This issue of the Journal of Development Communication presents a diverse and thought-provoking collection of studies examining the intersection of media, communication, and societal challenges across different regions. The articles explore topics ranging from maternal mediation in children's media use in the Philippines to public perceptions of government communication on education policy in Ghana. Noteworthy contributions include an investigation into the cultural and psychological effects of khat chewing among Kenyan university students and an evaluation of modern media's role in preserving African moral values while driving economic development. Other studies address critical issues like media advocacy for child rights in Nigeria, the challenges faced by provincial television journalists in Sri Lanka, and communication strategies for climate change adaptation among rural farmers in Abuja, Nigeria. The range of topics and their grounded regional contexts provide readers with valuable insights into how media and communication can influence societal development and policy implementation. This issue stands out for its focus on underrepresented areas and its emphasis on practical, culturally nuanced approaches to leveraging communication for positive change.