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Karen Beland

Lecturer in Television Production

Before joining UoG, I worked in television factual production for 25 years. I worked across a multitude of genres, everything from natural history and news through to gardening and cooking - you name it, I've probably made it! I'm a self-confessed TV obsessive.

Biography

Award-winning series producer

Before joining the University, I worked as a series producer in factual programming for UK and US broadcasters. As a BBC-trained broadcast journalist, I began my career over 20 years ago working in radio news and current affairs, and on consumer TV programmes, including Watchdog and Crimewatch (BBC1). I then moved into documentaries and mixed-format factual entertainment across a multitude of genres – everything from natural history and crime, through to lifestyle and children’s programming.

My specialism is observational documentaries with titles such as the award-winning Living with the Wolfman (Channel 5 and Animal Planet) Nature’s Miracle Orphans (BBC1) and Naked and Marooned (Discovery) to my name.

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Sociology and Philosophy, University of Sussex BBC Trained Broadcast Journalist

Awards

RTS South West – Best Daytime/Factual Programme, ‘Living with the Wolfman’

Teaching & Research

Teaching

I teach Television Factual Production and Camera, Editing and Sound. I’m also module leader on our two employability modules, Preparing to work in Television and Working in Television. These hugely important modules are designed to build your confidence and get you ready for life in television. Work placements are undertaken from your second year. How to write a CV for TV, how to grab an employers attention with a smart covering email and promoting your skills online are just part of our employability teaching. You’ll definitely be industry ready when you finish your degree.