Andrew Dodd joins Centre for Advancing Journalism as Director

Image of Andrew Dodd.

Journalist, broadcaster and author Andrew Dodd has been appointed as the new Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne and has begun work in the Faculty of Arts this month.

Associate Professor Dodd has worked across radio, television, print and online platforms for more than 30 years. He began his career in community radio before moving to ABC Radio National, ABC TV, the Australian newspaper and Crikey and has worked as a reporter on programs such as 7.30 Report, the Media Report and Background Briefing.

Associate Professor Dodd was most recently Program Director of Journalism at Swinburne University of Technology and replaces Associate Professor Margaret Simons as Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne.

“I’m excited by the position and by the opportunities it provides,” Associate Professor Dodd said.

“The Centre for Advancing Journalism is doing really important work in preparing students for complex careers in a changing media environment.

“The Centre’s approach of practised-based learning is the right way to prepare people for careers in journalism. Journalism students are learning by doing and the work they do engages with general audiences.”

Media partners, such as Guardian Australia and others, work with the Centre for Advancing Journalism to create opportunities for students to learn in real time with real issues, problems and people.

Associate Professor Dodd is investigating the changing nature of journalism, restructures and renewal as part of the New Beats project, funded by two Australian Research Council Linkage and Discovery grants.

“The Centre plays an important role in fostering public conversations about the future of journalism, including the challenges, difficulties and dilemmas,” Associate Professor Dodd said.

“This is a vital part of this role because the broader community has a lot invested in journalism and a great deal of interest in the topic.”

Deputy Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism David Nolan has welcomed Associate Professor Dodd to the University of Melbourne.

“This is an exciting appointment for the Centre, which will benefit enormously from Andrew’s leadership,” Dr Nolan said.

“His practical experience and research-informed knowledge of current changes affecting the field align strongly with the Centre’s mission to advance journalism through teaching and research.”

Dr Nolan also noted that Associate Professor Dodd’s track record shows he is committed to ensuring the question of journalism’s future remains a continuing public conversation.

“In this respect, he will continue to build on the Centre’s excellent tradition of hosting events that promote public engagement and discussion of crucial questions surrounding journalism in our changing world," Dr Nolan said.