“Obraz” is a peer-reviewed open access academic journal that publishes original articles, reviews, and research communications presenting authentic results of experimental or theoretical studies that have not been previously submitted to or published in other journals.

Journal Information
Online ISSN: 3083-6794
Print ISSN: 2415-8496
UDC: 316.77:070](051)
DOI Prefix: 10.21272/Obraz

The journal is registered in the Register of Media Entities of Ukraine (Identifier R30-02728) according to Decision No. 307 of the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, Protocol No. 5 (February 8, 2024).

Year of foundation: 2000

Founder and Publisher: Sumy State University.
Publisher Registration Code (EDRPOU): 05408289
ROR ID: 01w60n236

Languages of publication: Ukrainian and English (mixed languages).

Publication frequency: three issues per year (March, September, November).

Academic Status. The journal is included in the List of Professional Scientific Publications of Ukraine (Category “B”) in the field of Social Sciences, Journalism and Information, specialty S7 – Journalism (academic specialty 27 – Social Communications), in accordance with Order No. 1188 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (September 24, 2020).

Aims and Scope. The journal aims to provide a permanent academic platform for scholars, educators, and researchers to publish research findings in the field of social communications and journalism. The journal seeks to: promote the dissemination of scientific research conducted by scholars from Ukraine and abroad; facilitate the exchange and free circulation of academic knowledge; ensure broad access to new scientific findings for the global academic community.

Scientific Focus. The journal publishes research addressing: current trends and transformations in social communications; journalism and media studies; mass communication processes and practices; innovations in communication research and media practice; historical development and future perspectives of communication systems.

Target Audience. The journal is intended for:  researchers and scholars; academic staff of higher education institutions; teachers and educators; doctoral and postgraduate students; undergraduate students; professionals in media, information, communication, publishing, advertising, and journalism.

Copyright and Licensing. Authors retain unrestricted rights to use their work for any lawful purposes and grant the journal “Obraz” the right of first publication under the Creative Commons Attribution (СС-BY). This license allows users to read, download, copy, distribute, print, and adapt the material in any medium or format for any lawful purpose, provided that proper credit is given to the original publication.

Open Access Policy. The journal follows a Full Open Access policy, meaning that all content is freely available to users and their institutions without charge and without requiring registration on the journal's website or other electronic platforms. Users are permitted to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purposes, without requesting prior permission from the publisher or the author, provided that the original publication is properly cited.

The journal is archived: on the publisher’s website in the Archive section; in the institutional repository of Sumy State University (eSSUIR); in independent repositories and archives, including the V. I. Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine; in open access directories such as OpenDOAR and other international catalogues. Metadata of all articles are deposited in open electronic databases and catalogues. Each article receives a DOI registered through Crossref.

Types of Manuscripts. The journal publishes the following types of submissions: Original research articles – full reports of empirical research (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) that provide new knowledge in social communications and journalism; Theoretical articles/reviews – аnalytical or conceptual works that synthesize, reinterpret, or develop existing communication theories and models; Methodological articles – descriptions of new research methods, analytical tools, comparative methodological approaches, or innovative teaching methods for journalism and communication studies; Short communications/case studies – detailed analyses of specific communication events, media campaigns, media products, or communication situations; Book reviews – critical reviews of newly published academic or educational books.

Peer Review Policy. All submitted manuscripts undergo: plagiarism screening using StrikePlagiarism, and  independent double-blind peer review. The average review period is approximately six weeks.

Acceptance rate: 68%.

Announcements, comments, or reviews of scholarly and educational books received by the editorial office are published in the next available issue.

Articles written in English are given priority in publication scheduling.

Ethical Standards. The journal “Obraz” adheres to the principles of academic integrity, equal opportunity, and respect for diversity, ensuring non-discrimination based on race, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or political views. Editorial decisions are based exclusively on the scholarly merit and quality of submitted manuscripts.