

Journalism-Related Research Ideas (Continued)

Analyzing the portrayal of immigration in national news outlets.
The impact of censorship and media regulation on journalistic practices.
Investigating the role of podcasts in the future of journalism.
The challenges and opportunities of bilingual reporting in multicultural societies.
Analyzing the dynamics of news reporting in authoritarian regimes.
The impact of audience analytics on news content and presentation.
Investigating the implications of deepfake technology for journalistic integrity.
The role of local journalism in community engagement and development.
Analyzing the effects of journalism on public health awareness campaigns.
The impact of economic pressures on investigative journalism.
Investigating the challenges of reporting in a polarized political climate.
The role of media literacy in fostering critical thinking among audiences.
Analyzing the influence of celebrity journalism on cultural values.
The impact of cross-platform journalism on audience reach and engagement.
Investigating the effects of social media algorithms on news distribution.
The role of data journalism in enhancing transparency and public understanding.
Analyzing the impact of crowd-sourced journalism on news authenticity.
The challenges of balancing speed and accuracy in digital news reporting.
Investigating the role of international correspondents in the digital age.
The impact of public relations practices on journalistic independence.
Analyzing the representation of LGBTQ+ issues in mainstream journalism.
The role of journalism in addressing societal issues like homelessness and poverty.
Investigating the effects of editorial bias in shaping public perception.
The impact of journalism on political activism and social movements.
Analyzing the challenges of maintaining journalistic standards in entertainment reporting.

Recent Journalism-Related Studies

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual studies in the journalism space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

Imagination, Algorithms and News: Developing AI Literacy for Journalism (Deuze & Beckett, 2022)
Evaluation of the Effect of a Live Interview in Journalism Students on Salivary Stress Biomarkers and Conventional Stress Scales (Roca et al., 2022)
Professional and Personal Identity, Precarity and Discrimination in Global Arts Journalism (Sharp & Vodanovic, 2022)
The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Journalism in the Digital Ara A Descriptive and Critical Approach (Chettah et al., 2022)
Women in Mass Communication (Creedon & Wackwitz, 2022)
Newsgames: Experiential Reality, Ludenic News Reading, Conflict of Purposes and Norms (Cengi̇z & Kaya, 2022)
Deep Journalism and DeepJournal V1.0: A Data-Driven Deep Learning Approach to Discover Parameters for Transportation (Ahmad et al., 2022)
A View From the Trenches: Interviews With Journalists About Reporting Science News (Anderson & Dudo, 2023)
Understanding Journalisms: From Information to Entertainment by Persuasion and Promotion (Bernier, 2022)
Role of educational institutions in promoting medical research and publications in Pakistan (Aslam, 2022)
Ethics for Journalists (Keeble, 2022)
“I Felt I Got to Know Everyone”: How News on Stage Combines Theatre and Journalism for a Live Audience (Adams & Cooper, 2022)
Newsafety: Infrastructures, Practices and Consequences (Westlund et al., 2022)
The Golden Age of American Journalism (Alent’eva et al., 2022)
Advancing a Radical Audience Turn in Journalism. Fundamental Dilemmas for Journalism Studies (Swart et al., 2022)
Mcluhan’s Theories and Convergence of Online and Papers’ Newsrooms (Barceló-Sánchez et al., 2022)
Scientific communication after the COVID-19 crisis: TikTok publishing strategies on the transmedia board (Neira et al., 2023)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest. In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

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175 Journalism Topics And Excellent Writing Ideas

As a student of mass communication or journalism, you may need journalism research paper topics to fulfill your undergraduate degree requirements. As you already know, journalism involves profound investigative reports centered on an issue affecting the public. It’s all about public life, and this is why you may need different journalism thesis topics and ideas.

If you’re also a college student who needs good journalism topics to write your assignment or essay, there are numerous topics and ideas across different journalism categories in this content. See the following topics for journalism class that can inform your paper or project.

Investigative Journalism Topics

Investive journalism is that category of journalism that embeds profound investigation into a particular subject of interest. This could be political corruption, bank fraud, murder, and other serious crimes in society. These are journalism research topics that could help you develop brilliant ideas:

Investigate the role of the US government under Trump in the mismanagement and ignorance of the COVID-19 reality
Investigate the part of the radio and newspapers in spreading fake news in the 2020 US election
Investigate one of the biggest scams in the history of England
Examine the role of the Peaky Blinders gangster in the making of contemporary gangs
Account for the activities of the Yakuza gang in Japan within three decades
Report for the struggle of the Taliban and Afghanistan in the two-decade war
Examine the relativity of the Afghan War and the Vietnam War based on the U.S. involvement
Examine the fraud of US officials in the Iraq War
Investigate the complexities around US involvement in military and humanitarian aid in the Middle East
Assess the role of communist leaders in the creation of personality cult taking clues from Chairman Mao of China and Stalin of the USSR
The public believes that Afghan women will suffer in the Taliban government; however, some believe that it is peace and tranquility for the rural men and women who have been plagued by war. Investigate the bitter and sweet side of the war
Account for any child abuse scandal involving a government official in recent time in any country of your choice
Examine the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and relate it to the growth of the Ebola virus
Assess how governments violently quell peaceful protests in any country of your choice
Assess the cover-up of the Vatican in the sexual scandal of officials in the Holy Seal
Account for the influence of drug use in Mexico and how it influence or affect youths
Examine the shows with sexual appeal and how they affect the population
Give an account for the influence of extremity in the spread of the gospel of hatred in America
Study any corruption scandal of your choice and examine the fault of regulatory bodies
Give a comparative analysis of the 2008 economic crisis and the OPEC Oil Price Shock of 1973
Investigate the conspiracies in the government of Donald Trump
Investigate the bloody situation in Libya before Gaddafi’s death
Investigate the challenges facing India’s minority
Investigate the crisis in Turkey
Account for the political crisis between NATO-Ukraine and Russia

Journalism Topics for High School

You may have been asked to create journalism topics for your essay or contribute to your school’s magazine. There are different custom topics you could write about. You can consider these exciting and easy journalism topics:

An assessment of societal Influence of corruption and unaccountability
Assess the societal impact of the unaccountable judiciary in the US courts
What do you think about the role of the big five countries in rural community development?
What do you think the Biden Administration can do better about student loans and mortgages?
Assess the impact of mass media in reducing corruption
What do you know about drug abuse in the US, and how does it affect kids?
Evaluate how drama can be used to promote sensitization of sexual differences
Give an overview of how literature can be used to promote sexual orientation for high school kids
Why do you think your school needs a radio broadcast channel
What are your thoughts on unrestricted access to the internet for college students?
Do you think that social media is a good or bad innovation for society?
Assess how social media is responsible for depression and anxiety about beauty amongst youths
What do you believe are the impact of America Got Talent shows on kids
Because of social media, do you think mass media outlets like newspapers, televisions, and radios are no longer needed?
What do you understand about climate change and why everyone is scared?
What do you understand about Environmental changes and why everyone is scared?
Do you think women should take up top leadership roles anywhere in the world?
Do you think working from home is the best thing that could ever happen to working-class people?
What do you think makes a government legitimate according to your knowledge of Political Science, History, and Philosophy?
What do you think are the consequences of choosing entertainment above education and vice versa amongst youths
How can your school’s staff improve their relationship with students?
What are your ideas about humanitarian aid to Africa?
What do you think is the role of science and technology in the contemporary world?
Do you think high school students should have an intimate relationship too?
What do you believe is the most significant influence on youths and why?
What do you think about racism and Semitism in America?
What do you think about bullying in schools and the consequences of bullying on academic performance?
Do you think newspapers do an excellent job of promoting political sensitization?
Do you believe America is the best country in the world, and why?
Human and sex trafficking is the cruelest sin in the world: discuss
Assess the challenges of pregnancy
What do you think are the roles of women in Achieving gender equality in America?
Why do people idolize celebrities?
What do you think about the imprisonment of R Kelly?
Give a review of three songs by Rihanna.

Journalism Research Topics

Your professor may have asked you to develop good journalism research paper topics for your university degree requirements. There are different topics here that could guide you into choosing the perfect subject. Consider:

Analyze the failure of CNN in reporting unbiased news
Examine the importance of the media in advertising the need for economic development in rural communities
Assess the social media as the space to mobilize community support
Examine the significance of social media over the mass media like television, radio, and newspapers
Examine the campaign for sexual liberty in America
Examine the movement for gender equality in any Arab country of your choice
Examine the role of social media in the campaign for anti-racial sentiments
Account for the sexualizing of women in adverts
Account for president Trump’s innate desire to censor information in the media
Account for the role of journalists as gatekeepers in any free society
Account for the significance of international Journalist groups in protecting Journalists around the world
Examine America during the civil wars
Account for the sexual behaviors of porn addicts
What are the challenges facing three television Companies in the US?
Give an appraisal of Aljazeera and its news
Rationalize the death of Reuters’ Journalist, Danish Siddiqui, while in Afghanistan
Examine the consequences of the Trump administration on America’s domestic policies
Account for the consequences of Trump’s Administration on America’s foreign policy
Examine the effect of racial discrimination and employability in America
What is the role of America in developing ISIS?
Is America really the watchdog of the world?
Assess China and its rise to global dominance
Assess the significance of the Atlantic in world trade
Assess the political differences affecting Germany’s Nord Dam construction
Examine the need for entrepreneurs in America
Has capitalism favored the world so far?
Are Trump supporters patriotic or merely loyal to him?
Examine how education has promoted liberty in Afghanistan before US withdrawal
Assess for the role of journalist brands in reporting terrorism
What is the impact of the George Bush administration?
What are the impacts of the Obama administration on Libya politics
Assess the Israeli alliance with Saudi Arabia and the evil or good involved
Assess political or cultural propaganda of your choice
Account for the activities of any fraternity in a US campus
Consider Iraq’s needs for nuclear weapons as a balance of power or balance or threats

Literary Journalism Topics

As a form of nonfiction writing published in newspapers or magazines, it could cover interviews, research, or any other form of essay of your choice. If you’re required to choose controversial yet good journalism topics, you may want to consider:

Thoughts about Chimamanda Adichie’s “Danger of a Single Story” and how it could shape the literary scene
How fake news convince people about COVID-19 myths
The ethical challenges of journalism in any media company of your choice
The impact of photojournalists in the Afghan war
The scam in humanitarian intervention in any conflict of your choice
How French imperialism guides its role in French West African countries
The murder of Patrice Lumumba: thoughts on why America wants him dead
Philosophize on the brutality of King Leopold II.
How contestants arouse public sympathy in getting votes on America’s Got Talent
How pop culture ruin actual cultural developments
How journalism has evolved into business for financial gains
How journalism has evolved into a means of entertainment
Why does Aljazeera only tell sad, sad stories
Write a story about a mysterious heist of your choice
Attempt a short biography of Danish Siddiqui
Attempt a 7000 essay on everything about Vatican City and the politics
Document the invention of Isaac Newton and its Influence on technology
Lessons from the exploration of Amerigo Vespucci
Key points and lessons from Richard Nixon’s scandal
The mistakes of communism and capitalism in today’s world
What could be considered the impacts of Toni Morrison on literature?
Evaluate the works of Chinua Achebe in African literature
Evaluate the outcomes of Garcia Marquez in fiction and journalism
Opinions on the results of the Paris Review on literature
Opinions on the role of Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic in the media
Ideas on the death of democracy during Trump
A comparative analysis of presidents Trump and Richard Nixon
A comparative study of Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama
An overview of Trump’s economic policies
An overview of Trump’s businesses’ economic scandals

Research Topics in Mass Communication and Journalism Topics

As a journalism section that deals with exchanging information through the media, different topics can be developed to wow your professor. With interest in advertisement and dissemination of information, these are various journalism topics for you:

Embark on a comparative analysis of two media companies in the US
Account for the scandals of corruption in the practice of journalism
Assess the role of the media in the proceedings of Donald Trump’s impeachment
Report on the use of social media in triggering the White House protest on Trump’s behalf
Report on the use of Twitter during Trump’s Administration
What could be said to be good communication habits in Journalism?
Local newspapers and their usefulness in American public life
Has the use of radio negated modernity in America?
What are the challenges and prospects of smartphones during environmental disasters?
How has social media propagated the cancel culture?
How can the mass media be used for effective social change?
Drawing from the Watergate Scandal, what is the role of the mass media?
How do music choices influence the promotion of morality in traditional media?
Account for a radio show and its influence on the American public
Assess the consequences of airing extreme conservative ideas on radio
Social media and censorship: does it make sense?
How does the mass media contribute to racial disintegration?
Account for the radio show that promotes cultural diversity in America
Assess the subject of television addiction amongst youths
Evaluate the role of reporters and reporting highly sensitive cases
Identify how social media is wielded to propagate fake news
How Chairman Mao authored his propaganda with the media
The part of information dissemination before the Bolshevik Revolution
The role of the press in silencing threats in Russia
The thin line between truth and conspiracy in journalism

Middle School Journalism Topics

You may have been told to contribute to your school’s magazine or submit an essay in school. It would be best if you had easy and enjoyable journalism essay topics for your level. You can ask intriguing questions in your articles or essay through these journalism topics:

What are the powers you’ll execute if you have magical powers?
Who would you say are the best characters you’ve ever enjoyed?
What are your favorite movies, and why?
If you were an actor, which role would you never take?
Peer pressure and alcohol, do you think you can be influenced into social vices?
What are the campus secrets you think everyone should know about?
Review the last album of Beyonce
Review three songs of Kendrick Lamar and their Influence on the Black community
Review any book of your choice and its influence on people
Review any movie of your choice
Examine the need for active sport representations in school
Account for the need for Political student activists
Which of the school policies do you think must change?
If you’ll do anything to bullies, what would it be?
What are your thoughts about the foods in your cafeteria?
Would you attend a protest against the school authorities, and why?
Do you think everyone should like sports in school, and why?
Do you think school elections should be as competitive as senatorial or gubernatorial elections?
Do you think rivalries are suitable for school elections?
Who is your favorite philosopher, and why should everyone read Philosophy?
Which event of history should be told over and over again?
What are the achievements of your school’s basketball team?
What are the achievements of your school’s gymnastic team?
What are your opinions on Biden’s academic loans?
What are your opinions on racial diversity in classrooms?

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Fresh and Unique Journalism Topics

Do you want to spend your time researching and writing about something unique in the journalism field? If yes, work with one of the ideas presented by these journalism topics for students.

A journalist should be well-versed in different topics about local and international news- Explain
Explain how the role of professional is seen in the media
Are modern journalists more inclined towards glamour instead of providing better authentic news?
How has COVID-19 revealed about the role of journalists at a global level?
Have journalists played any role in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic?
How does the media facilitate the stereotypical representations of females by portraying them as materialistic objects?
Discuss how influential people control the freedom of journalists and the media
Discuss the major problems that are experienced by journalists as they discharge their duties
How have technological and scientific developments affected journalism?
How has social media affected modern journalism?
Are social media websites making third-persons journalists?
What are the duties and roles of a professional journalist?
How can journalists change the perception of women as being materialistic?
Can journalism be used to help improve marginalized sections in society?
How can journalists help the masses understand topical issues better?
How are electronic media channels shaping modern-day journalism?
Is social media making print media obsolete?
How has technology affected the mediums that journalists used to reach people?
How do high-profile personalities interfere with the freedom of journalists and the media?
Explain the challenges that journalists in varying topographical situations face every day.

This category has some of the best literary journalism topics to research and then write about. However, students should be ready to conduct in-depth research before they start writing. They should introduce new information that readers will find interesting.

Investigative Journalism Topics

This category comprises journalism research paper topics that allow the author to investigate an issue deeply. When writing a paper or essay on these ideas, students must identify visual arguments, research about the issues or problems, and then draw conclusions based on their findings. Here are examples of investigative research topics in mass communication and journalism.

How politicians in developing countries continue to lure the masses with vague promises about the education systems and job creation.
How the media is helping call centers to create jobs and help the unemployed members of society.
Politicians no longer have the ideological drive- A keen look into how political parties market their ideas
Can the negative global image of Pakistan/Iraq/Afghanistan be improved? How the mass media fosters stereotypes and establish images
How the media makes the USA look like the ultimate ruler
How corruption has become synonymous with modern politics
A critical analysis of how the UPA government functions
The Italian roots of Sonia Gandhi
How mainstream media is promoting the upsurge of public misinformation and fake news
How journalists can maintain high-quality reporting without necessarily spending more
How the media is helping rebrand some countries- Case study of Nigeria
How influential politicians make key decisions for some media houses
An assessment of the challenges facing information freedom in developing countries
How the front covers for health magazines use sexual content to attract readers
How magazine covers are used to get more sales
What are moral lines that separate investigative journalism from the violation of people’s privacy?
An investigation into the key stakeholders of modern media houses
How the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to affect the Chinese economy
How the government continues to censor the media
How some governments silence investigative journalists

Some of these topics are also great for debates and speeches. However, extensive research is required to come up with quality and relevant content that readers will find interesting.

Interesting Journalism Thesis Topics

Journalism studies require learners to choose considerate topics that allow them an easy time to research and write quality papers. Essentially, students should enjoy working on their topics. Here are some of the most interesting thesis topics for journalism students.

How significant is the media in the war against crimes?
A look into democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression
Media use by kids and adolescents
Technology versus modern media
How the media influence political patterns
Use of media and subsequent effects
How the media portrays popular culture and identity
Use of mainstream media in strategic communication
Media censorship and propaganda
Media psychology- How it applies to communication
Mainstream media versus art-house
How the media affects a country’s socio-economic dimension
Do video games form a part of the media?
How the media influences violence
Influence of the media on socio-economic sanity
Scare strategies that the media use to accomplish goals
A qualitative evaluation of modern media outlets
Mass media implications to the ethical well-being of a society
How the media influences immorality
How society benefits from a free media

These topics to consider when writing a journalism thesis. That’s because most students will enjoy researching and writing about them. What’s more, most people will enjoy reading papers on these topics.

Great Journalism Essay Topics

Many students struggle to choose topics when it comes to journalistic essay writing. But, this shouldn’t be the case because there are many ideas that learners can explore. Here are some of the ideas that you can explore when asked to write a journalism essay.

The role of mass media in society
Who is a good mass media personality?
What is the effect of mass media on the economy?
How media houses benefit from advertising
Modern society can’t do without mass media
Influence of mass media on technological advancements
How the media influences rivalry in politics
How the media affects the political class in a country
How important are reliable advertisements to the media
How does the media spread awareness?
What makes reliable media?
How does partisan media affect society?
What makes a non-partisan media?
How media violence can lead to social violence
Key stakeholders of modern media
How does a society benefit from the media
How the media has evolved over the years
How the media influences the articulation of major social matters
How media addiction affects the economy
How the media pre-empt situations

Good Journalism Topics for Students in High School

High school students and those joining colleges are sometimes asked to write essays on their preferred topics. Those interested in mass media studies can opt to write about journalism. Here are great journalism topics for high school to consider.

How media can foster education
Hidden messages that are passed through the media
How media images represent different entities
Why radio remains popular
The Disney phenomenon- New mythology or the media?
Types and styles of media
How politics and media are intertwined
Could virtual reality be the future of modern media?
Does the media create or react to events?
How does the internet influence the development of the media?
Media regulation and policy in different countries
What is a media campaign?
What is an international journalism
Role of the media during wartime
Does the media enhance or prevent panic during disasters?
Does the media censor or promote controversial topics?
Origin of the media
How speech freedom impacts the media
What are the main aspects of the media?
How the media use the hype phenomenon

Students have many journalism thesis ideas to consider. However, every learner should be keen to pick a narrow and interesting idea to explore when researching and writing an essay or dissertation on journalism. If you need assistance, hire our paper writer and get assistance today.

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Journalism Dissertation Topics – Get a Research Based Topic

Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Coming up with original journalism dissertation topics for your undergraduate, Master or PhD degree can be a very frustrating experience . In contrast to other disciplines, journalism dissertations are judged based on the interviewee’s quality of information.

A journalism dissertation must be more than just a statement of theoretical knowledge; it must be genuine and applicable.

Are you trying to find the ideal subjects for journalism research? Improve your grade in the dissertation project by using these journalistic research questions and topics.

Unique Journalism Topics

By depicting women as materialistic things, how does the media help perpetuate stereotyped depictions of women?
Discuss how powerful individuals influence the freedom of media and journalist
Talk about the main issues that journalists face when performing their jobs
What impact has advances in science and technology had on journalism?
How many journalists alter the idea that women are materialistic?
Can journalism be utilized to advance disadvantaged groups in society?
What impact do online media outlets have on journalism today?
Do you think social media is displacing print media?
How has technology changed the methods through which journalists communicate with their audience?
How do well-known people affect the freedom of the press and journalists?
Describe the difficulties faced daily by journalists working in a variety of geographical settings
How can journalists better inform the public about current events?
What part does the media play in lowering crime?
Talk about how the media has a bad impact on violence
What connection is there between media and the expansion of the fashion sector?
What is the media’s subsequent effect on the expansion of an economy?
What do you think about denying political media outlets a license to operate?
Consider the effects of media on your life during the past 10 years
Describe how media violence could be advantageous compared to the violence that is affected by society
Examine how the media sector has changed as a result of technological development

Best Journalism Topics

Examine the arguments against headlines employing metaphors by media outlets
How media psychology relates to communication
Describe how the media has influenced the music industry’s expansion
Examine how the media has influenced advancements
Describe the effects of biased media and why it could be harmful to society
Examine how the media has violated people’s rights and freedoms
Look at the Black Lives Matter movement and how the media has contributed to its growth
Consider the impact of media on the dwindling of traditions and culture
Why does political antagonism between political subjects and classes need to be promoted through the media?
What part does the media play in encouraging educational activities?
What part does the media play in raising awareness?
Describe how readers may check the accuracy and legitimacy of news stories.
Discuss the role of the media in a nation’s development
Describe the influence that social media has had on how police brutality instances are reported
What effect did the media have on the size of the Vietnam War?
Identify if governments should have the only authority to censor journalists and news reporters
Describe the key problems that journalism faces
Examines if media outlets are to blame for the dissemination of unfounded rumours

Investigative Journalism Topics

How reporters may continue to produce high-quality work without necessarily spending more
Nigeria is a case study of how the media is assisting in the rebranding of some nations
How powerful politicians influence some media outlets’ important choices
An evaluation of the issues limiting information freedom in emerging nations
How is sexual material used on the front pages of health publications to draw readers?
How to utilise magazine covers to increase sales
What moral distinctions exist between the invasion of privacy and investigative journalism?
An examination of the major players in modern media organisations
How do politicians in developing nations continue to seduce the populace with nebulous assurances about the quality of the educational system and the development of jobs?
How call centres are using the media to fill employment and aid the unemployed in society
Politicians lack the ideological motivation they formerly did. A careful examination of the way political parties promote their views
Can Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan repair their unfavourable reputations in the world?

Hot Journalism Topics

Consider some of the most major upcoming shifts in journalism.
Describe the many advantages that commercials and product promotions have for media sources.
Why is it inappropriate for superstars and celebrities to go through media trials?
Define stylised writing and explain if it is appropriate in the internet-dependent world of today.
Talk about the potentially harmful effects that media may have on pupils.
Explain why sexual stuff should no longer be broadcasted on television.
Consider how the media shapes how social issues like racism are expressed.
Examine the effect of new media on spending for digital learning.
Ask if it’s possible to pursue the truth in journalism without violating the journalistic code.
Discuss how the media affects a person’s emotional and psychological health.
Talk about the primary difficulties that journalists face when carrying out their duties.
What effect has science and technological progress had on journalism?
What can reporters do to disprove the notion that women are materialistic?
Describe how foreign enemies and rivals are presented in American media
Do people read less about current affairs now that there’s the internet?
Why has news reporting altered as a result of the internet?
Examine some of the most important and expected impending advancements in journalism
Nigeria serves as a case study for how the media helps some countries rebrand.
A case study on the societal problem of pollution and the role of the media in addressing
Look into the effects of the fear caused by crime reporting in the media
Talk about how the media is used to set the agenda
Describe the issues with how black women are portrayed in the media
Talk about how women and their sexuality are used in advertising in the media

Journalism & Freedom of Expressions Topics

Journalists depend on sources for their work. Should these sources be shielded from situations that can lead to a breach of confidence by the laws protecting freedom of expression?
A principle of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution encourages a highly balanced approach to media and freedom of expression. Should the UK follow their example?
Exist any reasons for restricting a journalist’s freedom of expression in the name of a democratic society?
Some contend that a democratic society’s cornerstones are freedom of speech and the press. A comparison of how people in the US and the UK feel about press freedom
Do tabloids and broadsheets have varying degrees of freedom of speech? The Times against The News of the World
The common law grants people of the UK a restricted right to free speech. What effect does this have on journalism in the nation?
How courts trample on journalists’ right to free speech is highlighted by the Sunday Times v. UK case. How can courts protect journalists more fully?
Article 10 of the Human Rights Convention guarantees the right to freedom of speech. Can journalists use this law to their advantage?

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You can choose any topic from the list of excellent journalism dissertation topics and ideas. Place your order with us if you are unsure of what to write about or how to create a research paper on journalism.

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Journalism Research Topics: 120+ Ideas to Consider

Journalism is quite a broad industry that entails enumerating helpful information and showing it on different media channels, including television, social media, radio, and beyond.

For framing an outstanding research paper, your topic must enable your audience to focus on the key issues and make them keen to know more about your topic. However, finding the perfect topic isn’t easy.

Students often select their topic in haste and later realize that there needs to be more information or evidence to prove their hypothesis. Others get bored with their research after choosing a tedious journalism topic.

Journalism is an excellent subject that can open up many exciting ideas for students. However, this blog is genuinely written for you if you’re facing difficulty. Here are some unique journalism research topics you can use as inspiration.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Your Journalism Research Topic:

Finding a unique journalism topic is complex and requires extensive research and clever work. Generally, the internet is stuffed with thousands of journalism topics to write about, but the real struggle lies in identifying your “perfect” topic within that.

We have compiled a few suggestions that might help you create brilliant topics:

Students must refrain from any extravagantly broad topic, as it can be time-consuming and lead to confusion among students.
Choose a subject or topic that sparks your interest and curiosity level.
Students need to narrow their research into essential research questions.
Avoid providing a research paper based on goofy journalism topics to avoid misinterpretation or negative impact on your audience. Instead, ensure that your chosen topic will be informative for your readers.
Choose a novel topic that emphasizes distinct issues so readers can understand the fundamental research.

Thus, if you are about to research your journalism topic, ensure it stands in line with your university guidelines. Furthermore, ensure that your topic adheres to all the above-mentioned suggestions.

120+ Journalism Research Topics

As intended professional journalists, brilliant journalism ideas will always be welcomed and appreciated by your professors.

As mentioned, journalism is compiling, collecting, and assessing unique data and information on major on-going events. Along with writing on special journalism topics, one should also be open to writing about innovative discoveries about a pre-existing event.

We have thoroughly compiled a list of some contemplated journalism research topics that you can use as inspiration to get started with the writing business right away:

Journalism Research Topics for High School Students

Celebrities’ rights to privacy: How far should the paparazzi be allowed to infringe?
Examining the impact of racism in the media, both positive and negative
How do electronic media outlets influence journalism in the present era?
The influence of famous personalities on the independence of the media and journalists.
Challenges and opportunities for journalism in the 21st century
Impact of the media on diplomacy
Explain why it is inappropriate for famous people and idols to be subjected to media trials.
Why is radio still a crucial medium of communication in the twenty-first century?
Televisions must stop broadcasting sexual content.
Investigating journalism as a dangerous profession
Comment on the sexualization of women in media advertisements
Describe the effects of media misdirection and misinformation.
Describe ways to regulate mass media to guarantee that students are only minimally exposed to inappropriate content.
Why is the United States of America considered a global superpower?
The role of media outlets during the pandemic
Imperativeness of journalism for disadvantaged social groups
Is print media no longer necessary in the age of social media?
How has technology altered media

Brilliant Mass Communication and Journalism Research Topics

Read Also – 400+ Philosophy Research Paper Topics

The credibility of online journalism
The role of journalism in war zones
Current Changes in Journalism in the United States
Theoretical and methodological trends in journalism
The history of journalism
Journalism and the construction of police brutality
Media’s role in curbing corruption
Political women in media culture
A critical review of the methodological trends and controversies surrounding the use of opinion polls
Media’s role in exposing corrupted politicians
Government-sanctioned journalism in China
News workers, technology, and journalism history
Trends in fake news in the modern media space
Media censorship in China
The future of blogging and journalism in the United States
Critical analysis of how the British journalists try to win over the royals
Bridging media psychology and cognitive neuroscience

Sports Journalism Research Topics

Empirical research on racial discrimination in sports
The journey of a sportsperson: researching the importance of storytelling for sports persons
A qualitative investigation into the lives of sportswomen
Impact of sports journalism on the construction of “body image” in the mind of a younger generation
Homophobia in modern sports and the role of media channels in increasing such negativism
Ethics in sports journalism
Protecting brand through media and journalism channels
Trans journalist association for sports: opportunities and challenges
TVG Network in sports reporting
What happened to Adriano: investigating the Dark Story Behind the Retirement of “Next Door” Ronaldo
Evaluating media’s role in helping GenZ athletes to seek their “authentic voice.”
The challenges of sports media during Covid19 outbreak
The part of sports journalism in entertaining the masses
Richie Benaud, the voice of cricket and an influential broadcaster
James Hird’s suspected drug overdose: invasive reporting violates the right to privacy
Sports journalism as strategic sports marketing
The dangers of sports journalism
FIFA world cup 2022: restrictions on journalists for covering the event
The harsh truth of replacing sports journalism with “mindless gossip columnists.”

Investigative Journalism and Media Topics for Research

Read Also – 40 Architecture Thesis Topics

Examining the impact of television advertising on the moral behaviors of young minds
Representation of Muslim women and Islam by journalists
The evolution of the media in the United States
Sports journalism: Why is it challenging for sports journalists to succeed in sports broadcasting?
Compare and contrast FOX and BBC news reports.
Countering the false image of Arab women in the Arab media
The influence of print media on the advancement of pop culture
Transculturation in media translation
Why do celebrity rumors frequently dominate media outlets as opposed to important news?
The life and works of Eric Eyre
Justify the lack of explicit depictions of atrocity in the media.
Describe why the Government primarily uses the media as a propaganda tool.
Examine whether politicians rely on the media to maintain their power.
A critical analysis of freedom and the press.
Money has corrupted the media: an overview.
The life and works of Dean Banquet
The correlation of media and Government
Media bias in investigative journalism

Electronic Media Topics for Research

Media Education in the Age of Disruptive Media
Evaluating the future of broadcasting from a global perspective
The internet explosion
Is print media dead?
Broadcasting in the era of electronic media
Communication through electronic media platforms
Analyzing the role of electronic media channels in shaping modern-day journalism
The impact of electronic media on social behavior

Journalism Topics Straight From the Experts

Describe the effects of biased journalism and why it could harm society.
An in-depth look at international journalism
Compare and contrast the Obama and Trump administrations’ treatment of the media.
Research the “Black Lives Matter” movement and examine how the media contributed to its growth.
The connection between politics and the media: Are there any media organizations that are politically apolitical?
Does media coverage of conflict have any beneficial or adverse effects?
Understanding journalism as a dangerous profession
The influence of journalism and its impact on army operations
Mass media censorship in North Korea
Crisis of Credibility in Journalism and the Media in an Era of Radical Nationalism
The business of journalism: fake news, but real money!
How media channels are spreading hatred and violence
Investigative reporting on the Brazilian drug trade

Literary Journalism Topics to Write About

Read Also – History of Modern Literature

Literary journalism in the twentieth century
Employing metaphors in headlines.
Justify the need for social media platforms to outlaw fake news.
Are American enemies treated correctly by the media?
How has journalism been affected by scientific and technological advances?
American literary journalism
Literary journalism and the drama of civic life
Understanding the rise of literary journalism in the eighteenth century
Researching Tesla’s unique business model
The evolving ethics of journalism in the 21st century
Consider the necessity for real-life tales in the media of today.
A theoretical analysis of the theory of the social responsibility of journalism
Communication theory in journalism: are journalists the new peacekeeping force?

Political Journalism and Mass Media Topics for Research

Read Also – 200 Political Science Research Topics

Propaganda in the mass media
Understanding the psychology of media and politics
Evaluating the credibility of public media organizations
New complexities and practices in political journalism
Popular political media tactics of political parties in the United States
Can the media influence election outcomes?
Investigations into the lives of prominent American politicians
Political scandals cause media introspection.
Evaluating the impact of politics on mass media
The politics of public journalism

Unique Journalism Research Topics

Look into the Government’s media regulation policies.
Examining the media’s role in eradicating poverty
Describe how readers may verify the accuracy and reliability of news reports.
Part of the Media in the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
How did the Vietnam War’s coverage in the media change over time?
The authoritarian theory of the press
Describe the fundamental problems that journalism faces.
Examines the question of whether media outlets are to blame for the dissemination of dubious news.
Comprehending the media’s role in eradicating illiteracy rates in developing and under-developed nations
Contributions and the roles of journalists in COVID-19 pandemic management
Transculturation’s significance in media translation
Investigation into famous American politicians

Winding Up!!

Know that each research topic mentioned above has been carefully selected to help you with your research.

We understand coming up with the best topic will be something other than a walk in the park. It would be a challenging journey, mainly because no amount of diligent work can fully guarantee your expected results.

The above topics will allow you to efficiently conduct extensive research, interviews, and other practical methods of collecting relevant data for your research. Last but not least, remember this is your one shot, so give it your best effort. Good luck with your future endeavors!

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Journalism » Journalism Dissertation Topics (29 Examples) For Research

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Journalism Dissertation Topics (29 Examples) For Research

Mark Aug 20, 2021 Aug 12, 2021 Journalism No Comments

Journalism is all about gathering information and distributing it through different media channels. Many students pursuing their degree in journalism and mass communication seek journalism dissertation topics and project topics on journalism. Before worrying about writing, the students are advised to determine and find out the best journalism dissertation topics. Here, we have presented a […]

A list Of Journalism Dissertation Topics

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Journalism & Mass Communications Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

The Impact of Follower-Influencer Relationship Stages on Consumers’ Perceptions and Behavioral Intentions in the Context of Influencer Marketing , Khalid Obaid Alharbi

The Effect of Social Media (Instagram) Use Patterns on The Cultural and Athletic Identity of Black Female Collegiate Athletes’ Body Image Dissatisfaction , Shelbretta Kar’Anna Ball

Contextualizing Search: An Analysis of the Impacts of Construal Level Theory, Mood, and Product Type on Search Engine Activity , Jackson Everitt Carter

Words Evaporate, the Images Remain: Testing Visual Warnings in the Context of Intentions to Vape Among U.S. Adults as an Expansion of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) , Carl Arland Ciccarelli

Risk Propensity in Journalists: An Analysis of Journalists’ Personality Traits and How They Direct Behavior in the Field , Ellen Katherine Dunn

Online Information-Seeking and Cancer Screening Intention: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey 2022 , Rachel Aileen Ford

Always on Display: South Carolina Civil Rights Lawyer Matthew J. Perry Jr. Expanding the Civil Sphere Through the Courts and the News Media, 1954-1963 , Christopher G. Frear

Exploring the Agenda-Setting Dynamics Between Traditional Newspapers and Twitter During Mass Shooting Event , Yujin Heo

Extreme Persuasion: Analyzing Meaning Creation and Persuasive Strategies Within Extreme Discourse on Alternative Social Media , Naomi Kathryn Lawrence

Framing Police Brutality: An Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of Walter Scott’s Murder , Shamira S. McCray

Understanding Podcast Advertising Processing and Outcomes: An Analysis of Podcast Ad Types, Message Types, and Media Context on Consumer Responses , Colin Piacentine

The Unsung Heroes for Intercollegiate Athletics: Examining the Dialogic Principles of Communication in Community College Athletic Departments , Matthew Alan Stilwell

Exploring Trustworthiness Issues About Disaster-related Information Generated by Artificial Intelligence , Xin Tao

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

The Effect of Emotional Intensity, Arousal, and Valence On Online Video Ad Sharing , Chang Won Choi

“Power, Poison, Pain & Joy”: Applying a Critical Race Conceptual Model of Implicit Racial Bias to Narratives Framing Blackness in Black Sports Columns, Black Music, and Black Journalism , Christina Lauren Myers

Gatekeeping Blackness: Roles, Relationships, and Pressures of Black Television Journalists at a Time of Racial Reckoning , Denetra Walker

The Binge Viewing Index: Creating and Testing a New Measure , Larry J. Webster Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Portion of Profit Donations: CSR as Public Relations Strategy and its Relationships with Trust and Purchase Intentions , Branden Dylan Cameron Birmingham

The Role of Sexting in the Development of Romantic Relationships , Max Bretscher

Let’s Be Friends: Examining Consumer Brand Relationships Through the Lens Of Brand Personality, Engagement, and Reciprocal Altruism , Daniel D. Haun

Go with The Flow: Testing the Effects of Emotional Flow on Psychophysiological, Attitudinal, and Behavioral Changes , Chris R. Noland

Brand New: How Visual Context Shapes Initial Response To Logos and Corporate Visual Identity Systems , Robert A. Wertz

Inoculating the Public Against Misinformation: Testing The Effectiveness of “Pre-bunking” Techniques in the Context of Mental Illness and Violence , Nanlan Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Gun Violence and Advocacy Communication , Minhee Choi

The Role of Third-person Perceptions in Predicting the Public’s Support for Electronic Cigarette Advertising Regulations , Joon Kyoung Kim

Conservative Media’s Coverage of Coronavirus on YouTube: A Qualitative Analysis of Media Effects on Consumers , Michael J. Layer

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Problem Chain Recognition Effect and CSR Communication: Examining the Impact of Issue Salience and Proximity on Environmental Communication Behaviors , Nandini Bhalla

The Games Behind the Scenes: Newspaper Framing of Female African American Olympic Athletes , Martin Reece Funderburk

Effectiveness of a Brand’s Paid, Owned, and Earned Media in a Social Media Environment , Anan Wan

Providing Prevention Education About Child Sexual Abuse to Parents: Testing Media Effects on Knowledge, Behavioral Intentions and Outcomes , Jane Long Weatherred

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Creating an Online Social Movement in Socially Conservative Societies: A Case Study of Manshoor Blog Using Frame Alignment Process , Noura Abdullah Al-Duaijani

How S. C. Daily Newspapers Framed the Removal of the Confederate Flag from the State House Grounds in 2015 Through Letters to the Editor and Editorials , Thomas Craig Anderson

Breaking The Silence: Extending Theory To Address The Underutilization Of Mental Health Services Among Chinese Immigrants In The United States , Jo-Yun Queenie Li

Fandom In Politics: Scale Development And Validation , Won-Ki Moon

Fatal Force: A Conversation With Journalists Who Cover Deadly, Highly-Publicized Police Shootings , Denetra Walker

Domestic Extension Of Public Diplomacy: Media Competition For Credibility, Dependency And Activation Of Publics , Yicheng Zhu

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Hydraulic Fracturing In the United States: A Framing Analysis , Kenneth Stephen Cardell Jr.

Network vs. Netflix: A Comparative Content Analysis of Demographics Across Prime-Time Television and Netflix Original Programming , James Corfield

Framing Marijuana: A Study of How us Newspapers Frame Marijuana Legalization Stories and Framing Effects of Marijuana Stories , Hwalbin Kim

The Allure of Isis: Examining the Underlying Mechanisms that Helped the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria , Alexander Luchsinger

International Twitter Comments About 2016 U.S. Presidential Candidates Trump And Clinton: Agenda-Building Analysis In The U.S., U.K., Brazil, Russia, India and China , Jane O’Boyle

Is That Online Review Fake News? How Sponsorship Disclosure Influences Reader Credibility , Mark W. Tatge

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Measuring Strategic Communications , Jeffrey A. Ranta

Public Perceptions Of Genetically Modified Food On Social Media: A Content Analysis Of Youtube Comments On Videos , Nanlan Zhang

Toward A Situational Technology Acceptance Model: Combining the Situational Theory of Problem Solving and Technology Acceptance Model to Promote Mobile Donations for Nonprofit Organizations , Yue Zheng

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Promoting HPV Vaccination for Male Young Adults: Effects of Social Influence , Wan Chi Leung

Redneckaissance: Honey Boo Boo, Tumblr, and the Stereotype of Poor White Trash , Ashley F. Miller

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Conflicted Union: Culture, Economics and European Union Media Policy , Daphney Pernola Barr

Beating Down the Fear: The Civil Sphere and Political Change in South Carolina, 1940-1962 , Sid Bedingfield

The State v. Perry: Comparative Newspaper Coverage of South Carolina's Most Prominent Civil Rights Lawyer , Christopher G. Frear

(MASCOT) NATION: EXAMINING UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS’ FACEBOOK PAGES , Matthew J. Haught

Innovation Among Georgian Journalism Educators: A Network Analysis Perspective , Ana Keshelashvili

Emotional Bond between the Creator and the Avatar: Changes in Behavioral Intentions to Engage in Alcohol-Related Traffic Risk Behaviors , Hokyung Kim

Handcuffing Speech: Federal Fraud Statutes and the Criminalization of Advertising , Carmen Maye

Social Movements, Media, and Democratization in Georgia , Maia Mikashavidze

Am I in Danger? : Predictors and Behavioral Outcomes of Public Perception of Risk Associated with Food Hazards , Sang-Hwa Oh

Parental Mediation of Adolescent Movie Viewing , Larry James Webster Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Political Advertising In Kuwait - A Functional Discourse Analysis , Jasem Alqaseer

The Westernization of Advertisements Published In Kuwaiti Newspapers From 1992 to 2012; A Content Analysis , Farah Taleb Alrefai

What Can Reader Comments to News Online Contribute to Engagement and Interactivity? A Quantitative Approach , Brett A. Borton

Exploring a paradigm shift: The New York Times' framing of sub-Saharan Africa in stories of conflict, war and development during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, 1945-2009 , Zadok Opero Ekimwere

Mental Health On Youtube: Exploring the Potential of Interactive Media to Change Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors About Mental Health , Caroline Belser Foster

That's News to Me: An Exploratory Study of the Uses and Gratifications of Current Events On Social Media of 18-24 Year-Olds , John Vincent Karlis

Making Stewardship Meaningful For Nonprofits: Stakeholder Motivations, Attitudes, Loyalty and Behaviors , Geah N. Pressgrove

An Alternative Path: The Intellectual Legacy of James W. Carey , Matthew Ross

The Corporation in the Marketplace of Ideas: The Law and Economics of Corporate Political Speech , Matthew W. Telleen

Child Sexual Abuse In the Media: Is Institutional Failure to Blame? , Jane Long Weatherred

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Relationship Between Facebook Use and Religiosity Among Emerging Adults , Heidi D. Campbell

Attribute Agenda Setting, Attribtue Priming, and The Public's Evaluation of Genetically Modified (GM) Food in South Korea , Soo Yun Kim

What's Mine is Yours: An Exploratory Study of Attitudes and Conceptions About Online Personal Privacy In the Socialist Republic of Vietnam , Patrick Sharbaugh

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

How Journalists Perceive Internal and External Influence: A Qualitative Assessment of Local Television Reporters' Ethical Decision-Making , Beth Eckard Concepcion

Collective Memory of the War In Iraq: An Analysis of Letters to the Editor and Public Opinion Polls, 2003-2008 , Lisa Cash Luedeman

A Framing Analysis and Model of Barack Obama in Political Cartoons , Anthony Palmer

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Breaking Down the Fear' -- John H. Mccray, Accommodationism and theFraming of the Civil Rights Struggle in South Carolina, 1940-1948 , Sid Bedingfield

Do You See What I See?: A Comparative Content Analysis of Iraq War Photographs As Published In the New York Times and the Tehran Times , Garen Cansler

Exploring Intention to Adopt Mobile Tv Services In the U.S.: Toward A New Model With Cognitive-Based and Emotional-Based Constructs , Seoyoon Choi

Media Representations and Implications For Collective Memory: A Grounded Theory Analysis of TV News Broadcasts of Hillary Clinton From 1993-2008 , Mary Elizabeth McLaughlin

Resonance and Elaboration: the Framing Effect of Chinese Product Safety Issue Coverage , Ji Pan

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The Study Blog : Research topics

Journalism and mass media research topics for your dissertation.

Journalism is basically getting information and distributing it to various media channels such as TV, Radio, newspaper, and social media. This is the reason why journalism is quite a wide field. This means that when you are looking for a journalism research topic for your undergraduate projects, master’s thesis or a dissertation, you have access to a limitless list. However, it is important not to choose a very broad subject as it may lead to confusion. When considering a dissertation topic, narrow it down to a specific question. This will give you more focus and an easier time when carrying out the research. Ensure your research topic is also not very narrow as that would give you a hard time looking for relevant information.

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Unlike other fields, a dissertation in journalism is considered to be of good quality if the information received from the interviewee is of good quality. A dissertation in journalism is more than an expression of theoretical knowledge, it has to be more practical and real. Here are just some subjects that one may choose to focus on when working on a journalism dissertation:

Research topics in journalism/news

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News is the most common aspect of journalism. This is basically the most straight-forward aspect of journalism. News journalists basically have to distribute facts just the way they are. There are several research topics that can be very appropriate for this journalism aspect:

1. The future of journalism. Is true journalism dead? Is social media, paparazzi, blogging the future of journalism?

2. Propaganda models. Which propaganda models do the media houses follow? How do different countries differ in how they practice journalism?

3. Privacy and journalism. A look at the relationship between British journalism and royal family. How has journalism contributed to Henry and Meghan’s change of lifestyle?

4. Journalism and business. Where do media people draw the line? Is the main goal to inform the public or to make money? How do different media houses compromise (in terms of quality) in a bid to attract and keep investors (advertisers).

5. Political instability in African countries. How has journalism contributed to political turmoil in Kenya?

6. Women journalists in media. How are women journalists treated in the world? What are the limitations faced by women journalists? Are there places that women journalists shouldn’t be sent to?

Dissertation topics on political and investigative reporting

Investigative journalism is an aspect of journalism that aims at uncovering the truth concerning an issue, an event, or even a person. For investigative and political journalism to be effective, information distributed must be factual.

1. Media and image. How does media help establish a country’s image? How can media help change Afghanistan’s negative image in the eyes of the world?

2. Media and power hungry politicians. What role does the media play in ensuring that such politicians are kept in check?

3. Dangers of investigative journalism. A look at several journalists who have suffered while doing investigative journalism. What steps can media houses take to keep their investigative journalists safe?

4. Media in the developing countries. How have politics shaped the developing countries? Why do politicians in developing countries keep giving empty promises that are never fulfilled?

5. What has made USA to be the superpower that it is? The competition between USA and China for the top seat, what role does the media play in this?

6. Corruption and politics. A look at Kenyan government and corruption. Why do the two co-exist so efficiently? How has corruption wounded Kenyan economy?

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Dissertation topics on film and animation

Film and animation involves concepts such as film making, screen writing, editing, and camera work. Film and animation is very broad and often studied separate from journalism. Here are several topics you can choose from:

1. Role of race and religion in Hollywood. How are Arabic men depicted in Hollywood cinema?

2. Hollywood and Bollywood. How can the two be compared? How have they affected the world economy? How have they changed cultures in the world?

3. Place of Nollywood on the film market. How can Nollywood filmmakers improve their industry?

4. Bollywood. How has Bollywood grown over time? How has its growth affected Indian economy?

5. Hollywood and violence. Has Hollywood led to increased cases of violence especially among the youths?

6. Television or cinema? Is television becoming more popular than cinema?

Dissertation topics on advertising/corporate communication

Corporate communication is an important aspect of mass media. Every organization needs a communication department to help in managing all communications in and out of the organization. Corporate communication helps make efficient communication between an organization with its suppliers, investors, customers, employees among others.

Advertising on the other hand involves promoting a product or a service using the known media channels. It is very popular with big corporations since it is one way you’re assured that your message will reach your audience.

So what can you cover on your dissertation?

7. What is the importance of advertising on the media? Can media exist without advertising?

8. Media is highly dependent on advertising as a means of earning an income. Does this compromise its standards?

9. Can large corporations that are doing perfectly well stay without advertising?

Research topics on business reporting

Business reporting helps analyze and report commercial activities that affect the economy. Business reporting is usually more detailed than some other aspects. It is also very factual, and requires the business reporters to make complex business reports simple for everyone to understand. There are lots of topics you can choose from when it comes to business reporting. They include:

1. Pandemics and economy. A look at different pandemics that have happened worldwide and their effect on the economy. What is the impact of Coronavirus on economy? How is it likely to cause the greatest recession to have ever been experienced?

2. Chinese economy. How has Chinese economy risen so steadily over the years? Will Covid-19 cause a halt on this steady rise?

3. Economy and social networking. How has social networking changed the way business is done? Is ecommerce the future of business?

Research topics on developmental journalism

Development is an essential part of our world. Development journalism deals with ideologies, policies, or events that help improve life. Development journalism is quite wide since it covers almost everything and anything that is meant to improve human life. Here are some topics you can choose from if you want to do a dissertation of developmental journalism:

1. Education still a distant dream for most children in poor countries. How can media handle the rising cases of illiteracy in undeveloped and developing countries?

2. FGM, rape and defilement, and domestic violence cases are still on the rise in many countries. How can media help in reducing these cases?

3. Poverty levels still alarming in developing countries. How can the media help in coming up with solutions for this?

Writing a dissertation on a journalism subject can be quite interesting. However, it is important to understand the nature of journalistic writing. Journalistic writing requires a more practical approach as compared to other fields. It is therefore important to use interviews, surveys, and other practical methods to collect data.

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Top 140+ Research Topics for Journalism Students

Team Desklib

Published: 2022-08-24

An Introduction to Journalism

Journalism is the form of communication in which a journalist communicates with the audience in different modes and makes people aware of what is happening around the world.

There are different modes in which a journalist can establish communication with the audience:

Based on the Medium of Delivery, There are Three Types of Journalism:

Cyber, Online, and Digital
Print Journalism
Broadcast, TV, and Radio Communication

The above listed are a few mediums in which a communicator or a journalist can spread awareness amongst the audience/viewers. All these mentioned mediums have their own space and significance.

Cyber/online/digital modes of communication are the newly invented medium of journalism as this medium can connect several audiences of all ages and communities and it covers a larger range than any other medium of journalism. This has become more compliant for a large number of audiences due to the availability of good internet and easy accessibility.
The second medium is print journalism which is the oldest and the traditional medium of journalism. Newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, etc are gradually losing their value though they are still delivering good and informational content this is because the information available on the internet is more viable than that of print journalism hence this medium is losing its significance gradually.
The third medium of journalism is television and radio which is the most popular and interesting way of delivering a message to the audience. This is becoming popular as it offers both visual and audio characteristics to the content.

How to Choose Powerful Research Topics for Journalism to Write?

Before choosing a powerful research topic for journalism to write, one must find out their interest in a particular type of journalism.

As your interest will refine your knowledge in a particular niche of journalism and you will be able to choose and write a good research topic of journalism.

So here in the next step, we are describing all the types of journalism read them thoroughly then understand the task of a journalist related to these different kinds of fields of journalism then find out which type of journalism suits your temperament the most then select the topic accordingly and then you will be able to write a really good and powerful research paper of journalism.

According to the nature of the content, the news is of two types- Hard news and Soft news , and according to the nature of news, journalism has many categories and sub-categories.

Here are the Top 8 Most Popular Types of Journalisms:

Political Journalism

This niche provides hard news content. So a journalist having an interest in this niche must have a good knowledge of both international and national politics. And he/she must enhance this knowledge on daily basis by adding on more crucial information.

Along with this, political journalism requires a great amount of awareness about the political events and entities every step taken by the politician should be in count of a political journalist. Political journalism is a good niche to be chosen as one may get subjective but as its content is hard a journalist must be careful while presenting any political as it may hurt someone’s emotions.

Investigative Journalism

This niche of journalism requires a lot of patience, persistence, and perseverance. The content of this niche is also hard as it is hard to investigate and display what you being a journalist have investigated. Investigative journalism provides journalists with the scope to investigate any case on their behalf and to reveal the truth.

Hence maintaining persistency in this niche is difficult as it is hard to stand by the truth. But one must always remember that revealing the truth is the sole purpose of investigative journalism.

Crime Journalism

The content of this journalism also falls in the category of hard news. As it is hard to talk with a criminal face to face. In this niche of journalism, the major role of the journalist is to reveal the crime that has been accidentally or deliberately committed by some person or by an organization, the crime could be any like rape, murder, manipulation, etc.

So, in this case, it becomes important for a journalist to be unbiased as the final decision would be that of the court and the court only will declare a suspect if h/she is a criminal or not. And making prejudice by journalists could not work in this field.

Business Journalism:

The content of business journalism could be both hard and soft. The main purpose of the business journalist is to interlink a country's economy with the business of the particular country and make a concept and then run this content as a piece of news on television or radio or to write as an article in the newspaper. The business news mainly involves updates from the stock market, the central bank of the country, and how they will impact the country’s economy.

Arts Journalism:

Arts journalism has soft news content as it deals in all forms of art like music, craft, dance, literature, painting, architecture, etc. Art has always been a subject of softness and symbolizes the contemporary feel of a particular era or time.

It promotes peace and happiness so this field of journalism becomes the most important field of journalism to promote peace and integrity there should be an existence of good art and creativity. A journalist working in this niche basically makes the audience aware of new and old forms of art and their significance.

Celebrity Journalism:

This niche is definitely a good choice for those who have an interest in movies and the lifestyle of actors. The word paparazzi is becoming popular these days as paparazzi are those journalists who cover everything about an actor and trace all his/her movements. In this camera-specific world, everyone has an eye on the latest fashion trend and the outfit worn by his/her favorite actor and actress, and the number of these such kind viewers is increasing day by day. So in this contemporary world, the demand for celebrity journalists is increasing to make people aware of their favorite stars’ activities and the clothing trend they are following.

Sports Journalism:

Sports journalism is a very enthusiastic niche, it is especially for those who are inclined towards sports and games. The niche perfectly suits the temperament of those people who have an interest in outings and sports and willing to cover all the sports events by watching them. Sports writing is not that difficult it just requires a good amount of knowledge of a particular sport or a game to give his/ her own opinion while discussing it on television or writing an article on that.

Tour/Travel Journalism:

A soft news niche requires lots of research on travels and tours the journalists connecting with this niche basically suggest to the viewers a good place to visit and the reason why a person should visit a particular place they also suggest some really good food to taste at a particular destination. The main work of the journalist in this field is to make people aware of destinations that are within budget and a way to reach there easily. This kind of journalism requires a good amount of energy as exploring something is not that easy.

Every field of journalism has different characteristics but all these niches stand on the pillars of truth. Whatsoever you choose as a journalist to write about, your sole purpose should be one is to show what is true.

Here are the Most Popular and Powerful 140+ Research Topics for Journalism:

Now as you are familiar with all the types of journalism, we expect that you have already found your interest in one of these types. As you are ready with your interest you can find some really important research topics for journalism to write. Some topics suggested by us are mentioned below:

A List of 40 Excellent Journalism Research Paper Topics

What is Fandom in Media?
Does the Media Lit the Fire of Riots?
Is the Media More Inclined Towards Making Trp?
The monopoly of Few News Channels.
Does the Party in Power Regulate the Media?
The Role of Media in International Politics.
Media Gives Prejudgment.
Is Media Still With Truth or With Power?
How to Make Your Article More Credible?
Can the Media Make a Police Cop’s Image?
Media Headlines Ended With an Unquestionable Question Mark. Explain.
Does Media Violate the Privacy of a Person?
Media Chooses a Political Topic to Debate.
The Role of Media at the Time of Elections.
How Does the Media Promote the New Schemes of Government?
What is the Status of Media in Different Countries?
Does Media Help a Person in Taking His/her Rights Back?
Status of Media in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
The Role Played by Media in the Ongoing War Between Ukraine and Russia.
Media Psychology.
Status of an Investigative Journalist in Today’s World.
How the Magazines' Covers Are Important for the Media to Get More Sales?
How Can Journalists Produce High-quality News Without Spending So Much Time on It?
Is the USA the Only Powerful State in the Whole World? What is the Media’s Opinion?
Is Media Conservative in a Few Countries?
Why Should There Be Trust in the Media?
Is the Media Focused on the Environment?
Fear Created by Media While Showing a Criminal.
Does Media Spoil the Image of a Person?
Media Has Magic of Voice.
Hidden Messages Media Gets.
Is Media Also Becoming a Clothing Brand?
Nowadays Media is More Focused on Style Rather Than Delivering Accurate News.
Problems Faced by Journalists Working on-field.
Journalists Sometimes Become the Victim of Mob Lynching.
Is Journalism a Safe Field to Work in?
Are People Really Interested in Watching the News on Television Even if They Have Social Media?
Which is More Authentic Traditional Media or Social Media?
Is Media Working Like a Court?
Are the Journalists Nowadays Becoming Judges?

List of 18 Unique Journalism Research Topics

Is Media a Voice for Underprivileged People Also?
Is Media Confined Only to the Upper-class People of the Society?
Does the Class System Sway the Media Also?
Inappropriate Information Spread by Social Media.
Investigative Journalism Creates a Hindrance to Privacy.
How Media Use Images to Make the News More Colorful?
Using Pictures or Images Good for an Article?
Who Are the Key Stakeholders of Modern Media?
Does Media Create an Impact on the Country’s Economy?
Can the Media Help Police Find a Criminal?
Why Do People Revert to Newspapers Again and Prevent Watching News Channels on Television?
Is Society Benefitted From Free Media?
Media Fights a War Against Crime?
Influence of Media on Human Life.
How Dangerous is the Work of a Journalist?
Journalists Became the Victim of the Corona.
What Are the Few Characteristics of a Professional Journalist?
How to Choose the Right Title for an Arti

Conclusion:

Those mentioned above were a few topics that are suggested by us and could be chosen by you to write an effective research paper for journalism. But before writing select a topic and do research on it and then make some bulleted points to highlight and then start writing. Remember, truth should not be missed from your research and your point of view should also be added to your research paper. These two points will make your research paper more interesting for the reader as well as for the checker. So choose the topic, do research, pick the pen and start writing choose the most appropriate shade of word to make your research paper more colorful.

Some More Related Resources:

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A Thorough Analysis of Market Research
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How to Write Different Types of Research Paper ?

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Introduction
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Short definitions for investigative journalism

Watchdog journalism puts the spotlight on wrongdoing and injustices with the expectation that they will cause public outrage and prompt legislative and judicial action. By doing so, it serves democratic goals of accountability, honesty, truth‐telling, and transparency.

Waisbord, S. (2016). Watchdog Journalism . In The International Encyclopedia of Political Communication , G. Mazzoleni (Ed.).

Reporting that sets out to discover something that somebody, somewhere, wishes to remain a secret, and that typically involves detailed and time-consuming work by an individual journalist or by a team of journalists inquiring into some kind of alleged wrongdoing. Methods associated with investigative journalism typically include meticulous searching and cross-referencing of documents and databases in the public domain; use of freedom of information laws to place more material in the public domain; receiving leaks of secret information; persuading people to talk either on or off the record ; and, less typically, secret filming and/or recording, and using subterfuge to obtain evidence of wrongdoing. The targets of such investigations can range from corrupt politicians and business people misusing or misappropriating public money on an international scale to local landlords or builders taking shortcuts and thereby risking the lives of workers, customers, or the general public. Alleged miscarriages of justice have been another popular subject for investigative journalists to probe, as have arms deals and alleged war crimes. At the tabloid end of the market, investigative journalism often focuses more on exposing the alleged hypocrisy of celebrities and so-called ‘role models’ by revealing their sexual behaviour and/or drug habits ( see fake sheikh ).

Classic examples of sustained investigative journalism include Watergate in the USA and the Thalidomide scandal in the UK, the latter being a product of the celebrated Insight team at the Sunday Times under editor Harold Evans. Such investigative journalism is often said to have begun in 1885 when William Stead (1849–1912), editor of the Pall Mall Gazette , exposed the scandal of child prostitution in Victorian England by ‘buying’ a 13-year-old girl for £5.

Harcup, T. (2014). Investigative journalism . In A Dictionary of Journalism . Oxford University Press. Retrieved 9 May. 2022

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investigative reporting This is the subject heading used rather than "investigative journalism."
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Research in Journalism, Media and Culture

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Faculty in Journalism, Culture and Communication analyze emerging and enduring forms of public communication and the institutional and economic conditions that sustain them. They employ a range of research methods, including ethnography, textual and historical analysis, and political economic approaches to media industries. As digital technologies have transformed mediated practices, the faculty has opened a series of new areas of inquiry, including computational journalism, the study of algorithms in institutions, and the cultural history of Silicon Valley.

Angèle Christin is an associate professor. She is interested in fields and organizations where algorithms and ‘big data’ analytics transform professional values, expertise, and work practices. In her dissertation, she analyzed the growing importance of audience metrics in web journalism in the United States and France. Drawing on ethnographic methods, she examined how American and French journalists make sense of traffic numbers in different ways, which in turn has distinct effects on the production of news in the two countries. In a new project, she studies the construction, institutionalization, and reception of analytics and predictive algorithms in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Ted Glasser is an emeritus professor. His teaching and research focus on media practices and performance, with emphasis on questions of press responsibility and accountability. His books include Normative Theories of the Media: Journalism in Democratic Societies, written with Clifford Christians, Denis McQuail, Kaarle Nordenstreng, and Robert White, which in 2010 won the Frank Luther Mott-Kappa Tau Alpha award for best research-based book on journalism/mass communication and was one of three finalists for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s Tankard Book Award; The Idea of Public Journalism , an edited collection of essays, recently translated into Chinese; Custodians of Conscience: Investigative Journalism and Public Virtue , written with James S. Ettema, which won the Society of Professional Journalists’ award for best research on journalism, the Bart Richards Award for Media Criticism, and the Frank Luther Mott-Kappa Tau Alpha award for the best research-based book on journalism/mass communication; Public Opinion and the Communication of Consent , edited with Charles T. Salmon; and Media Freedom and Accountability , edited with Everette E. Dennis and Donald M. Gillmor. His research, commentaries and book reviews have appeared in a variety of publications, including the Journal of Communication, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, Critical Studies in Mass Communication, Journalism Studies, Policy Sciences, Journal of American History, Quill, Nieman Reports and The New York Times Book Review .

James T. Hamilton is a professor and the director of the Journalism Program. His work on the economics of news focuses on the market failures involved in the production of public affairs coverage and the generation of investigative reporting. Through research in the emerging area of computational journalism, he is exploring how to lower the cost of discovering stories about the operation of political institutions.

Xiaochang Li is an assistant professor. She is broadly interested in the history of informatics, computation, and related data practices. Drawing upon media history, history of science, and STS, her work is concerned with how information technologies shape the production and circulation of knowledge and the relationship between technical practices and social worlds. Her current research examines the history of speech recognition and natural language processing and how the pursuit of language influenced the development of AI, Machine Learning, and contemporary algorithmic culture. Her work also touches on sound studies and the history of acoustics and she has previously worked on topics concerning transnational media audiences and digital content circulation.

Fred Turner is a professor and cultural historian of media and media technologies. Trained in both Communication and Science and Technology Studies, he has long been interested in how media and American culture have shaped one another over time. His most recent work has focused on the rise of American technocracy since World War II and on the aesthetic and ideological manifestations of that rise in the digital era. Before earning his Ph.D., Turner worked as a journalist for ten years. He continues to write for newspapers and magazines and strongly supports researchers who seek to have a public impact with their work.

Like all Communication faculty, the members of the Journalism, Communication and Culture group routinely collaborate with colleagues from around the campus. The group enjoys particularly strong collaborations with sociologists, historians, art historians, and computer scientists.

Faculty — Journalism, Media and Culture

Doctoral Students — Journalism, Media and Culture

Selected Graduates

Sanna Ali, Ph.D. 2023. AI Policy Analyst, Stanford Cyber Policy Center and RegLab
Jeff Nagy, Ph.D. 2023. Assistant Professor, Communication and Media Studies, York University
Anna Gibson, Ph.D. 2022. Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Jihye Lee , Ph.D. 2022. Assistant Professor, School of Advertising and Public Relations, UT Austin
Andreas Katsanevas, Ph.D. 2020. Technology Policy Researcher, Meta
Sheng Zou, Ph.D. 2020. Assistant Professor, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University
Christine Larson , Ph.D. 2017. Assistant Professor, Journalism, University of Colorado, Boulder
Yeon Joo , Ph.D. 2014. Associate Professor, Department of Digital Media, Myongji University, Seoul
Morgan G. Ames , Ph.D. 2013. Assistant Adjunct Professor, School of Information, University of California, Berkeley
Seeta Pena Gangdaharan , Ph.D. 2012. Assistant Professor, Department of Media and Communications, London School of Economics
Mike Ananny , Ph.D. 2011, Associate Professor, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California
Daniel Kreiss , Ph.D. 2010, Associate Professor, School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
John Kim , Ph.D. 2009, Associate Professor, Media and Cultural Studies, Macalaster College
Erica Robles-Anderson , Ph.D. 2009, Associate Professor, Media, Culture, and Communication, New York University
Isabel Awad , Ph.D. 2007, Associate Professor, Department of Media and Communication, Erasmus University (Netherlands)
Cherian George , Ph.D. 2003, Professor, Associate Dean, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University
Francis Lapfung Lee , Ph.D. 2003, Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, City University of Hong Kong

Why investigative journalism should spark change in the world

Lucy Nash and Grace Murray

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Democracy relies on truth and transparency. In 2024, a year where half the world’s population will have the chance to vote in elections, there has never been a more crucial time to shine a light on social injustice, political corruption and global threats including the climate crisis and antimicrobial resistance, which kills more people each year than HIV and malaria.

That’s where investigative journalism comes in. The power of forensic, painstaking reporting is well known. It is 50 years since Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein brought down a US president by exposing the Watergate scandal. In the decades since, there have been thousands of investigations that have had real-world impact.

At the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ), we’re proud to be part of this fragile ecosystem of tenacious investigative reporters and editors who lift up the rocks of injustice to see what’s underneath. It is difficult work – expensive, specialised, time consuming, stressful and legally fraught. But we love it.

We believe that it is vital that today’s stories are more than momentary headlines. Our mission is to produce investigations that challenge the status quo and create lasting change. We’re an impact-focused organisation. We think carefully about the role journalism could and should play in society, and how our work can contribute to positive, sustainable social change, including by working directly with communities.

We want to put the information and knowledge we uncover into the hands of people who can use it to improve their lives, those of others, or the world around them.

Publication day is just the beginning. At The Bureau, our commissioning process involves proactively identifying what impact could be achieved. Our hope is that once an investigation is out, it will cause vibrations across the world. This is what happened with our exposé into a hackers for hire industry in India. Following our reporting, the UN wrote to Qatar, Germany and Google. The French police opened an investigation into the hacking of one of the targets, Michel Platini.

Impact can be big and can come fast. In June last year we spent months uncovering allegations of violence and deaths on Del Monte’s huge pineapple farm in Kenya. After publication, Kenya’s independent watchdog, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, launched an investigation into allegations of killings and assaults by Del Monte’s security guards. Several UK supermarkets stopped stocking pineapple products from the plantation, and Del Monte commissioned a human rights impact assessment of the farm. This year, the company fired virtually all of its in-house guards and outsourced security operations to the global security company G4S.

In the UK, we spoke to dozens of migrant workers about their experiences of living and working on farms. On the back of our investigation, three of the seasonal workers we interviewed were later invited to give evidence of the poor working conditions and exploitation they experienced to a committee in the UK parliament.

Sybil Msezane came to the UK as a fruit picker on a seasonal workers’ visa and endured shocking conditions when she arrived. A key interviewee in TBIJ’s exposé, Sybil was invited alongside our reporter to speak to the House of Lords.

‘Being asked to speak to the House of Lords felt like an honour,’ Sybil said. ‘An honour to give a voice to the thousands who leave their families, flying halfway across the world in hopes of exchanging their labour for much-needed money to support loved ones’.

But, often, impact is an incremental process, requiring on-going reporting on and coverage of an issue, often by multiple outlets working in collaboration. In some cases, it can take years for investigations to translate into real-world change.

‘Typju Mỹky, an Indigenous filmmaker and activist: ‘The [TBIJ] story and the results gave us more strength to continue fighting for our territory.’

In 2015, we published an investigation into the CIA’s secret ‘black sites’, locations around the world where at least 119 people were taken and imprisoned. These disappearances were one of the most closely guarded secrets of the Iraq war. We looked into the case of Mustafa al-Hawsawi – who was detained in Lithuania in 2005 on suspicion of being part of al-Qaeda and subjected to horrific torture.

Earlier this year – nearly a decade on from this reporting – the European Court of Human Rights unanimously ruled that Lithuania allowed ‘inhuman’ treatment of Mustafa al-Hawsawi by the CIA. The judgement cited our investigation.

Philanthropic foundations – understandably – often gravitate towards initiatives with concrete, pre-ordained outcomes, such as health interventions or educational programmes. While these are vital, so too is independent journalism in the public interest.

This funding gap for public interest journalism represents a missed opportunity for philanthropy to drive transformative impact. A single well-researched exposé can lead to policy changes, legal reform and increased public awareness, which in turn can help move the dial on myriad issues from corruption to environment; justice and human rights.

The long-term societal benefits of a better-informed public cannot be underestimated. And journalism deserves the same level of resourcing as other programmes and interventions that improve people’s health, rights and prospects. Investigative journalism needs to be understood as a tool for democracy building and an effective means of holding those with power to account.

Without dedicated, on-the-ground journalism, rigorous fact checking and robust legal review, such wrongdoing and injustice would remain unreported. And without journalism that holds power to account independently and courageously, corporations, governments and individuals would continue to operate with impunity.

Lucy Nash is the Impact Producer on the Enablers team, making sure the team’s investigations are hard hitting and have tangible impact. The team investigates how UK executives, lawyers and accountants enable money and reputations to be laundered in the UK.

Grace Murray works in the Bureau’s Environment team, ensuring that investigations spark positive change beyond publication.

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180 Powerful Journalism Research Topics To Focus On

Table of Contents

Finding a unique journalism research topic is one of the tricky tasks that require a lot of innovation. If you are a student who is pursuing a degree in communication or media studies, then you will often be asked to write essays or research papers on interesting journalism topics. Right now, do you want to write an informative journalism research paper? Are you searching for the best journalism research topics? Go through this blog post and get the top powerful journalism research topics and ideas that will help you boost your grades.

Tips for Selecting a Good Journalism Research Topic

Journalism is a broad field of study that mainly deals with the gathering and distribution of information to various media channels such as radio, TV, newspaper, and social media. In order to complete graduation, mainly, as a part of the final year academic project, the students who are pursuing media studies must submit a research paper or thesis on journalism topics.

When you are assigned a task to prepare a journalism research paper, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Remember, you can impress your professor and score high grades only if you have a unique topic.

In general, there are endless unique journalism research topics and ideas available, but the real challenge lies in identifying one specific journalism topic out of them all. Hence, to help you all, here we have shared a few important tips that you can follow during the topic selection.

The topic you choose should match your interest.
The topic should be exciting and informative for the readers.
Avoid choosing too broad topics because they may require a lot of time to complete.
If your topic is too broad, narrow it down to a specific research question that is easy to write about before the deadline.
Instead of picking the frequently discussed research topics, go with the topic that focuses on unique issues that are fresh for the readers to learn and understand.
The research topic you choose should support extensive research and contain relevant sources for reference.

Additionally, check whether the research topic you have selected stands in line with your professor’s instructions. Also, before finalizing the journalism research topic you have selected, make sure it satisfies all the above-mentioned tips. The journalism research topic is said to be good only if it meets the requirements shared above.

List of Journalism Research Paper Topics and Ideas

When it comes to writing a journalism research paper, you need to invest a lot of effort and time to search and find the best journalism research topic. Hence, to make your topic selection process easier, here, we have composed a list of exclusive journalism research topics and ideas.

Explore the complete list of ideas and pick a powerful journalism research topic of your preference.

Best Journalism Research Topics

How can journalists help the masses understand topical issues better?
What is the role of the media in reducing crime?
Discuss the negative implications of media in influencing violence.
What is the link between media and the growth of the fashion industry?
What is the subsequent impact of media on the growth of an economy?
Discuss the likely implications of partisan advertisement outlets.
What are your thoughts on denying an operational license to partisan media outlets?
Examine how media has impacted your living over the last ten years.
Elaborate on the potential beneficiaries of media versus society-influenced violence.
Investigate how the media industry has evolved because of technological advancement.
How has journalism contributed to political turmoil in Kenya?

Read more: Excellent Communication Research Topics To Consider

Excellent Journalism Research Paper Topics

How significant is the media in the war against crimes?
Use of mainstream media in strategic communication
How the media influence political patterns
Media use by kids and adolescents
How society benefits from a free media
Scare strategies that the media use to accomplish goals
How do the media influence immorality?
Do video games form a part of the media?
Media censorship and propaganda
How the media portrays popular culture and identity

Research Paper Topics in Mass Communication and Journalism

What are the benefits of international journalism ?
How effective are social media marketing campaigns
Explain how journalists altered the coverage of news relating to World War II.
Define media downshifting and discuss why people are reverting to newspapers again.
Discuss mass communication laws in the U.S.
Define journalism ethics and highlight its importance in news coverage.
Investigate why radio still commands a huge following.
Explain different types of media and differ according to the audience.
Investigate terrorism in media and highlight examples in the world today.
Highlight some relevant media disasters and explain how to prevent them.

Journalism Thesis Topics

How media houses benefit from advertising
Explain why video blogs are the new diaries.
How effective are media companies as compared to single bloggers with regard to news coverage?
Define fan fiction and fandom in the media.
Explain the critical attributes of communication.
Discuss the peculiarities of children’s media.
How do the media affect the political class in a country?
Key stakeholders of modern media
How the media influences the articulation of major social matters
How the media preempt situations

Unique Journalism Research Topics

Investigate how the government regulates the media.
What is the role of mass media in spreading awareness?
Explain how readers can confirm the truth and credibility of news articles.
Discuss the relevance of media in the growth of a steadfast country.
Explain how social media has impacted the reporting of police brutality cases.
What was the impact of mass media on the scope of the Vietnam War
Determine whether governments should have exclusive power to censor news reporters and journalists.
Elaborate on the main drawbacks facing journalism.
Discuss whether media outlets are responsible for the spread of unverified stories.
Analyze why media agencies should cease using metaphors in headlines.
Media psychology- How it applies to communication.
Explain the role of media in the growth of the music industry.
Analyze the influence of media on innovations.
Explain the implications of a one-sided media and why it might be dangerous to society.
Analyze the media violations of a person’s freedom and rights.
Investigate the Black Lives Matter movement and analyze the role of media in advancing it.
Examine how media affects the diminishing of traditions and culture.
Why is the press essential in spreading political rivalry among the political subject and class?
What role does mass media play in promoting learning activities?
Examine the role of mass media on the political class of America in the 18th century.

Investigative Journalism Research Topics

What is the role of transculturation in media translation
Discuss the objectification of women and its adverse psychological impacts.
Discuss whether politicians depend on media to retain their power.
Explain why mass media is more of a propaganda tool for the government.
Explain why the media should not include graphic images depicting violence or war brutality.
What are the historical development and cultural impact of media in the U.S.?
How some governments silence investigative journalists
An investigation into the key stakeholders of modern media houses.
How magazine covers are used to get more sales
How journalists can maintain high-quality reporting without necessarily spending more
What are the negative impacts of television advertisements on children?
How the media is helping call centers to create jobs and help the unemployed members of society.
Examine how the image of the Arab woman appears in Arab media.
How the media makes the USA look like the ultimate ruler
Conduct a comparative analysis of news reports between FOX and BBC News.
How mainstream media is promoting the upsurge of public misinformation and fake news
How influential politicians make key decisions for some media houses
What are the moral lines that separate investigative journalism from the violation of people’s privacy?
How the media is helping rebrand some countries- Case study of Nigeria.

Read more: Best Visual Analysis Essay Topics and Writing Guidelines for Students to Focus On

Interesting Journalism Thesis Topics

Examine some of the most significant anticipated changes to journalism in days to come
Is it true that the internet makes people read less about current events?
Elaborate on different ways by which mass media outlets benefit from advertisements and product promotions.
Discuss why it is not appropriate for celebrities and superstars to undergo trials by the media.
Define stylized writing and elaborate on whether it is acceptable in today’s internet-reliant world.
Discuss the critical negative influence mass media may have on students.
Elaborate why televisions need to stop showing sexual content.
Examine media and its influence in the articulation of social matters like racism.
Investigate the impact of new media on digital learning budgets.
Examine if journalism can seek the truth without breaking the journalism code.
What are the causes and impacts of media addiction
Discuss the effect of mass media on one’s emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Highlight how disabled people are represented by the media today
Discuss why we should trust the media to deliver accurate news.

Engaging Journalism Dissertation Topics

Discuss the representation of women journalists in the media fraternity.
Describe ways to regulate mass media to guarantee that students are only minimally exposed to inappropriate content
Discuss the reasons that make the United States of America considered a global superpower from media perspectives
The imperativeness of journalism for disadvantaged social groups
A Critical review of the methodological trends and controversies surrounding the Use of opinion poll
Critically analyze how the British journalists try to win over the royals
Homophobia in modern sports and the role of media channels in increasing such negativism Homophobia
Discuss the role of media in promoting same-sex marriage
Evaluate the role played by media in helping GenZ athletes to seek their ‘authentic voice’
Describe the impact of replacing sports journalism with mindless gossip columnists
What were the restrictions on journalists for covering the FIFA World Cup 2022?

Great Journalism Research Paper Topics

What is the effect of media on diplomacy
A case study of pollution as a social issue and the media’s role in combating it.
Investigate the impact of fear created by media reporting crimes.
Hidden messages are passed through the media.
Discuss the role of media as an agenda-setting tool.
Elaborate on the flaws representation of black women in media.
Discuss the use of women and their sexuality in mass media advertisements.
How media images represent different entities
Could virtual reality be the future of modern media?
Do the media create or react to events?
What moral distinctions exist between the invasion of privacy and investigative journalism?
Are journalists nowadays more focused on attractiveness than on delivering more accurate news?
Discuss the main issues that journalists face when performing their responsibilities.
What impact have advances in science and technology had on journalism?
What can journalists do to combat the idea that women are materialistic?

Captivating Journalism Research Ideas

Is it possible for the media to serve society’s underprivileged groups?
Describe how the American media presents adversaries and rivals from throughout the world
Does the internet really cause individuals to read less about current events?
Why has the internet changed the way news is reported?
Examine some of the key upcoming developments in journalism that are most anticipated.
Can journalists continue to report on high-quality stories without spending more?
Nigeria is a case study of how the media is assisting in the rebranding of some nations
How powerful politicians affect some media outlets’ ability to make important judgments
A description of the difficulties emerging nations face when it comes to information freedom
How sexual material is used on the front pages of health publications to draw readers
Does the media influence events or just report on them?
What impact does the internet have on how the media evolves?
Why is radio still a vital type of media in the twenty-first century?
Describe ways to control the media to limit the exposure of pupils to inappropriate information
Do powerful and influential big media firms have too much sway?
Do they have to be broken up into smaller pieces?

Latest Journalism Research Topics

Describe the Part of the Media in the Russia-Ukraine Crisis.
Discuss the popular media tactics of political parties in the United States
Consider the necessity for real-life tales in the media of today.
Write about literary journalism in recent times.
Investigative reporting on the Brazilian drug trade
Mass media censorship in North Korea
FIFA world cup 2022: restrictions on journalists for covering the event
Critical analysis of how the British journalists try to win over the royals
Describe the effects of media misdirection and misinformation.

From the list of outstanding journalism research topics and ideas suggested above, you can use any idea as an inspiration for writing a research paper. We have a team of professional academic writers who have good knowledge of mass media and communication to craft a research paper on the best journalism topics.

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The Role of Investigative Journalism to Address the Public Issue

The aim of this study is to assess and outline the role of investigative reporting in addressing public issues in the case of Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation’s Asash investigative based programs. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique to have samples. Content analysis and interview have been taken as data collection methods. Five Asash programs are selected for content analysis. Editor and producer of the programs were interviewed for textual and qualitative analysis. The researcher summarized and concluded the study based on the analysis’s findings and suggested possible solutions for. The findings Shaw that, there are issues which need to be investigated, but government officials, self-censored media personnel in EBC and unorganized of necessary document and information inaccessibility are challenges. EBC as public media is expected that addressing public issues is its prior role, but based on the research findings EBC is not play its role effectively. So, it should diversified its program issues and strive to implement its watch-dogging role as well.

Related Papers

The Practice of Development Journalism

Ameyu Etana

This mini-research was aimed at examining the practices and challenges of development journalism (DJ) in Ethiopia, the case in Fana Broadcasting Corporate(FBC) investigative radio program. To this end, Primary and secondary data sources were used to collect data. Primary sources include field research that of observation and in-depth interviews whereas, the secondary sources are library research that of analysis of historical records (programs) and documents which are assumed helpful by the researcher for the accomplishment of the study. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative method to analyze the data. In addition, development journalism model is employed to underpin the mini-research. The study find out as the model of development journalism is highly praised but poorly practiced in the media institution: Programs are shallow, producers are busy with other tasks in such a way they are doing to fill airtime, less comprehensive and done by the effort of producers as it lacked proper attention from the organization. Though this effort can be worth mentioning it is not achieving its objectives owing to external problems like lack of stance and transparency from government to answering the question of the public and to addressing the problems. Therefore, the program which is supposed to be the voice of the public is in critical situation.

Wondimu Legesse

This study has aimed to investigate the practices of development journalism in South Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional state Radio and Television Agency. The study employed the combination of quantitative and qualitative research approach. The data collection method consist questionnaire, focus group discussion, in-depth interview, and review of sample broadcasted news and program documents (Archive) used as a tool for data collection. Purposive sampling is used to select informants and documents. The finding of study shows the misunderstanding of the concept of development journalism, by the majority of the journalists and media leaders. The pillars of Development Journalism are not clearly articulated in the editorial policy. As the finding revealed, the majority of the development issues focused on success rather than malfunction stories in the media. Event oriented reporting has dominated the long term development process in SRTA.

befrdu woldeamanuel

The Watchdog Role of Journalism: A Study on the perception of Ethiopian Journalists Befrdu Woldeamanuel Addis Ababa University, 2012 This study was an inquiry into the perception of Ethiopian journalists with regard to the watchdog role of journalism. In this regard, the researcher has employed Western model of journalism, Development model journalism and propaganda model as theoretical underpinnings to answer the designed research questions. To come up with a seeming finding, qualitative research methodology was employed with an individual in-depth interview and focus group discussion as instruments for data collection. Hence, using a purposive sampling, a total of six practicing journalists were interviewed in the in-depth interview category, of which two were editors-in-chief, the other two, deputy editors-inchiefs, one assistant editor and finally a producer. In the focus group discussion domain, six journalists were interviewed from one media house. The participants for the ind...

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING JOURNALIST’S FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF AHADU RADIO AND FANA FM.

Tsegaye W O N D W O S S E N Bekele

This research paper aims to assess the factors that influence journalist’s freedom in the media houses by comparing two commercial media. The reasons that initiated the researcher to study on the factors affecting journalistic freedom is that while the media has a responsibility to provide information to the community and Media versions of reality have the potential to influence public opinion and decision making processes the researcher observe, the coverage of different poltical and social topics in the selected media house (Ahadu radio and Fana FM) are unalike intermes of journalistic principle, after the country political change (reform). Therefore who has and who does not have access to the media and can make their voice heard is a crucial question with serious political consequences. The study is free from any personal opinion and follows a research principle. To address the research objective purposive and proportional sampling technique was used. The respondents were selected based on their better understanding for the subject and based on their work experience. From the total population 89 sampled journalists were selected. 89 questioners were distributed. Among 89 questionnaires about 85 respondents were accurately filled. Data gathered were analyzed based on these 85 responses using SPSS 23 software package. Descriptive statistics research approach was employed. All out puts were reported using frequency. The result indicates that both media analysis indicates that Government Intervention, Journalist are afraid of prison and threat commonly affect journalist freedom. However, editor interference affects journalist freedom in Fana FM than Ahadu radio. Ahadu radio uses journalist observation for its news sources than Fana FM radio. Ahadu radio uses people’s view and public issues for its news source but Fana FM did not use peoples view. Ahadu radio uses different professionals view for its news source but Fana FM could not frequently use different professionals view as its news sources. The study recommended that Fana FM radio must amend and revise media’s editorial policies, and revising rules and regulations of media. Fana FM radio must reduce editors’ role in selecting what journalists select to cover the news story, or rather that the editors select the story for journalist they must engage in developing the story the best level. The government officials also must give sufficient information for different private media For the Freedom of journalist.

Journalism Practice

Abera Y Kebede

This study explores contemporary journalists’ autonomy and role in the Ethiopian contested media practice by taking journalists working in Amhara Media Corporation (AMC). A qualitative research approach was used to collect data from journalists and admin staff. For triangulation, this study combined document analysis and observation. Fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected journalists and admin staff. The interviews used semi-structured and open-ended questions that would allow journalists to reflect their perspectives freely. The study applied the Hierarchy of Influences Model to examine the data and support discussion. The findings of this study clearly signify that partisanship among journalists, the politicization of journalism, and flip-flop media practices prevail. The outsourced programs are used as a tool for silencing journalists from working independently. The journalists’ safety anxiety is the grim reality at AMC. As a result, journalists’ professional content productions and autonomies specifically on political and sensitive issues were negotiated or interfered. It is therefore challenging to maintain complete professional autonomy in order to be impartial, unbiased, and independent while working as a journalist in Ethiopia. It is recommended that the regional and federal governments should allow media independence and journalists’ autonomy in the Ethiopian media industry.

constance ndeleko

African Journalism Studies

Jemal Mohammed

Although the Ethiopian government has often claimed that state media follow development journalism (DJ) as their reporting style, broadcasting frequencies have been aggressively grabbed by public relations (PR) departments of government offices. The purpose of this research is to explore the type of journalism that has been implemented in the Ethiopian state media. The research follows a qualitative approach to conduct in-depth interviews and to do a document analysis. Apposite documents were gathered from Ethiopian Broadcast Corporation (owned by the federal government) and four regional state mass media houses. The researcher interviewed several media managers and journalists from the state media houses. The findings of the research show that PR practitioners are increasingly working as agenda-setters and gatekeepers while they deter investigative reporting, constructive criticism and ethical practices of the profession. The paper concludes that the PR-driven model of journalism is what the Ethiopian state media are practising. This paper also identifies the major features of the PR-driven journalism model. The research concludes that state media are often idealistic to implement DJ and suggests that community media needs to be considered for the implementation of DJ model of reporting.

MEKONNEN H A I L E M A R I A M ZIKARGAE

This article explores development journalism as an agent of change to ordinary people lives or a political power by focusing on the Ethiopian context. Accordingly, the researcher used historical-analytical methodology to achieve the objectives that is stated. In addition, the researcher used policy documents, investigative research, and educational curriculum for the purpose of desk-review. The purpose of the research focuses on assessment of policy document, training offered in the discipline of development journalism, the practices, the major challenges to its practices, and the educational curriculum in the Ethiopian universities that supports the policy document of development journalism. The policy document clearly puts development journalism as the governing of media policy of the country. On the other hand, the policy document did not get full support from higher education curriculum of journalism and communication departments which exclusively offer development journalism and development communication in a total of five credit hours in the undergraduate level that supply media professionals to mass medias' found in Ethiopia. The policy document has no sustainability and reserved to support sustainability development. To this end, the research indicates that the development journalism premises as a policy of development journalism is not an agent of social change but a tool of political power that suppress the ordinary people.

Terje Skjerdal

In 2008, Ethiopian authorities presented a draft policy document which established development journalism as the official reporting style for the state media. The policy prescribes that the media and journalists should play an active role in the country’s development scheme. Assigning such a role to the media is controversial, however, not the least since it is seen to be at odds with media independence and press freedom. The present study discusses the Ethiopian development journalism policy in light of other recognized development journalism models. The study also uses in-depth interviews with journalists in the Ethiopian state media to consider how the new policy has been received in the newsroom. The overall conclusion is that the journalists are favourable towards development journalism as a professional framework, but they are challenged when they try to convert the framework into actual media practice. The problems are threefold: ambiguity of development journalism as concept and practice; political inclination of the state media; and lack of participation by the public.

Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies (OJCMT)

asmamaw addis

The aim of this research is to analyze news coverage of two wire services in Ethiopia, namely ENA and WIC. The research also appraises the role of these news media in relation to the contribution of local research dissemination. 340 sample news stories are chosen for content analysis from both wire services. Systematic sampling technique is employed to pick representative news items. The selected stories have been covered by news media of the country. 18 key informants are also used purposively for interview. The findings of the study have shown that the range of ENA and WIC news coverage is diverse and wide, but the proportion given to issues in news coverage is imbalanced. Educational, health, agricultural and science and technology, for example, are local topics that have got very little news recognition and attention. The coverage of local and foreign research findings of ENA is almost the same and equal in proportion. Whereas in the case of WIC, the coverage of foreign research findings is quadruple than the coverage of local research findings. This indicates local research findings have got little attention and recognition in the news coverage. It shows journalists' engagement in reporting and popularizing local research findings is very low. Even, the finding from the news media further implied that the researchers are less attracted by the media.

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100 best journalism essay topics for you.

December 24, 2020

If you find yourself struggling to come up with a good idea for a journalistic essay you might be suffering from a type of writer’s block. However, there is no need to worry because we’ve culled a list of journalism thesis topics that can be used for a wide range of assignments and class levels. Here are 100 of our best ideas:

Best Journalism Research Topics for 2022

What impact will President Biden’s policies have on the economy?
To what extent will the Covid-19 pandemic damage the global economy?
How does the media impact the way we look at dictatorships?
Will a vaccine for Covid-19 be made available to lower-income people?
Will the U.S. economy recover after the major shutdowns of 2020?
In what way does the IOC feel compelled to hold Olympic events?

Research Topics in Mass Communication and Journalism

Does race impact the way news is reported in different parts of the United States?
What does President-elect Joe Biden’s victory mean for international politics?
How does Covid-19 affect the way students make choices about their majors?
How has mass communication changed in the last decade?
How did social media impact the way people voted for the Presidential Election?
In what ways has social media affected the way news is reported?
Can President Biden effectively use the media to unite the country?

Ideas for a Dissertation on Journalism

Does accurate journalism impact people’s privacy rights?
How has music and film from the last decade impacted how society acts today?
Does the attention afforded to crime in the media harm society?
Are personal bios still important enough to publish online?
Is social media replacing traditional journalism in first world countries?
Is journalism education in high school an important subject?
In what ways have sports changed the way we look at international politics?

Thesis Topics for Journalism Students

How does President Trump’s reaction to election results affect the transition between administrations?
How important is it for news outlets to report human interest stories?
How did the world react to President Trump’s loss of both the popular and electoral votes?
In what ways does the sports world impact the way people view domestic politics?
How have the peaceful protests of police brutality in the U.S. affected the world?
How does the internet affect the way people view domestic politics?
Does the White House Press Team need to be more transparent?

Journalism Research Paper Topics

How do politicians prepare major announcements based on media feedback?
Does the media help or harm the way people react to Covid-19?
Is it possible for journalists to sway the 2022 mid-term elections ahead of time?
What can we say is the start of modern journalism?
Should the personal lives of athletes be reported in sports journalism?
How important is transparency in modern journalism?
The methods of disseminating information have changed in what ways?

Journalism Topics for a College-Level Course

How is popular culture affected by the media? Check out more popular culture topics .
What are the major aspects of communication in the modern world?
In what ways do popular films affect the way teenagers view media?
Does the media do enough to report on obesity rates in the U.S.?
What is the most effective way of disseminating important information?
What role does the media have in preventing religious conflicts?
In what ways does media hype affect social movements in the U.S.?

Good Journalism Topics on Modern Issues

What does the future of journalism hold as the number of independent bloggers increases?
What responsibilities do sensationalist journalists have?
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected how journalists report on health news?
How do health organizations utilize the media to spread warnings?
Is the media responsible for reporting health rates in the U.S.?
How can the international media impact how the U.S. is viewed around the world?
In what ways do politicians use the media to gain public favor?

Journalism Thesis Topics for a Capstone Project

How have political races been affected by the use of music?
In what ways does the media impact psychology?
Can video games be viewed as a type of media?
Should the media cover reality show stars?
How have social movements in the U.S. sparked changes around the world?
Are journalists compromised by corporate funding of media outlets?
Does social media have a greater influence on today’s public than traditional news outlets?

Controversial Investigative Journalism Topics

How do journalists develop interesting news stories?
Does the media impact how we view health issues?
How do podcasts and radio shows impact truth-telling?
Are people viewing more or less local news programs?
What does one have to study to become an investigative journalist?
Should news outlets like Fox News and MSNBC refrain from reporting controvertible facts?
How does investigative journalism violate people’s rights to privacy?

Great Journalism Topics for Students

Is music being used as a propaganda tool in political elections?
Can school elections be rigged by a dominant group?
How important is it to keep students informed of local government policies?
Does the media treat celebrities unfairly when reporting stories?
How important is it for journalists to protect their sources?
If students had the chance to grade their teachers, what would the results be?
What would happen if colleges and universities allowed pets in dorms?

Journalism Topics for High School

How does media influence what we think of as high and low culture?
Do social media sites like Facebook and Twitter ever make you feel depressed?
Do cell phones lead to too many distractions in school?
Should the media pay less attention to celebrity news?
Does television advertising unfairly favor large corporations?
Are war journalists put at greater risk today than they were a decade ago?
Is there enough evidence to support an investigation on voter fraud?

Journalism Essay Topics for a Short Project

In what ways have video games impacted cultural movements globally?
How do professional athletes impact social awareness?
What is the most effective way to interview a witness?
Are people being influenced by what is being reported on celebrities?
Why is it important to have firsthand accounts in news stories?
Is it unethical for journalists to make suppositions?

Journalism Thesis Ideas for a Long Project

Does reality television present an accurate view of modern society?
Is it important for different news organizations to share information?
What is meant by “message distortion” in article writing?
In what ways do journalists impact voting in presidential elections?
Does the media cover presidential candidates equally?
Does the media support major candidates more so than populist candidates?

Interesting Journalism Project Topics

What are the biggest anticipated changes to the future of journalism?
In what ways has the internet impacted how the news is reported?
How does the U.S. media portray adversaries from around the world?
Does the internet make people read less about current events?
Is stylized writing acceptable in today’s internet-heavy world?
What are the challenges and limitations of the Bennett news model?

Controversial Literary Journalism Topics

Should fake news be banned from social media sites?
Are media outlets responsible for the spread of unverified stories?
Should media agencies stop using metaphors in headlines?
Do you think the U.S. media treats its global enemies fairly?
What are the biggest challenges facing journalism?
Will Trumpism disappear as soon as he leaves office?

Journalism thesis ideas don’t just fall from trees and this means that students often struggle to develop research topics that make for a great journalism essay. We are a professional academic writing and editing agency that understands what it takes to write a great assignment. Our team of experts provide best writing services and they can give you journalism topics that will impress the strictest readers. Give us a call, email us, or send us a message by chat. We will put you in contact with one of our academic professionals to help you find an ideal journalism topic for your next assignment.

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Best Journalism Dissertation Topics | 49 Examples

February 26, 2020

Dr Jana Martiskova

Click here to place an order for topic brief service to get instant approval from your professor.

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Comprehension of different types of journalism to write a good journalism dissertation topics

If you want to have thorough information about investigative, sports, science, or people/ celebrity journalism, nothing to worry about.

The following article on journalism dissertation titles is going to give you all the information that you want to know, as well as provide some of the dissertation topics and ideas on journalism, useful for the journalism dissertation so that you surely get the lead among your class fellows.

1) Sports Journalism Dissertation Topics:

This area mostly covers athletic competitions and events related to sports. Commercially, it is an essential section in most newspapers, and magazines, as well as in radio and television news broadcasts, though it is considered soft news. Below are some of the ideas for writing a dissertation on sports journalism , they are:

The impact of social media on sports journalism and how it has changed the way events are covered.
The role of sports journalism in shaping public opinion on controversial issues in sports.
A comparative study of sports coverage in traditional print media versus online media.
An examination of the ethical considerations and challenges faced by sports journalists.
The representation of women and minorities in sports journalism and the media’s influence on the portrayal of these groups in sports.
The influence of big money on sports journalism and how it affects the integrity of coverage.
A study of how fans perceive and consume sports news in the digital age.
An analysis of how sports journalism has changed with the adoption of advanced analytics in sports.
A study on how sports journalism has been affected by the rise of citizen journalism and user-generated content.
A case study of a specific sports team or athlete and the media coverage they receive.
Exploring new ways of covering sports events
How to stay neutral when giving your view on sports news?
Why sports journalism isn’t considered mainstream journalism?
How Sports Journalism is viewed in Digital Age?
Sports journalism is gendered based or not
How the sports journalist is viewed from the perspective of the journalism field?

53 Sports Dissertation Topics and examples in 2023

2) Investigative Journalism Dissertation Topics:

It mainly deals with the exposing of unethical or illegal behavior or actions by individuals or organizations In this kind of journalism, one digs out for the truth and identifies lapses in whatever media is available. This type of journalism is very confrontational in nature, hence tact is always required. Some of the ideas for a dissertation on investigative journalism can be:

An investigation into political corruption and the role of big money in elections.
An examination of police misconduct and use of force.
A study of the impact of corporate influence on government policy and regulation.
An investigation into the environmental impact of industry and corporations.
An examination of the role of the media in shaping public opinion on controversial issues.
An investigation into the financial practices of large banks and financial institutions.
A study of the treatment of workers in low-wage industries such as fast food and retail.
An examination of the effects of the gig economy on workers’ rights and benefits.
An investigation into the healthcare industry, including issues such as rising costs and access to care.
A study of the impact of technology on privacy and civil liberties.
Considering the outcomes of investigative journalism. Will it bring a good or bad Impact?
Is it better to report on every matter or at times, one should let it pass by without making any noise?
.How the social media play role in investigative journalism?

Significance of investigative journalism as a media watchdog in the context of political reformation These factors can also make a great discussion topic for your investigative journalism dissertation.

3) Science journalism Dissertation Topics:

Science journalism is basically reporting science news and its related topics to the public. In this kind of journalism, the importance of delivering a report like a story is essential; because it engages the readers’ attention. Therefore the best idea for the dissertation that I can give you on this particular subject is to make sure that you include all the scientific details without going too much into detail. Be sure that a layman can grasp what you have written.

An examination of the role of science journalism in communicating complex scientific concepts to the general public.
A comparative study of science coverage in traditional media versus online media.
An investigation into the use of science in public policy decision-making and the impact of science journalism on policy formation.
A study of the representation of women and minorities in science journalism and the media’s influence on the portrayal of these groups in science.
An analysis of the coverage of climate change in the media and how it shapes public perceptions and responses.
A study of the impact of science journalism on public understanding of emerging technologies such as AI, gene editing, and biotechnology.
An examination of the ethical considerations and challenges faced by science journalists.
A study of the impact of social media on science journalism and how it shapes the way science is covered.
An investigation into the relationship between science journalism and scientific institutions such as universities and research centers.
A case study of a specific scientific topic or issue and the media coverage it receives.

4) Celebrity Journalism Dissertation Topics:

Running after celebrities and digging into their lives is basically celebrity journalism. It has been made famous by all the paparazzi running around these days. Great journalism dissertation ideas can be:

Is harassment the right way in dealing with celebrities? Does it comply with media ethics?
An examination of the impact of social media on celebrity journalism and how it has changed the way celebrities are covered.
A study of the representation of women and minorities in celebrity journalism and the media’s influence on the portrayal of these groups.
An investigation into the relationship between celebrities and the media, including the role of publicists and media management.
A comparative study of celebrity coverage in traditional media versus online media.
An analysis of the role of celebrity gossip in shaping public opinion and perceptions.
A study of the influence of big money on celebrity journalism and how it affects the integrity of coverage.
An examination of the ethical considerations and challenges faced by celebrity journalists.
A study of the impact of celebrity journalism on the entertainment industry and the way it shapes the careers of celebrities.
An investigation into the relationship between celebrity journalism and the fashion industry.
A case study of a specific celebrity or group of celebrities and the media coverage they receive.

In my opinion, ethics should be followed in journalism, and also one should always tell truth without any biases. It is significant that your journalism dissertation topics should stick to this principle because it reflects the true essence of professional journalism.

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Choosing a PhD Dissertation Topic in Journalism and Mass Communication

Are you a student who studies journalism, media, & mass communication and looking to make a carrier in the media field? Is it mandatory for you to choose a dissertation or thesis work related to mass media, journalism, etc.? And are you confused on which Dissertation / Thesis to be chosen? Here in this section, we will take a look at journalism and Mass Communication, so according to your interest, you shall select your Dissertation in PhD with the help of CaseStudyHelp.Com.

What is Journalism and Mass Communication?

A project or task to get and spread information with the help of recent evolution in TV, filming, advertising, social media (public relations), theatre, radio, magazines, newspapers, etc., is considered Journalism. And so, Journalism Ethics is considered as an extensive field to study or work on, and that becomes the major reason to have access to a limited list while doing research or project while studying during UG and masters. The study that covers information spreading to huge spectators using several methods to communicate is Mass Communication. Journalism and mass communication has countless options and is huge. And so, it is advised for students to choose a simple subject rather than choosing a wide topic to avoid confusion.

Also Read : Business Research Topics Ideas Assignments for Students

However, when considering a dissertation topic, narrow it down to a specific question. Such a process makes you focused, easier, and flexible while doing the research, thesis, or Dissertation. Also, it would help if you assured that the PhD Dissertation Topics in Mass Communication are not to be very narrow so that it consumes more time for research on related aspects or scenarios.

Course Structure

Journalism mostly includes economics, journalism, research methodology, political science, journalism history and theory of communication. Journalism focuses on social facts, media role as an agency of mediating and theoretical frameworks. Mass communication involves writing work that has a huge social impact on features & pieces of opinions that writers or journalists provide. The Mass Communication Project Topics communication is like the largest umbrella with vital choices to write about.

Course Offering

During journalism graduation (while pursuing UG or masters), it involves digital, print or electronic, approaches, which can be selected as the specialization. Out of different aspects, writing about current affairs and news in several media is mostly used in Mass Communication Ethics. This course contains the studies of human communication and how it can be publicized the information to a group of people. There are vast options of PhD Research Paper Writing in Journalism for the students who will pick mass communication and journalism in their academic.

Best Dissertation Ideas for Journalism and Mass Communication

As technology improves, there are more developments and differences in today’s mass communication compared with the olden days. Those days there was no printing press, so it took more time and became very challenging to convey news or information or communicate to a huge set of people. Nowadays, it has become very easy to convey messages or news or information to people, and that has become possible through media and social media on the spot when it happens.

Here is the list of Mass Communication Dissertation Topics:

Dissertation Topics Related To the Current Scenario:

Research on impacts of media and other entertainment industries due to COVID pandemic
Research on mass media role during Covid-19
Research on media that it is showing the actual information or just working to advertising.
Research about journalists and their role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research about the people working in media and their safety measurement

Likewise, we do have more journalism-related PhD dissertation topics around the world in various fields to do research or Dissertation; they are as follows:

Journalism and Privacy Dissertation Topics
Journalism and Freedom of Expression Dissertation Topics
Media, the Artist and Censorship Dissertation Topics
Media across Cultures Dissertation Topics
Music, Culture, the Artist and Intellectual property
Media in the Digital Age Dissertation Topics
Media and Politics Dissertation Topics

Under these topics, there are so many titles to do the Dissertation for the journalism and mass communication students. Get more information on the above topic from CaseStudyHelp.Com!

Also Check Out : The Most Relevant Controversial Topics for Essay and Debate

Choosing the Right Journalism and Mass Communication Research Topics with the Help of Casestudyhelp.Com

Selecting the journalism and mass communication topics will be the challenging part or task for the student to give their best research and need to be clear enough to convey correctly. Case Study Help provides you with the easiest way to organize your thought process. The research work needs to be not very broad as well as not too narrow; it should be moderate so that this can save your time and at the same time leaves a way to perfect completing of your project or thesis or Dissertation that leads to scoring high mark in your academic.

It would help if you were more confident and clearer enough about the selected topic so that the thesis or research comes out well with the best quality. Every student needs to keep in mind that the PhD dissertation on Journalism and mass communication doesn’t hold any theoretical knowledge limitations. The thesis needs to be more perfect with the exact information that happens in real-time.

Here are some interesting topics under the Journalism thesis from CaseStudyHelp.Com:

What are the futures of Journalism?
Whether the true journalism stage ended?
Will you decide social media and blogging can be journalism’s future?
Do you think do the media focus on publicity?
Practicing various counties journalism culture.
Exploring the league between British journalism and the royal family.
Causes of journalism with the lifestyle changes of Henry Meghan
Journalism and business – limitation of media
Journalism purpose – notifying people on money-making.
With shareholders interest, how is media losing its quality?
Examine the woman journalist’s role and aspects as a media person and its drawbacks.
Do woman journalists need to progress to particular places?

Investigative and Political Research Topics under Journalism and Mass Communication

The name investigation makes everyone’s attention and curious on it. While selecting such investigative research topics, you need to be more focused on what accurately happened and think twice before choosing the topics. Will it be that much easy to write a dissertation on investigative topics?

Firstly, you must thoroughly understand the exact purpose of investigative journalism and later figure out whether to process with investigative research or not.

Some of the Investigative Research Topics for PhD Dissertation Writing:

Powerful politicians and media
Image and media – how did media transform negative images of a particular country before the world?
The media’s role is to keep an eye on politicians.
Journalists case study – Causes of investigative journalism
Investigative journalism’s drawback
What are the steps taken by the media to maintain investigative journalists’ safety?
Effects of media in the countries development.
Impact of politics in the countries development.
Corruption and politics – How to create a link connecting both?
Research topics on Animation and Film Journalism

Read More: Choose the Best Case Study Topic to Impress Your Professor

What Film Journalism is?

Film journalism is all about characterizing news and articles about movies. Also, it involves the people in the film industry and writing reviews about movies.

Here Are Some Interesting Topics on Film Journalism:

Study of Hollywood violence – what are the effects created on youth?
What are the race role and Hollywood religion?
How do Arabic men show Hollywood movies?
Bollywood versus Hollywood – effects of culture and economy.
Do televisions popular than movies?

Structuring the Journalism and Mass Communication Thesis Topics Examples Dissertation

Though the topic plays the main role for a student to achieve score more, a perfectly structured thesis sounds good and also the research that is arranged in a good manner will give more scope for the students. Below mentioned show the structure of the Dissertation that can be presented perfectly.

Title of the page
Acknowledgement
Declaration
Abstract – summary of the research
Content Table
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Finding and Analysis

Also Read: How to Write Dissertation Writing? A Step by Step Guide

Career Prospects under Journalism and Mass Communication

By walking through the escalation of trending media, there are more chances and opportunities for the students who graduated in Journalism and Mass Communication. There are various fields in Journalism and mass communication like publishing, public relations, research institution and news media.

Those who pick PhD Dissertation Topics on journalism as their discipline can shine in any following field.

News agencies
News channels
News portals

Those who selected PhD Dissertation Topics on Mass Communication during their academic can pursue their career in one of the following:

Advertising agencies
Public relations
Corporate communication
UN organization
Media academics
Communication solution Organization

Specialization Offered In Journalism and Mass Communication

There are a huge number of uncountable specializations and topics offered in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Time to know more about Journalism and Mass communication dissertation ideas:

Broadcasting
Public Relations
Event Management
Advertising

Since Journalism is a worldwide field that leaves a way to explore more with countless research topics and, it is open to selecting the opt research dissertation topics for PhD from the team of CaseStudyHelp.Com experts. The student needs to be stable enough to process with selected topics to achieve their goal.

250 Topics for Investigative Essay, Example, & Tips

An investigative essay is a piece of writing based on the information you gather by investigating the topic. Unlike regular research or term paper, this assignment requires you to conduct interviews, study archival records, or visit relevant locations—in a word, inspect things personally.

If you’re a fan of detective stories, you know that carrying out an investigation is really exciting. Still, it takes a lot of work, and this article by our custom-writing experts will help you ace it. Here, you will find:

250 investigative essay topics;
a step-by-step guide;
a writing sample in PDF format.
🔝 Top 10 Topics
✅ Investigation Essay Definition
🕵️ Topics for Different Subjects
✍️ Investigative Essay Writing Guide
📋 Investigative Essay Example

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 investigative essay topics.

Endogamy in the modern world
Why does music affect our mood?
Pros and cons of being an influencer
Does sport positively affect society?
The long-term effect of workplace bullying
The effect of long distance on relationships
How is patriotism different from nationalism?
How do international marriages affect children?
Possible challenges of the foster care system
Would free higher education be less efficient?

✅ What Is an Investigative Essay?

You can compare an investigative essay to a personal one with some thorough research thrown in. This type of assignment is not just about proving your point but also about demonstrating your authority on the subject. The best way to do it is by studying the topic first-hand.

According to the description by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, such an essay usually includes the following components:

a review of scholarly sources;
an investigation that you’ve conducted;
your relevant personal experience.

Now that you know what you’re dealing with, let’s move on to our list of hot investigative titles.

🕵️ Topics for Investigative Essay: Different Subjects

Investigative essay topics about society.

Problems in relationships between parents and children.
Explore the typical characteristics of online dating sites’ users.
What factors influence young people’s choice of occupation?
What’s the purpose of creating fake accounts on social media?
Does the reality TV show 16 and Pregnant glamorize teen pregnancy?
Celebrities as role models : what impact do they have on teenagers?
Investigate the correlation between politics and law.
Assess the religious beliefs of adolescents in the selected country
What makes children and students start smoking?
How do women experience discrimination in the workplace?
What challenges do single parents face?
Does Instagram motivate people to lead a healthy lifestyle?
Reasons for anti-lockdown protests during the COVID-19 pandemic
What is it like to be a child-free woman in a family-centered society?
Investigate the reasons for women’s reluctance to report rape cases.
Gender inequality in court cases related to child custody.
Research the causes of Europeans’ negative attitudes toward refugees.
What community-based services are especially helpful for the elderly?
Societal attitudes toward women in managerial positions.
Sports fans’ attitudes toward the incidents of rule violations by professional athletes.
Children’s participation in the workforce in the past. Nowadays, children’s labor is seen as entirely inappropriate. However, the situation was different in the past, which may be interesting to investigate. You can use primary sources written during the times of the Industrial Revolution.
How does the media raise society’s awareness about climate change? Media plays a major role in shaping public attitudes. An investigation essay can explore how it affects society’s views on topical issues such as climate change. Use films, news, posters, and ads as sources for this investigation.
Gender-based stereotypes about food. You can conduct a survey exploring people’s attitudes toward specific foods. For example, meat is often perceived as food for men and salad as food preferred by women. Advertisements may also help you identify gender-based stereotypes.
The impact of a disability acquired after marriage on marital relationships. This topic suggests interviewing married couples in which one of the spouses became disabled after marriage. It may provide insights into how an acquired disability affects the relationship.
Interpersonal conflicts in adolescence. To investigate this topic, you may interview several adolescents. Ask them about who they often have conflicts with. What are the reasons for their disagreements? How can they find a way out of the situation?
Shopping habits and their relation to culture and values. Start by observing and interviewing customers in a shop of your choice. Do they share similar shopping habits? Are they thinking about the environment when making purchases? Find out if their shopping behavior reflects their values.
Juvenile crime prevention from social workers’ perspective. Ask several social workers about the major factors related to juvenile crime. They may also share their opinions about how society can handle this issue.
Behavioral patterns in online communication. Here, you can explore how people communicate on social media. Additionally, observe your own online behavior and note down any peculiarities. Then, compare and contrast the observation results to the patterns of face-to-face communication.
How memes emerge and vanish. Internet memes are viral content that is often created in response to social and political events. It may be interesting to investigate the memes that were popular at some point in time. What caused their emergence and popularity? Why did they disappear?
Boundaries of subordination: what you can and cannot say to your boss. The relationship of subordination influences people’s behavior. It also sets specific limits on what is acceptable. A conversation with a director can help reveal what topics can be safely discussed with superiors. You can also conduct a similar interview with employees.

Feel free to check out our topics on psychology and sociology essay ideas to learn more about these exciting fields of study.

Topics for Investigative Essay in Healthcare

Palliative care specialists’ attitudes toward euthanasia.
Do physicians support pharmaceutical advertising to the general public?
The role of HR management in medical organizations
What are the dietitians’ opinions about vegetarian diets ?
Experiences of nurses providing care to patients with COVID-19
Investigate the challenges faced by parents who raise a child with a food allergy.
Evaluate schoolchildren’s knowledge and practices of hand hygiene.
Observe the patterns of smartphone addiction .
Research ways of teaching people to provide first aid to someone having a seizure.
How do healthcare professionals provide care to deaf people ?
Did the COVID-19 lockdown encourage the use of telehealth?
Nurses’ attitudes toward the use of electronic health records.
The role of pediatricians in the early detection of autism.
What challenges to maintaining a healthy diet do patients with diabetes have?
How should parents talk with their children about alcohol use?
Experiences of people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.
How do people’s lives change after cancer treatment?
Do body-positive Instagram accounts promote obesity?
How can technology help in tracking medications?
What do pediatricians do when parents disagree on the child’s treatment?
Pros and cons of cosmetic surgery from a surgeon’s perspective. Modern beauty standards compel some people, especially women, to undergo cosmetic surgery. Is it indeed worth it? An interview with a plastic surgeon can uncover the issues related to such operations.
Why do people resort to alternative medicine? Many alternative therapies are not scientifically proven to be beneficial. Yet, some people choose alternative or herbal medicine over conventional treatment. What are good effects of them? Conduct a survey to gain some valuable insights into this issue.
School nurses’ role in preventing childhood obesity. Nurses working at schools can notice students’ obesity early by measuring their BMI. An interview with a school nurse can show how these professionals help with the problem of childhood obesity.
The relationship between physical exercise and mood. Evaluate your mood before and after exercise. You may go to the gym and ask people to participate in the experiment. Then, explain the results by findings from scholarly research.
How do physicians use digital technology at work? To conduct this investigation, recall a visit to a physician. Did the doctor use technology for medical purposes ? Interviews may also provide valuable insights.
Do people agree that the costs of healthcare services are fair in the US? The costs of medical services often make Americans run into debt. You can try to reveal whether people find high prices justified. You may also compare patients’ views of healthcare pricing to those of physicians.
Differences in attitudes toward blood donation between donors and non-donors. Conduct interviews with donors to reveal their motivation to donate blood. Similarly, conversations with those who have never donated can help discover what hinders them. Are there any barriers or negative attitudes?
How does advertising promote unhealthy eating habits? For this paper, review advertisements on TV, social media, etc. How many of them encourage harmful product consumption? Try to notice any ads promoting healthy foods. In conclusion, compare which advertisements are more prevalent.
People’s motivation for involvement in the anti-vaccination movement. To investigate this topic, review thematic forums or social media groups. There, people may disclose their opinions about vaccination. You may also question activists for additional evidence.
The impact of pets on the well-being of older adults. Domestic animals are believed to be beneficial for people’s mental health. Conversations with elderly pet owners are a suitable research method for this essay. It can help discover ways in which animals improve their well-being.

When it comes to medicine, you can observe hospitals’ inner workings or research existing issues. For more ideas, feel free to read our list of healthcare research ideas . An exploratory paper or an extended investigation essay on one of these topics will definitely earn you an A+.

Investigative Essay Topics in Business

Why do some applicants lie on their CVs?
Do companies benefit from engaging in charity?
Reasons for switching jobs among millennials.
Do employers value experience more than qualifications?
How do companies ensure a healthy working environment ?
How do HR departments measure employee retention rates?
How did small businesses survive the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Employees’ views on working overtime.
Why do customers agree to pay a higher price for branded things?

The picture tells about the importance of using and citing sources correctly.

How do remote employees balance work and leisure?
Why do technology companies prefer to hire young workers?
How did feminism influence the marketing of products for women?
The leader’s challenges in a diverse workplace.
Why is overqualification a problem for HR managers in small firms?
How do companies conduct market research?
Write about the reasons for the early retirement of employees.
How do employers use non-disclosure agreements with employees?
What is the value of preparing business reports for small companies?
How do small companies ensure workforce diversity ?
The implementation of CRM systems in the hospitality industry.
Drivers of and barriers to outsourcing in an organization. For this essay, select a particular business organization. Explore whether it implements outsourcing and what its reasons are for this decision. What enables it to outsource? What hinders it from doing so?
Human resource management in small companies. Visit a small local company to investigate how it manages its personnel. Possible things to explore are how the company hires and retains its staff. What challenges pertain to HR management in small companies?
What are the effects of nepotism in family firms? Nepotism is a tendency to hire family members rather than strangers. Generally, it is viewed as a negative phenomenon. Still, it’s a common practice in family businesses. For this essay, interview workers of a family company to investigate the influence of nepotism in the workplace.
The presence of misleading advertisements on the Internet. Ads on the Internet are often placed as banners or embedded in videos. You can review some online ads to find out if they present false information. Why is it an important ethical issue?
Gender discrimination in the workplace. Women often report being discriminated against at work. Conduct interviews with female employees to determine whether they have experienced workplace discrimination. If yes, how did it affect their careers?
Do small companies practice corporate social responsibility? CSR is usually seen as an attribute of large international corporations. However, small businesses can also integrate CSR practices. Choose one or several small companies and investigate whether they take care of their communities.
How do companies use social media for employer branding? Select a company that uses social media for online recruitment advertising. How does it shape its brand image through social media posts? If possible, contact the company’s HR manager to ask about the effectiveness of this practice.
Company rituals and their influence on employees’ engagement. Choose a company and investigate what workplace rituals are practiced there. You can observe it yourself or ask an HR manager. Conversation with an employee can reveal their attitudes toward this practice. In particular, you can assess whether it increases workers’ engagement.
Reasons for unethical behaviors in the workplace. Interview employees that were involved in corrupt work practices. It may be a salesperson putting pressure on customers or an office employee doing unrelated work during working hours. Find out why they engaged in such behaviors. Were there any negative consequences?
How do firms increase the retention of night shift employees? Working at night can be challenging for the staff. For some workers, night shifts may become a reason to quit the job. You can consult HR managers of companies working round the clock. How do they motivate employees to perform their duties at night?

Are you interested in business management issues? Go to a nearby shop and investigate how its owners manage to run a successful business when there are so many popular supermarkets around. Or, check out our list of business topics if you need our help on picking an essay idea.

Topics for Investigative Essay in Education

What makes high school students want to pursue higher education?
Parental involvement in children’s secondary school education.
Do students understand the value of their e-portfolios?
How do teachers educate students with autism?
Assessment of media literacy in high school students.
Mobile devices in higher education: a distraction or a learning opportunity?
Reasons for high dropout rates in online courses.
Research parents’ experiences during COVID-19 school closures.
Investigate the benefits of career counseling for graduates.
How do parents create financial plans for their child’s college education?
The main challenges faced by international students in higher education.
How do schools prevent the use of weapons by students?
Are metal detectors effective in ensuring school safety?
The use of technology for communication between parents and school personnel.
Research challenges in teaching mathematical concepts .
Evaluate the use of guided reading in elementary school.
What strategies do teachers use to manage classroom behavior ?
How can you distinguish between diploma mills and legitimate institutions?
How do schools furnish classrooms for children with special needs ?
Find out about teachers’ motivation to work in rural schools.

The picture shows a quote by Margaret Mead.

How do teachers educate students with hearing loss and deafness? Observe the teaching process in a school for children with impaired hearing. Interviews with teachers will help you identify effective education strategies. You can also focus this investigation on existing challenges.
Difficulties in teaching online courses in higher education. E-learning poses unique challenges to teachers. They can provide their perspectives on online classes. You may also ask them to share their strategies for overcoming problems.
Inclusive education from the parents’ perspective. Schools in which children with intellectual disabilities study together with healthy children are considered beneficial. It may be helpful to learn whether parents of children with and without intellectual disabilities support this type of education.
Teachers’ use of educational games in the classroom. Interview teachers about their use of games during classes. You can also attend a lesson that includes educational games. How do students respond to such learning activities?
Do teachers prefer open educational resources over costly textbooks? Students are likely to favor downloadable books over physical ones. Do instructors share their attitudes toward course materials? Interviews with several teachers may help find it out.
Implications of lifelong learning in a particular profession. For this investigation, choose a specific occupation, such as nursing or teaching. With the help of interviews, find out whether professionals in the selected field follow the principle of lifelong learning. Evaluate if this concept applies to their occupation.
The value of internships for college students . Talk to people about their student internships about the benefits they gained from this experience. Try focusing on the duties they performed and the feedback they received.
What do students learn by participating in school-community partnerships? Some schools collaborate with community services. It provides learning benefits for students and helps communities. Conduct interviews with students who took part in such programs. How did it improve their learning experience?
How do schools cope with bullying among students? Review the school policies related to bullying behaviors. Interview the school administration to learn how they’re addressing this issue. It’s also possible to ask students about how they are protected from this problem.
Teachers’ attitudes toward the use of standardized testing . Standardized tests are meant to provide a neutral evaluation of students’ achievements. However, many people see faults in this system. Interview several teachers about their opinion on standardized testing. Is it an appropriate scientific method of measuring knowledge?

There are plenty of issues to explore when it comes to education. You can choose a topic related to the teaching process as well as to students’ experience. You may also get additional ideas from our education topics list .

Investigation Essay Topics: Science and Technology

How do healthcare providers use telehealth to care for older patients?
Investigate the difference between manual and automated contact tracing.
Explore the use of recycling in drinking water production.
How do police officers use facial recognition technology?
What’s the impact of air pollution on food production?
How is video calling used in prisons?
What are the applications of virtual reality technologies in education?
Review the peculiarities of accident investigation .
How do astronomers detect approaching comets ?
Write about landslides and their correlation with geography.
How do parents ensure their children’s cybersecurity?
What challenges do companies face when transitioning to alternative energy sources?
Explore what the authorities do to take down dark web marketplaces.
Investigate the security and privacy risks of smart toys.
How do forensic scientists use various techniques to solve crimes?
Challenges faced by small-scale farmers in the adoption of organic farming

The picture shows a quote by Brian Greene.

What materials are used in 3D printing in healthcare?
The use of GIS technologies by fleet operators
What cyborg products are already available on the market?
How do small companies deal with cyber threats?
Why do consumers oppose genetically modified food? Conduct an Internet survey to determine people’s attitudes toward GMOs. In addition, you can assess individuals’ knowledge about such products. It will help to identify whether people’s misunderstanding of GM food is linked to their negative attitudes.
How do hospitals use health IT? Visit a local hospital and investigate its use of healthcare informatics. Find out how the implementation of such projects influenced service quality. Did the technology improve patient safety or reduce the cost of care?
How does structural biology help develop vaccines? For this essay, visit a laboratory. Observe how structural biology is applied in vaccine research. What makes this approach effective?
Can AI be effective in detecting fake news? Several AI-based tools have been developed to combat misinformation. Choose one of them and investigate whether it can identify fake news and help journalists combat it. It’s also possible to compare the effectiveness of several existing tools.
Do healthcare professionals support the use of mobile apps for weight management? Study a mobile app designed to help people lose excess weight. Then show it to a medical professional dealing with overweight patients. What’s their expert opinion about the app’s usefulness?
Do users notice the filter bubble in their Facebook newsfeeds? The filter bubble refers to personalized content recommended to users based on their search history. Explore whether people on Facebook notice it when scrolling their newsfeeds. Do their experiences vary depending on how often they use social media?
How has technology changed children’s leisure time activities? Observe how children spend their free time during a break or in a playground. Note how many everyday leisure activities are linked to technology.
Do people’s social media profiles influence hiring decisions? Social media have become an essential part of people’s lives. Make inquiry whether HR managers review candidates’ social media profiles to make a hiring decision.
What is ethical hacking, and what benefits can it bring? Hacking is not always destructive and results in losses or complaints. For example, Kevin Mitnick, a famous American hacker, helps large firms to protect themselves from security breaches. For this investigative essay, interview a professional who uses hacking for a good purpose. Find out what benefits it brings to people and organizations.
How did the issue of “Truth Decay” manifest itself during COVID-19? “Truth Decay” refers to a decreasing significance of facts and a blurring difference between facts and opinions. To investigate this issue, conduct a questionnaire to learn how people searched for information about COVID-19 and how they checked data reliability.

There are so many things you can write an investigation essay on. For example, look into natural processes or workings of some intricate device. With our list of topics in science and technology , the possibilities are endless.

Investigative Essay Topics on Arts and Culture

What’s your position on advertisements as an art form?
How did feminism influence art?
What is the philosophy of Gaga dance created by Ohad Naharin?
Analyze the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases.
How is music used in therapy?
Investigate the negative consequences of color-blind casting in theater productions.
Explore the differences between traditional and computer-generated music.
How is art used as a form of protest?
Do modern tattoos convey any messages?
Investigate child-rearing practices in a selected culture
Select and analyze movies and songs that promote women’s equality.
What does the anti-consumerism movement do?
Explore the experience of culture shock in international students.
Changes in the representation of superheroes in the 21 st century .
Investigate the characteristics of urban legends.
How does Hollywood contribute to the public’s perception of Arabs?
What are the distinctive features of Black English?
Explore the design and purpose of unisex clothing.
How do video games reflect culture?
How does ethnic clothing affect fashion trends?
Do theaters still find their audience in the modern world? For this investigation, visit a theater and evaluate its audience. Notice the number of spectators and their demographics. You may also interview the viewers to discover their motivation to visit theatres.
Celebrations and holidays in one’s community. For this topic, you may choose a holiday and observe how your community celebrates it. Explore whether people wear something special during the celebration or cook specific meals for the occasion. Try to discover the meaning of the holiday and its significance to the community.
An investigation of contemporary ethnic music. Find some contemporary performers of traditional music. Pay attention to its distinctive features. What instruments do they use? What are the common motifs in the tunes and lyrics? Analyze how it differs from the ethnic music of the past.
The evolution of street art and graffiti. Graffiti started appearing on the streets of American cities around the 1970s. Since then, it evolved from primitive sketches to an acknowledged art form. Trace this evolution of graffiti and urban art created at different times.
Should photography be censored ? Take a stance on this controversial issue. Prove your point by finding suitable photographic images. For example, search for powerful and influential photographs that could not be available to the public if censored. You might need to use qualitative research.
The culture of toxic masculinity and its media representation. Review media, such as TV shows, journalism, advertisements, cartoons, and movies. Find examples of how the idea of toxic masculinity is represented. Analyze whether this culture is harmful to society and, if so, what its adverse effects are.
Why are many young adults attracted to anime ? A person unfamiliar with anime can think it’s just another kind of children’s cartoons. In fact, a large portion of its audience is adults. To investigate why young adults are interested in it, visit an anime festival. There you can interview many fans about their preferences in animation.
What will the lyrics of modern songs tell future generations about contemporary culture? Art is a valuable source of information about past generations. One day, contemporary music will become history, and perhaps our descendants will study it. Explore the lyrics of popular modern songs. What information about our culture can they pass on to the next generation?
The use of cultural trends in coolhunting. Coolhunting is a modern marketing trick. Marketers research popular cultural trends and use them to attract young customers. For this essay, visit a large retailer’s website and notice how it uses coolhunting.
A semiotic analysis of packaging. Semiotics refers to signs and symbols used in a particular culture. Visit a retail store and explore the packaging of products on the shelves. Notice the use of cultural signs and try to uncover their meaning. For example, white may symbolize purity and safety, while transparent bottles may imply the brand’s trustworthiness.

Historical Investigation Essay Topics

How did America end slavery?
Causes of the civil war in the US.
Investigate the causes of the Great Depression.
Analyze the historical significance of the battle of Gettysburg.
How was it possible for Hitler to gain power in Germany?
Why did the Ottoman empire fall in 1918?
The Spanish-American war and its implications for the US.
Research how the French revolution influenced the support of human rights.
Investigate the reasons and consequences of general Howe’s failure.
Navy development in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Analyze the Amarna period of Ancient Egyptian history.
World War I and its impact on the life of Europe.
The Meiji restoration and its influence on Japan development.
Modern history: investigate the issues of civil rights in the early 1960s.
Discuss the role of women in the Civil Rights Movement.
Explain the outcomes of the French and Indian war.
The Irish immigrants’ influence on New York.
Discussion of authority in feudal Japan.
Examine the consequences of the fall of the Roman Empire.
Investigate the aspects of admiral Zheng He’s voyages.
Why did the Cold War start?
The assassination of Julius Caesar.
Analyze the reasons for conflict between the North and South of the United States.
Europeans vs. Native Americans: why was the conflict inevitable?
French revolution’s effects on European peasantry.
Discuss the significance of progressivism for American social construction.
Cold war in everyday life of Americans.
Importance of polis in Ancient Greek.
Investigate the reasons for the Cuban missile crisis.
Examine the causes of destructive consequences of the Great Fire of London.

Check out our history topic list to gain more ideas for your investigation.

Criminal Investigation Essay Topics

DNA in criminal investigations.
The investigation of an arson attack .
Analyze the peculiarities of white-collar crimes investigation.
Criminal investigations in the I-5 strangler case.
Discuss the complications of human trafficking investigation.
How to reduce the human trafficking of children.
Who investigates fraud cases?
Approaches in criminal investigation .
The methods of acquiring information in investigations .
The role of forensic psychology in the investigation.
Why behavioral theories are important for investigation of juvenile delinquency.
Examine how the neighborhood affects the crime people commit.
Homicide investigations and forensic evidence .
Drug trafficking: investigation on Frank Lucas.
How are the causes of police brutality investigated in the United States?
Analyze the role of physical science in criminal investigations.
Criminal behavior investigation and search warrants.
The essential role of the first responding officer in crime scene investigation .
Undercover police investigations in drug-related crimes.
Crime scene investigation effect in the justice system.
Discuss the process of investigation, surveillance, and prosecution for cybercrimes.
Describe the role of fingerprint technology and recognition systems in criminal investigations.
How are footwear and tire track evidence collected?
Crime scene investigation in real life and media.
Importance of toxicology in crime investigation .
Why is the pre-sentence investigation report important?
Organized business crime prosecution and investigation.
Explain the essence of the Federal Rule of Evidence and its meaning for investigation and prosecution.
Criminal investigation: offense issues.
Analyze the role of Robert Merton’s theory in juvenile crime investigation.

These are just examples of possible topics. We want to remind you that your investigation writing and presentation can focus on absolutely anything, from volcanoes in South Africa or Latin America to British law enforcement.

You are also free to use our topic generator .

✍️ How to Write an Investigative Report Essay

Let’s examine the process step by step. We’ll start with the pre-writing stage.

Step #1. Choose a topic.

Determining your area of interest will help you pinpoint a perfect topic. To begin with, ask yourself the following questions:

❓	Is there anything you’ve been wondering about over the past week?
❓	Is there a subject you’ve been fascinated by your whole life?
❓	Do you have access to anything that may be interesting to investigate first-hand?
❓	Will you be able to study it sufficiently over the time you have?

Step #2. Formulate a research question.

Answering this question will be the main aim of your essay. Make sure that it doesn’t have a simple and obvious answer. It should also be broad enough for you to spend 5-6 pages answering it.

Step #3. Choose a type of research.

This step depends on the subject you’ve chosen. If your topic revolves around a personal problem, consider conducting an interview. If it’s about an artwork, go see it yourself. If you choose to write about a location, make sure to visit it. You can also combine several types of research.

Step #4 Write an annotated bibliography.

Making a list of sources will save you the trouble of looking for them at the last minute. It will also help you figure out the scope of your study and see what you need to improve. Include primary sources as well as secondary.

Step #5. Draft your essay.

It’s best to write the basic outline after you’re done with the preliminary research. By that time, you will know your essay’s main idea and central insight. Make sure to check out our guide on how to write different types of outlines !

Step #6. Get down to writing.

Need to learn how to craft an excellent investigation essay? Check out the following section.

Investigative Essay Outline

To understand how to organize your paper, let’s have a look at the essay template and see how to start and what to include in each of them:

	on the Dalhousie University website.

That’s it! Now you know how to write a brilliant investigative essay.

📋 Investigative Essay Example for Free

Looking for investigative essay examples? Well, you’re in luck! We are here to provide you with an example of an investigation essay in MLA style. You can download the PDF file below:

The fashion world is constantly evolving. Trends are actively changing together with the society, its values, and demands. With the creation of fashion houses and the development of the Internet, trends emerge and vanish faster than they ever did before.

We hope this article helped you to write an awesome investigative essay! If you liked it, make sure to share it with your friends or leave us a comment. Good luck!

🤔 Investigative Essay FAQ

An investigative essay is a structured report on your research project or another kind of investigation. In such a paper, you describe the subject and the aspects under study, present your observations, corresponding hypotheses, and supporting arguments, and make logical conclusions. It is usually written in formal report writing format.

Think about the aspects of your research subject that are worth describing.
Draft the list of such elements with corresponding conclusions.
Create an outline for your report.
Write an introduction with a high-level overview of the topic.
Structure the body paragraphs.
Write a logical conclusion for the whole investigation.

In essence, a researchable topic is a subject you are going to investigate, especially its particular aspects under study. There are specific criteria for choosing a research topic. Ideally, your investigation should be devoted to a problem you are personally interested in.

The choice of your research topic depends on multiple factors, e.g.:

Your study level (school, college, doctoral research, etc.);
The time you have for research;
The specific task you get;
The budget for research,
Your personal interests,
Technical facilities, etc.

This might be interesting for you:

Research Papers Analysis: a Quick How-to Guide
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Life Hacks to Write a Research Paper Like a Pro
Documented Essay: How to Write, Essay Topics and Example
How to Write an Investigation Essay: The Classroom
The 9 Major Research Areas in Social Psychology: Verywell Mind
Juvenile Delinquency: Topics: Science Direct
Global Health Research Topics: NIH
Health Topics: Medline Plus
Research Topics and Projects: Queensland University of Technology
Trending Topics: Society for Human Resource Management
Truth Decay: When Uncertainty Is Weaponized: Nature
What Are the Topics Used in Research Starters – Education?: EBSCO Information Services
PhD Research Topics: Department of Education: University of York
Healthcare Technology: Built In
Pandemic: All Research: World Bank Group
9 Business Challenges Every Small Business Struggles With: HubSpot
Telehealth and Telemedicine: American Academy of Family Physicians
Street and Graffiti Art: The Art Story
Semiotics: Encyclopedia Britannica
Culture and Society: Lumen Learning
The New AI Innovation Equation: IBM
Feminist Art: The Art Story
Topics in Criminal Investigation: Felician University
Ten Interesting Criminal Justice Research Topics: Walden University
Topics: History.com
Historical Topics: Library of Congress
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Journalism Dissertation Topics - Get a Research Based Topic. Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023. Coming up with original journalism dissertation topics for your undergraduate, Master or PhD degree can be a very frustrating experience. In contrast to other disciplines, journalism dissertations are judged ...
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