Dr Don Duncan, BA (Hons) Trinity College Dublin, MSc Columbia University, MA Columbia University, MA Institut Supérieure des Arts du Spectacle (INSAS, Belgium), PhD University of East Anglia, FHEA

Lecturer in Broadcast

I am a journalist and documentarian. I work with the written word, across audiovisual formats, and in live, spoken-word. I like to combine these disciplines.

As a journalist, I have over two decades of international experience working across print, radio and TV formats for outlets including: the BBC, AFP, RFI, RTE, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Foreign Policy, Le Monde Diplomatique, and others.

As a film-maker, I've written and directed three short films, my most recent film, 'Un Signe, Un Geste,' was screened at some 50 festivals worldwide, winning ten awards.

I hold a practice-based PhD in Media Studies & Broadcast from the University of East Anglia. I studied journalism and documentary to master's level at Columbia University, New York, from where I also earned an master's degree in politics. I obtained a master's degree in film directing and screenwriting from the Belgian State Film School (INSAS). I also hold a master's and a bachelor's degree in English Studies from Trinity College Dublin.

My current media practice focuses on newsgathering; narrative-driven audio and audio-visual media; as well as cross-disciplinary practice, notably with spoken word and live performance.

My current research interests include: docu-fiction and other innovations in the blending of fact and fiction; innovations in technology and their impacts on storytelling form; media and multilingualism; Irish language media; podcasting; and audio drama.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS:

“ULSTER GAELIC: IT’S YOURS TOO!”
Sept. 2018 – Present
In collaboration with East Belfast Irish language activist Linda Ervine, this project researches how social media and factual animation can help Protestants and Unionists develop a sense of ownership of Irish
 
“CIVIL RIGHTS, CLIMATE WRONGS”
Feb. 2020 – Oct. 2021
Exploring how civil rights are affected by climate change in the 16 to 24-year-old age bracket in Northern Ireland. The project, which is run with students, results in factual animations and explores which media platforms are most effective to disseminate these animations through
 
“PUBLIC COLAB”
Oct. 2019 – Present
An annual collaboration between the Broadcast and Architecture departments at Queen’s University Belfast. “Public CoLab” explores how an ecological crisis in Belfast might affect the city and its residents. Each year’s iteration results in a live performance/exhibition and a publication

I currently teach the following modules:

Undergrad Level

BCP1004 Broadcast Stroytelling

BCP3006 Rehabilitating Reality

Postgrad Level

BCP7003 Broadcasting Genre

BCP7011 Hybrid Storytelling

BCP7012 Documentary Practice

Languages: I speak fluent French and Irish, and intermediate Portuguese and Arabic (Modern Standard and Levantine).

Professional work portfolio

PhD completed in 2022 at the University of East Anglia under the supervision of Prof. Keith M. Johnston.