David Lowden

David Lowden is an Associate Professor within the Academy of Film & Creative Technology whose research connects artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, creative labour and contemporary screen cultures . He is a former network television producer, reporter and presenter, with extensive experience in live television, in both a studio environment and outside broadcasts. His PhD, awarded with commendation, examined how high performance cultures constuct and constrain the expression of individual identity.

Nancy Millis Award for doctoral theses of exceptional merit.

Vice Chancellor's Award for Teaching (Student Employability)

David's current research programme centres on AI augmented storytelling, short film festival cultures, immersive dome cinema, and transnational media narratives.

His paralell work in media law and governance investigates regulatory gaps in the algorithmic landscape, including real-time editorial decision-making, and the need for new instiutional models capable of addressing Ai amplifed media harm.

David also writes on the perpetuation of gender role and gender identity stereotypes in visual storytelling; attitudes towards masculinity, femininity and sexuality by men; conceptions of privacy, and 'Othering' by media practitioners and user generated content on social media.

David welcomes applications for PhD supervision from students wishing to undertakes research in the areas listed above.

David Lowden is an award-winning educator with more than fifteen years of university teaching experience across journalism, media production, sports management, creative entrepreneurship and storytelling. He previously served as Head of Curriculum (2012–2015) at La Trobe University, where he established biannual staff forums to review, refine and share effective teaching practices in collaboration with Learning & Teaching specialists.

David consistently achieves above-Faculty-average student feedback, with students highlighting the clarity, organisation, inclusiveness and industry authenticity of his teaching. His practice-based pedagogy incorporates role-play, Harkness methods, media engagement simulations, live press conferences, field trips and industry guest speakers. In 2015, he received a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching (Student Employability).

He has taught more than 20 modules across three universities and is committed to helping creative students develop confidence, agency and sustainable career pathways. David holds the Melbourne Certificate of Higher Education Teaching and is completing the PGCert HE with the University of Liverpool.

David Lowden has more than two decades of professional experience in television broadcasting, live sport production, communications leadership and creative industries practice. Before joining academia full-time, he worked extensively as a producer, reporter and presenter across major Australian networks, including the Seven Network, Nine Network, SBS and Foxtel. His roles ranged from sport reporter and Chief of Staff to Executive Producer and Director of News, with responsibility for live match broadcasts, talkback programmes, feature storytelling and national sports coverage.

David produced unilateral and network coverage for events such as the Australian Open, the Sydney 2000 and London 2012 Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup in Paris, and many other international events. He also owned and operated an outside broadcast company, supplying crews, facilities and multi-camera units for national events.

Beyond broadcasting, David has held senior leadership roles in corporate communications, and honoary positions on advisory boards for corproate and charity organisations.