A study investigated leading mass communication scholars' opinions concerning the most influential works in their development as scholars, what books or journal articles they would recommend for aspiring scholars, and which researchers in the field are doing promising work. Fifty-one scholars identified through previous studies as being the most productive mass communication scholars during the years 1980 to 1985 were sent open-ended questionnaires. Although 31 of 51 surveys were returned (for a response rate of 60%), several of the respondents felt unable to identify key works in mass communication and journalism because their background was in speech communication. Results indicated that: (1) respondents found it much easier to identify "classics" in mass communication and journalism than to identify "contemporary" core works; (2) several scholars bluntly stated that the field lacks a coherent center; (3) none of the journal articles receiving two or more nominations were published after 1976; and (4) scholars nominated as doing promising work included Steven Lacy, James Carey, Steven Chaffee, and Byron Reeves. Findings suggest evidence of an increasing diversity of voices within the discipline. (Tables listing books cited as most important in scholars' own development, books most recommended to aspiring scholars, and journal articles cited as most influential are included. Contains 15 references.) (RS)