Review Blinding Protocols & Peer Review Modalities

Section Objective: To define the procedural framework governing the anonymity of all parties involved in the peer review process, thereby safeguarding mutual academic integrity between reviewers and authors in strict alignment with global standards for international media and communication publishing.

  1. Double-Blind Peer Review

The journal strictly operates on a Double-Blind Peer Review system as its primary evaluation model. Under this protocol, the identities, institutional affiliations, and personal data of the authors are entirely concealed from the reviewers. Conversely, the reviewers' identities remain strictly confidential and are never disclosed to the authors. Authors are required to ensure that all explicit references, self-citations, metadata, or contextual indicators within the text or bibliography that might inadvertently reveal their identity are thoroughly removed prior to submitting the manuscript.

  1. Iterative Review Rounds

This policy strictly regulates the volume of evaluation cycles permitted for any single manuscript. The peer review process is designed not to exceed two primary review rounds:

  • Round One: Dedicated to identifying and addressing major/minor revisions and technical commentary.
  • Round Two: Conditioned for verification, compliance checks, and final evaluation of the amended manuscript.

In exceptional circumstances where a manuscript requires a third round of evaluation, the file will be referred directly to the Editor-in-Chief to render a definitive administrative decision on whether to extend the review process or formally decline publication.

  1. Review Timeline Control & Performance Indicators

The evaluation framework adheres to a stringent, time-sensitive schedule to ensure efficiency:

  • Review Window: Assigned reviewers are granted a definitive period of twenty-one (21) days to submit their comprehensive technical evaluation report.
  • Automated Reassignment: If an invited reviewer fails to respond, accept, or formally decline the assignment within the first five (5) days, the automated editorial system will instantly rescind the invitation. The manuscript will be immediately re-routed to a designated reserve/alternate reviewer to prevent any unwarranted stagnation or delay of the authors' scholarly output.