“There is nothing more practical than a good theory”: Applied communication studies of Wolfgang Donsbach

Abstract

Communication science is a relatively novel field of study and has only recently been officially approved by the academic society worldwide. Wolfgang Donsbach (1949–2015) was one of the major figures in its establishment and development, whose achievements in this field merit to be described and resumed.
This paper is devoted to the evaluation of Donsbach’s academic heritage and the clarification of his role in contemporary communication science, his impact on modern theories and notions, his major contributions in our field. While considering theory and practice as inseparable components of contemporary media system, Donsbach emphasised the crucial role of media and communication studies in the re-production of an autopoietic media system.
As a researcher, Donsbach focused on the relationship between media-effects and public opinion. Developing theoretical and methodological instruments, Donsbach and his co-authors ran a number of empirical investigations, which were extensively discussed until today. The practical orientation of Donsbach’s studies contributed to his major aim, namely the justification of the complementary character of theory and practice, which determines the disciplinary identity of communication studies as a positive science.
As an editor of the International Encyclopedia of Communication, W. Donsbach made his contribution in fixation and revision of numerous definitions. “The publication of an encyclopaedia is always an indicator that an academic field has reached a certain degree of maturity”, said Donsbach in his editorial letter. This article is a tribute to the memory of the noble man of science.