EDITORIAL DECISION POLICY

EDITORIAL DECISION-MAKING POLICY

MADIA: Jurnal Humas dan Media Kontemporer implements a transparent, objective, independent, and academically rigorous editorial decision-making process. All publication decisions are based on scholarly evaluation that considers manuscript quality, contribution to communication studies, originality, and alignment with the journal’s aims and scope.

1. Initial Editorial Evaluation (Desk Review)

All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial assessment by the Editor-in-Chief or Section Editors to evaluate:

  • Compliance with the journal’s aims and scope.
  • Adherence to the journal’s author guidelines and manuscript template.
  • Completeness of the manuscript components.
  • Similarity index and potential plagiarism concerns.
  • Overall academic suitability for peer review.

At this stage, the editor may:

  • Accept the manuscript for peer review.
  • Request technical revisions before review.
  • Reject the manuscript if it does not meet the journal’s requirements.

2. Peer Review Process

Manuscripts that pass the initial evaluation are assigned to at least two reviewers with expertise relevant to the manuscript’s subject area. The review process focuses on the following criteria:

  • Originality and novelty of the research.
  • Scientific significance and contribution to the field.
  • Methodological rigor and appropriateness.
  • Quality of analysis and discussion.
  • Relevance and adequacy of theoretical framework and references.
  • Clarity and validity of conclusions and implications.

3. Editorial Decisions

Based on reviewers’ recommendations and editorial evaluation, one of the following decisions will be made:

a. Accepted

The manuscript is accepted for publication with no revisions or only minor editorial adjustments.

b. Minor Revision

The manuscript requires limited revisions that do not substantially affect the core findings or arguments. The revised manuscript will be evaluated by the editor before final acceptance.

c. Major Revision

The manuscript requires substantial revisions related to theory, methodology, analysis, or discussion. The revised version may be returned to reviewers for further evaluation.

d. Rejected

The manuscript is rejected if it contains significant methodological weaknesses, lacks sufficient scholarly contribution, violates publication ethics, or falls outside the journal’s scope.

4. Principles of Editorial Decision-Making

The editorial team of MADIA adheres to the following principles:

  • Academic independence and integrity.
  • Objectivity and non-discrimination.
  • Confidentiality throughout the review process.
  • Avoidance of conflicts of interest.
  • Compliance with publication ethics standards.
  • Respect for intellectual property rights and copyright.

5. Final Decision Authority

The final decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of a manuscript rests with the Editor-in-Chief, based on reviewers’ recommendations and the editorial board’s considerations. Decisions are made solely on academic merit, scientific contribution, and compliance with the journal’s editorial policies.

6. Conflict of Interest

Editors and reviewers who have professional, institutional, financial, or personal relationships that may influence their objectivity must disclose such conflicts and recuse themselves from the evaluation process. In such cases, the Editor-in-Chief will appoint an alternative editor or reviewer to ensure an impartial assessment.

7. Commitment to Publication Quality

Through this policy, MADIA is committed to maintaining high standards of scholarly publishing, ensuring a fair, transparent, and accountable review process, and supporting the advancement of communication studies, public relations, and contemporary media research at national and international levels.