Anne Harbin
Associate Head of Media and Journalism
My career journey
I am a former postdoctoral environmental scientist who took a risk, pursued her passion for radio and used her transferable skills to successfully apply for a BBC News traineeship. I was head hunted to be a journalist, followed by a rapid rise to senior producer in under five years. Initially wanting to work in science radio, I fell in love with people, their stories and local radio. I worked for many years across national and local radio as a BBC journalist and radio producer and was also a reporter for the BBC Online team. My expertise covers everything from radio outside broadcasts to topical phone-ins, magazine shows, live debates and documentaries, and of course daily news reading shifts.
In 2013, I joined UWE Bristol as a senior lecturer. I also serve as the programme leader for BA Broadcast Journalism, MA Journalism, and BA Media Production. I am now the associate head for Media and Journalism.
Research interests
I am passionate about audio, podcast, radio and especially community radio. My work is primarily people-based, rooted in personal narratives, hidden histories and untold stories. I work across several knowledge exchange projects to help underrepresented communities have a voice. I use my practice of audio production to explore themes around voice and underrepresented voice through the exploration of lived experience. Interested in exploring how audio making tools can be used, non-conventionally, to create an audio language that articulates the visualisation of culturally silenced voices. I believe in diversity of voices and giving people an opportunity to be heard as this is what will enhance student and staff experience.
Challenges in academia
Throughout my career I have faced challenges in balancing research, teaching and administrative responsibilities. Being a natural planner and organiser has seen my other strengths – ideas generation and affinity for flexible and inclusive assessment design – being underused, in favour of the demands of programme reviews and course rewriting. Securing funding for research has been challenging while navigating academic hierarchy and institutional politics.
Hopes for completing the programme
I am looking forward to networking opportunities provided by the programme and hope the mentorship will enable me to raise my profile and increase my ability to work cross-college. I want to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from their experiences.
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