Alumna and Deputy Editor Politics and Society at The Conversation Erin Cooper-Douglas will be based on-campus as part of a new collaboration with the University of Tasmania.
The University has partnered with the leading publisher of research-based news as both look to tackle the big issues facing the Tasmanian and global communities.
The two organisations will work closely together, sharing more expertise and analysis from University researchers through The Conversation’s international readership.
Ms Cooper-Douglas completed a Bachelor of Media in 2018 before spending six years at the ABC, where she won the Best New Journalist category at the Tasmanian Media Awards.
"Being embedded at the university means I'm available to academics in a really unique way,” she said. “They can pick my brain and chat to me about potential stories.
“Of course that works in reverse too. Being surrounded by researchers gives me opportunities to hear about great projects that would interest a national audience.
“For our readers, this means we're capturing compelling, evidence-based analysis and research across the country, including Tasmania."
Head of Discipline, Media Professor Alana Mann said it was fitting to have an outstanding University of Tasmania graduate in this important role.
“Erin embodies the qualities we aim to inspire in all our students – curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to ethical reporting on the vital issues concerning Tasmanian and Australian communities,” Professor Mann said.
“Erin’s career trajectory demonstrates the value of studying Media and Communications at University of Tasmania, where opportunities to work closely with industry abound.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the University’s relationship with The Conversation went back to its inception in 2011.
“We value this relationship because The Conversation offers something of great value in what is a radically changing, complex and in many ways impoverished media landscape,” Professor Black said.
“At the same time we are in a world where our society must change in quite complex, sophisticated, and unsettling ways.
“The Conversation was established with a clear purpose firmly rooted in a belief in media integrity and the journalistic tradition: to provide access to quality explanatory journalism essential for a healthy democracy.”
The Conversation has grown to be the world’s leading publisher of research-based news and analysis, with more than 11 million page views per month.
University of Tasmania researchers have contributed more than 1000 articles since 2011 and clock thousands of views each month.
Editor Misha Ketchell was in Tasmania to help launch the partnership, joining a panel discussion and meeting experts from a wide range of disciplines.
“I was particularly struck by the commitment of University of Tasmania academics to making a difference in wider policy debates and improving people's lives,” Mr Ketchell said.
“There's so much great work being done, and it's a privilege for me and the team at The Conversation to play a small part in sharing this work with readers and policy-makers in Tasmania, nationally and across the globe."
Professor Mann said the University’s Media and Communications courses continued to support early and active engagement in workplace practice that helped industry partners foster local talent.
“This way our students get hands-on experience with the work environments and multi-platform technologies they will encounter across diverse and dynamic careers,” Professor Mann said.
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