Dr Simone Murray
PhD (University College London), GradCertHigherEd (Monash University), BA, Hons (University of Queensland)
Simone Murray curriculum vitae [
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Biography
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Queensland (1992) before gaining first-class Honours in English also at The University of Queensland (1994). Under the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme, I undertook a PhD in English Language and Literature at University College London (1999). My doctoral thesis examined the contemporary UK book publishing industry and its role in gradually mainstreaming feminist ideas. Upon my return to Australia I worked in academic publishing before taking up an Australian Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship in the School of School of English, Media Studies and Art History at The University of Queensland (2001-03), and subsequently a Lectureship in School of English, Art History, Film & Media at The University of Sydney (2004). I took up a continuing Lectureship in the Communications and Media Studies program at Monash in 2005 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2008. From mid-2009 I have also been Director of Monash University’s Centre for the Book.
Research interests
Print cultures
My research focuses on the cultural economy of print, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries, including publishing, editing, book history, book retailing, cultures of reading, book design, e-books, the digital literary sphere and the concept of a universal digital library.
Adaptation industries
My current book is a study of the adaptation industry internationally examining how content is transferred from one medium to others, especially between the print and screen media. I examine the changing role of cultural intermediaries such as agents, authors, publishers, book prizes, screenwriters, film producers and distributors.
Global media
I am interested in the structure and operations of international media conglomerates and public-service broadcasters in new digital environments. My methodology incorporates political economy, medium theory and cultural studies approaches, cross-blended with critical theory and cultural policy.
Feminist media studies
My background is in gender theory and gendered analyses of media, including examining production contexts of media, the texts themselves and their relationship with consumers or users. I am especially interested in how gender analyses illuminate book and magazine culture, including in their digital incarnations. I am interested in hearing from prospective higher degree research candidates regarding projects in any of the above areas.
Selected publications
- Murray, S. (2011) The Adaptation Industry: The Cultural Economy of Contemporary Literary Adaptation. New York, Routledge.
- Murray, S. (2010) '"Remix My Lit": Towards an Open Access Literary Culture', Convergence, Vol 16.1, Pages 23-38.
- Murray, S. (2009) 'Servicing "Self-Scheduling Consumers": Public Broadcasters and Audio Podcasting' Global Media and Communication, Vol 5, No. .2. Pages 197-219.
- Murray, S. (2008) 'Phantom Adaptations: Eucalyptus, the Adaptation Industry and the Film that Never Was' Adaptation: The Journal of Literature on Screen Studies, Vol 1.1, Pages 5-23.
- Murray, S. (2007) 'Books as Media: The Adaptation Industry', International Journal of the Book, Vol 4.2, Pages 23-30.
- Murray, S. (2004) Mixed Media : Feminist Presses and Publishing Politics. London, Pluto Press.