Protests, of course, with it being ridiculous (8)
I believe the answer is:
outcries
'protests' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'course with it being ridiculous' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'being ridiculous' indicates an anagram.
'course' after 'it' is 'itcourse'.
'itcourse' anagrammed gives 'OUTCRIES'.
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for outcries that I've seen is " Shows of public anger".)