Dr Michael Bourk
MA PhD (Canberra)
Lecturer

Office - Richardson 6C19
Tel 64 3 4795751
Email michael.bourk@otago.ac.nz

Research Interests

Following an introduction to academia at Bond University (Queensland), I studied and later taught at the University of Canberra where I completed my BA, MA and PhD. in Communication. I have a primary research interest in narrative policy analysis, with particular emphasis on media technologies that address issues of access and equity for active participation in society. My Masters argued both charity and rights narratives have been used to frame access to telecommunication services for people with disabilities in Australia. Subsequently, my PhD. used a similar discourse approach, using additional narratives to analyse historical and contemporary contexts of national telecommunication policy development. In addition, I am interested in media analysis of issues, events, and cultural groups using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Papers taught 2010

MFCO 205 Communication Research Methods

MFCO 303 Advanced Communication and Theory

MFCO 311 Advanced topic in Communication Studies – Strategic Communication

MFCO 401 Advanced Communication Theory

My current research interests concern the local loop unbundling (LLU) policy and consequences on the Kiwi share and associated telecommunication service obligations.

Publications

Bourk, M. 2000, Universal Service? Telecommunications policy in Australia and People With Disabilities, T. Worthington (ed.), Tomw Communications: Canberra.

Book Chapters:

Bourk, M. 2003, Equity and ‘Environmentally’ Friendly Policies, Where’s the fair go? The decline of equity in Australia, Ian Rae (ed.), Delegate Production Books: Canberra.

Academic Articles:

Bourk, M 2000, Scott v, Telstra: A Watershed in Australian telecommunications policy, Media International Australia, No 96 August, 69-81.

Putnis, P., Penhallurick, J. & Bourk, M. 2001, The Australian media and international news, Kulturveiletisim/culture & communication 4/2, 18-44, Ankara University: Turkey.

Putnis, P., Penhallurick, J. & Bourk, M. 2000, The Pattern of international news in Australia’s mainstream media, Australian Journalism Review,22(1), 1-19.

Professional Articles –non refereed ( selected sample):

Bourk, M. 2001, Putting the communication back into telecommunication, SETEL Report Briefs: Canberra.

• 2003 Claytons Competition: The Failure of Facilities Competition, SETEL Synergies: Canberra.
• 2003 Creating Mutually Sustainable Futures, SETEL Synergies: Canberra.
• 2003 The ISDN Maze, SETEL Synergies: Canberra.
• 2003 Bootstrapping to Broadband, SETEL Synergies: Canberra.        

Published Conference Papers:

Bourk, M. 1999, Scott versus Telstra: A Watershed in the Development of Telecommunications Policy, Paper presented at Annual Communication Research Forum, DCITA: Canberra.

Bourk, M. 2000, Discrimination Legislation and Internet Accessibility, Paper presented at Internet World, 8 June: Sydney.

Mohammadi, A., Putnis, P., Penhallurick, J. & M. Bourk 1998, Commonwealth, Common Knowledge?: The Mutual News Representations of Britain and Australia, Paper presented to the International Association for Media and Communication Research General Assembly and Conference, July: Glasgow.

Putnis, P., Penhallurick, J & M. Bourk 1997, Cultural Crossroads: Australia’s International News Map and its Significance, Paper presented at the Cultural Crossroads Conference, Australian Key Centre for Cultural and Media Policy, November: Sydney.