MSc Alumni News
MSc Students, update your details here:
Ayesha Abiola
MSc Global Media & Communications
2003
I'm currently working in London for a Research Consultancy Agency called Opinion Leader Research. OLR is part of Chime Communications. OLR specialises in deliberative market research methods. Our clients are mainly Government departments and large scale institutions and charities. Our most high profile work include the largest ever citizen's forums for the Department of Health, where 1, 000 people in deliberated in 1 room for 1 day. I've worked on some really interesting jobs since joining in August 2005. They include:
- Research testing Department of Health sexual health campaign materials focused on the African community in England. We talked to African heterosexual males and females aged 18-60+, HIV positive males and females, Gay males, and Religious leaders.
- A lot of work for the BBC looking at, for example, public attitudes to licence fee allocation; BBC Business News output; BBC Radio Five Live.
- Research amongst audiences, residents and local business people focusing on the Royal Shakespeare Company's site transformation plans.
I can in all honesty say that I don't think I would have ever thought to apply to OLR if I had not done my MSc. Ironically, although I may not have thought the research methods classes were the most fun (my favourites were the globalisation classes) my knowledge about research methodologies definitely helped me at the interview. A massive part of our work is conducting focus groups. We also do quant work. So on a daily basis I am writing recruitment specs and questionnaires; formulating discussion guides and focus groups agendas; analysing transcripts and data; and writing reports. Although the reports are slightly similar to dissertation structure, they are not as interesting to write as my thesis was!
Pallavi Aiyar
MSc Global Media & Communications
2002
I think it is a great programme. We really do get a breadth of experience and learning. Anyone coming out of this MSc is uniquely equipped with that buzzword -transferable skills!
Pallavi was awarded the McKenzie Prize for her outstanding performance at LSE and is now working as a journalist in Beijing.
 Sandra Bangasser
bangasse@usc.edu
MSc Global Media and Communications
2009
Sandra’s LSE master’s thesis on the recontextualization of the theory of political marketing in relation to the World Intellectual Property Organization has been accepted into the National Communication Association Conference this fall in Chicago. Sandra has also been accepted into the doctoral program in communication at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. At Annenberg, Sandra plans to pursue research in the field of organizational communication with a focus on new media, networks and globalization. Sandra attended the 2007-2009 Global Media and Communications dual-master’s degree program, receiving an MSc at the LSE and an MA at the University of Southern California.
Andrea Basunti 
MSc Media & Communications
2004
In 2003, after a couple of years working in the communications industry in Milan, I decided to apply for a masters in Media & Communications at LSE. My aim was to get international experience in a top-class university and to broaden my future career prospects. LSE is a truly extraordinary environment – the quality of teaching is extremely high and it is surprisingly easy to get exposure to some of the best contemporary academic thinking.
While studying at LSE, I also had the opportunity to attend a course on Brand Management at the London Business School. Thanks to this experience, I learned how unique and valuable LSE is and I intensely appreciated how the rigour and depth of academic thinking at LSE is never compromised like mainstream and simplistic managerial-type ‘handbooks’.
After graduating, I found a job at The Ingram Partnership – a top strategic branding consultancy. Here, I am applying my semiotic background to develop international brand strategies for clients like Mercedes-Benz, British Airways and Chrysler Jeep.
My experience at LSE has been a major step for my professional and personal growth, the biggest lesson being that you have to try to see things from a different perspective if you want to challenge them.
Jenny Berlin
Politics & Communication
2007
I work in group marketing and publicity for Penguin books. Basically this means I assist the director in managing the Penguin brand. I write and issue corporate press releases, handle media queries that affect Penguin's public image and coordinate communication initiatives across the company. I also work on marketing and publicity campaigns for individual books and Penguin's charity partnerships. The MSc Politics and Communication provided me with specialised knowledge, intellectual stimulation and expert insight. The coursework on political and consumer branding has been particularly useful for my current job.
andrea.basunti@libero.it
Gerd Bielenberg
MSc Media & Communications
1995
It must have been the first or second MSc Media & Communications classes that I participated in. I found that already pretty exciting when I applied for the course - knowing there wouldn't be too many routines and that the course was still trying to find its own profile. After a 4-year business course in London and Reutlingen (Southern Germany), I tremendously enjoyed being thrown in a truly academic environment - although it was quite a change in the beginning. One of my favourites in the course was the lecture series on political communication - I hope it is still around.
My previous work experience included the automotive supplies industry and the German publishing house Gruner+Jahr. Having finished my course at the LSE, I started at the Verlagsgruppe Handelsblatt, Germany's foremost publisher of business media and owner of the advertising sales house GWP media-marketing. I have been working there ever since, initially covering international ad sales of German media but over the past years setting up an international media marketing organisation (www.internationale-medien.com), which has become one of the leaders in its field. I represent the company in the European Business Press Federation and also sit on the marketing board of the Inflight Marketing Bureau.
The LSE experience has been a particularly enriching exercise that has helped me to fully live up to the requirements that are connected with my current job. I go to London regularly on business and when I have the time I call by the LSE shop for a new sweater.
Iñaki Garcia Blanco
Politics & Communication
2006
Following a Masters programme at the LSE has been a fulfilling experience both in the academic and in the personal realms. The MSc Politics and Communication provided us with specialised knowledge in the intertwining fields of politics and communication. The hot issues that we dealt with in our lectures were often followed by vibrant discussions that were normally started in our seminars, and were followed once the class was over until late at night. In addition to the strict academic programme, the LSE offers several stimuli for intellectual work: a magnificent library, an unparalleled programme of public events, and a stimulating crowd of committed, brilliant, well-informed international students, whom I feel privileged to keep as friends.
Paulina Bozek
MSc Media & Communications
2002
August 13, 2004 - BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award goes to producer of SingStar. - The first BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award was awarded to Paulina Bozek, the producer of SCEEurope's karaoke title SingStar. Not only is this event notable as the first BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award, but it also recognises a woman's contribution to the games industry.
For further details, see article in GuardianUnlimited
Lisa Bridgett
MSc Media & Communications
2002
After graduating I joined EMI Recorded Music as Director of Digital Marketing Strategy in the Global Marketing Group. There I was responsible for global digital marketing campaigns and driving forward the global digital marketing strategy for priority artists at EMI Music. My MSc, and its focus on Media & Politics was one of the most formative experiences I have had. The content cemented my interest in the role media plays in society and my year set me up for a career in the media & entertainment industry. My next move will start in January 2008 when I will begin my MBA at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Tyler Cavell
MSc Global Media & Communications
2003
Studying global media at the London School of Economics has broadened my vision as I now build upon converging media ideas such as interactive TV. My studies at the LSE and USC keep me a step ahead of the game
Media at LSE taught me the value of the world through the lenses of local perspectives.
Since graduating, I have started a global media company called the Internet Broadcast Corp. We provide television news on the internet 24/7 with over 15 broadcast partners, including FOX News, BBC, CBC, ABC Television Africa, etc. Our site can be found at www.nuvu.tv.
Tyler launched Mediascrape in May 2006, the first global information network using web technology to deliver free, all-video broadcast news clips. A recent article quoted Tyler as stressing that "This is a breakthrough in news information as MediaScrape delivers all foreign clips from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific in their original format and language, providing a virtual platform for multi perspectives on single issues and unbiased top world and regional stories.” MediaScrape has so far signed partnerships with local television broadcasters from Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia and expects to sign on more than a hundred countries over the next year.
Chaudhary Shakil MSc Media and Communications
1995
After doing my master's in media and communications in 1995, I briefly worked for The Friday Times, a Lahore-based weekly publication. Then I worked for the Australian High Commission and the U.S. Embassy as political analyst. In May 2008, I quit the U.S. Embassy to complete my bilingual book on the English language. I have been writing this book for many years. It is for the benefit of those who wish to improve their English skills. In addition, I have been conducting communication skills training workshops.
shakil.chaudhary@gmail.com
Phil Clark
MSc Media & Communications
2004
The Media and Communications MSc was my second stint at the LSE, following a seven-year absence when I was earning a living as an equity research analyst at Goldman Sachs in London. Having thoroughly enjoyed my first LSE experience reading a post-grad Business diploma, I had some expectations of studying and spending time at the LSE. That said, having never studied "the media" I didn't really know what to expect...
The pace was fairly rapid in the first semester, what with getting back into the academic way of working, meeting new people and reading so many papers and books again. While I was used to writing lengthy papers in the professional world, writing academically really took a while to re-adjust to. I feel I should probably apologise to my tutors. Going back and reading those early efforts is a bit painful. Anyway, post-xmas really marked the full re-emersion into academia, and I loved it. I would highly recommend anyone that has been in the commercial world to consider further studies at the LSE. It takes a bit of adjustment, but the rewards are there to have.
So, I left LSE to join the pink (brand, not sexual preference...) and crazy world of www.lastminute.com as the company's Investor Relations Director. In this role I was responsible for shaping the company's communication strategy with the financial community, as well as liaising with key shareholders. While not entirely relevant, I believe my time on the Media and Communications programme was helpful, especially in helping shape my thoughts on how to provide the audience what it wanted. There are many ways to say the same thing, so crafting the right tone of the message is key. Things hotted up over summer 2005, when lastminute.com was bidded for by Sabre Holdings. The share price rocketed, and the deal was completed at the end of July.
Consequently, another chapter is soon to be closed, but a new one is on the horizon...watch this space for more details.
triathlon_phil@hotmail.com
Allison Cooper
Politics & Communication
2006
I am currently employed by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and I am based in Dili, Timor Leste. I speak on behalf of the United Nations and I manage the Public Information Office, which is mandated by the Security Council to provide authoritative and accurate information to the people of Timor Leste. I talk on behalf of the UN’s contribution to security sector support, human rights, technical assistance to state institutions, rule of law issues and a large part of my work for the first six months of the year is directed towards the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2007. A large part of the work of my office is to assist with capacity building of local media networks to strengthen the role of the media as an independent watchdog in this new democracy. I studied a MSc in Politics and Communication in 2005/2006. The degree capped my professional experience and I would probably not have been considered for this job without it.
Jamie Cowling
MSc Media & Communications
2001
I’m currently the Senior Strategy Advisor, Department for Culture, Media & Sport (www.culture.gov.uk). We’re responsible for Britain’s media sector, including the BBC, and the UK’s world-class creative industries sector. So that means I’ve been able to bring to bear much of what I learnt on my programme, MSc Media & Communications, directly on some of the real challenges faced by Britain’s Government. However, my Department’s responsibilities range far more widely, from the success of our cultural sector to organising the London 2012 Olympic and ParaOlympic Games. I need to be able to provide robust analysis and advice on complex issues and then effectively communicate my policy recommendations to a tight deadline. That means the analytical and communication skills developed as part of my MSc aren’t an optional extra but a daily essential.
Dominik Cziesche
MSc Politics & Communication
2007
Looking back, I lack the words to describe how much I enjoyed my time at LSE. The intellectual rigour, the requirement to challenge each and every view, as well as the warm and open atmosphere in the media department all contributed to an enriching year. The overwhelming experience in London also played a role in my decision to continue studying: The day after I had finished my dissertation at LSE I took an airplane to Boston where I will graduate in 2009 with a "Master in Public Administration" from Harvard.
Rishi Dastidar
Media, Communications Regulation & Policy
2002
Following two and a half years at the brand design agency Enterprise IG, I moved to Seren Partner, a London-based service design agency, 18 months ago.
As ever, my time at Media@LSE continues to be of use professionally. In my previous employment, I worked on clients where my regulatory knowledge was extremely invaluable – not just for providing insight into fast-moving media and new media companies, but also in building rapport quickly with clients, always a vital skill when working in a consultancy. And I also had the chance to lecture at Imperial College on brands and branding – a session at which people were interested to hear about my time at LSE as well.
In my new role, I am drawing more than ever on the research methods that I learnt – user observation is a crucial part of what we do, informing the design of new products and services, and so using the observational and ethnographical techniques I learnt will soon be a regular occurrence. I've recently completed some ethnographical research for a client, which in addition to haring round London and hanging around building sites, meant drawing on what I'd learnt in our research methods classes, to get the best out of my subjects, and present my client back with real insight from the masses of data.
Our roots in the company are in user interaction, user experience, ergonomics, design psychology, human-computer interaction and branding, and together at Seren we’re looking to define a new field – that of ‘customer experience’. We want to ensure that brands truly deliver on their promises, and make every interaction with their customers at every possible touchpoint as simple, easy and straightforward as possible. As you can imagine, it’s an exciting challenge.
And I've had some other reasons to come back to LSE recently. I was part of a Seren team that presented at the first Media and Communications careers fair in October, and it was great to come back and meet a crop of media students as passionate and excited about their subject as I remember being. And I'm currently on campus one night a week to do a creative writing course. Some of the latter endeavours are baring fruit: I was published in an anthology of writing about British authors, 'Common Ground: Around Britain in 30 writers', earlier this year
If anyone's intrigued or confused by what I've written, I'd love to explain further. Please have a look at the Seren website (www.seren.uk.com) or feel free to drop me a line at rishi_dastidar@hotmail.com.
Jonathan Daly
MSc Media & Communications
Graduation Date 2004:
Well it’s been almost two years since graduation (my God, how time flies) and I’m still in the advertising game. After graduating, I landed a job with TBWA\ - a top global ad agency. I left them in the spring of 2006 to pursue an opportunity at another global ad agency; McCann Erickson. I work out of Toronto on the Microsoft business; and because of the nature of that business and the work we do on it; I can honestly say I’m appreciating all those lectures on global media flows all the more!
My LSE training remains invaluable and I still rely on it heavily. I’m currently transitioning from account service to account planning, and all the research methods learned during my MSc. are once again being required of me. Still, I don’t think I’m being challenged as much as I was at LSE, but I’m using the skills I gained and having fun so, all in all; life is good.
jonodaly@gmail.com
Manzur Elahi
MSc Media & Communications
2004
I am now working for CARE Bangladesh as an Information Management Specialist. It is the oldest and the largest international NGO in Bangladesh with 1 thousand staff. It works for poverty alleviation and empowerment of women and marginalized groups. I look after the organization's internal communication, knowledge management and also help in raising its image. Before getting promoted to the present position I worked as an Information Officer for HIV Program at CARE Bangladesh for a year.
I also teach journalism on a part time basis at a Malaysian university's Dhaka campus. Before joining CARE I worked for a newspaper and a radio.
manzur.elahi@gmail.com
Maria Fola
MSc Media & Communications
1999
After finishing my Master's degree in London, I moved to Brussels where I stayed for almost two years, working as a strategic communications consultant for the European office of APCO Worldwide. I moved back to Athens, Greece, in May 2001 and worked at the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games for four years. This has been a tremendous experience, much too unique to describe, and I think all people that have been part of this project have the best of memories to hold on to. I am now moving on to work for a high technology company as a brand communication manager.
Tom Frazer
MSc Media & Communications
2003
I am now working as a producer for Sky News. Over the last year I've covered the Asian tsunami, and the UK and US general elections. I have fond memories of my time at LSE.
Navneet Gill
MSc Global Media & Communications
2005
Upon completing my dissertation in August, I began looking for a job in public relations. In mid-September, I joined Foley/Freisleben, a small firm in downtown Los Angeles that specializes in corporate relations and strategic marketing. Aside from the academic prestige my degrees add to my C.V., I don't know if I can specifically pinpoint how my global degrees have helped me with my career. But I can say that my in-depth knowledge of globalization is something that factors into my daily life and a resource upon which I draw regularly.
Marissa Gluck
MSc Global Media & Communications
2004
I founded Radar Research, a Los-Angeles-based research and consulting firm, since graduating from the program. Also, the Norman Lear Center is publishing a book with a chapter written by my partner and me from their ready to share conference.
Lucille Heriard
MSc Global Media & Communications
2004
I am currently working at M6, a French broadcaster (the 2nd largest private one) where I am doing some International Surveillance, in other words, I check the tendencies, the new programmes, the ideas that are merging from all over the world and I select some of them for M6, making suggestions and comments in order for the channel to remain competitive and edgy. Therefore, the MSc Global Media and Communications definitely helped me!
Jeremy L. Hlavacek
MSc Media & Communications
2004
After graduating with an MSc in Media and Communication from LSE in 2004, I continued down the graduate school path by enrolling in the MBA program at Cornell's Johnson School of Business. I have completed my first year and am working as a summer intern in American Express' Interactive division (AXPi) in New York. I will return to school in the Fall to complete my MBA and prepare to enter the workforce in the summer of 2006.
My LSE training has been invaluable in helping me strategically analyze media issues. The Media and Communication program offers a unique perspective into macro concepts of communication and globalization that affect both business and industry as well as everyday people. My classes and my dissertation research on blogs and online community were enlightening for me and have proven useful in both classroom and workplace interactions. These experiences illustrate how my training at LSE has given me a leg up on colleagues who have not been equipped with the skillset and mindset to understand global media at a deeper level.
I truly enjoyed my time in London and at LSE and hope to return for a visit soon! In the mean time, I can be reached at jeremy.hlavacek@gmail.com.
Shannon (Smith) Johnson
MSc Media & Communications
2002
I am currently serving as communications director and policy analyst on higher education issues for a Texas state senator. My duties involve all aspects of a press secretary, but I also read and make recommendations on legislation. After returning to Texas in July 2002, I began working immediately on a statewide political campaign, where I met my husband whom I married a year later. We are now expecting our first baby (a boy!) in September 2005!
Shibani Kapur
MSc Media & Communications
2002
LSE has provided me an opportunity to optimise my time, energy and aptitude to foster an extremely fulfilling and satisfying educational experience. LSE's distinguished faculty prompted me to address, question, explore and revisit a variety of media issues. The underlying emphasis on interaction, debate and personal expression elevated the dynamics of the classroom experience in more ways than one. I enjoyed participating in discussions at seminars, making presentations and taking the classroom debates to the college Brunch Bowl! The well equipped and well managed libraries and resource centres at LSE added to the pleasures of research. Each morning I looked forward to visiting the library to pursue research work. This has only happened to me at LSE!
A vibrant and diverse group of classmates has helped me forge bonds of friendship across continents that I shall cherish for life. Breaking bread with my Japanese flatmate, visiting the homes of some of my British friends, discussing Gandhi with my French peers, clubbing with my American confidante, and many weekend getaways with my Pakistani friends are only some of the memorable experiences that LSE facilitated.
While living away from home in London provided greater personal freedom, the personalized attention from my tutor and supervisor and the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere at Rosebery Hall of residence helped create a home away from home.
Situated at the heart of London, LSE also provided a fantastic locational advantage. A day immersed in invigorating academic exploration could be followed by an evening at the nearby National Film Theatre. Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus were within walking distance and the British Museum was 5 minutes by bus. Both the BBC office and Reuter's bureau were in easy reach. All this contributed to a wholesome and enjoyable educational experience.
An education at LSE in Media and Communications has given me the competence and facility to further my career as a media professional. On my return to India, I am reporting on stories related to Indian politics, law and health for the Star TV network. I am also exploring opportunities to produce socially relevant television programmes in non-fiction formats for national and international television networks.
Dagmara Kodlubanski
Media, Communications Regulation & Policy
2005
Having worked for some time in radio in Australia, my move to the UK and the field of e-government were steps into rather unfamiliar and exciting territory. The MSc in Media and Communications Regulation and Policy programme provided me with insight into how media convergence will affect not only commercial organisations but how governments around the world are harnessing these new technological capabilities and using them to open up more channels and improve the quality of life of citizens. Such insights have equipped me with an in-depth understanding of overarching strategic objectives as set by the EU, and those set within the UK. The programme provided a number of often competing theoretical propositions and the course contents were contemporary and very relevant to current strategic agendas being set internationally.
I currently work as a Project Manager in the London Borough of Camden working on Social Inclusion projects within the Corporate ICT department. Projects have covered areas such as e-Democracy, which involved the building of online tools for many levels of the political process. One of the more notable tools was an e-consultation tool that was used to run deliberative consultations with our citizens’ panel on sensitive subjects such ethnic diversity, and on setting the council’s 5 year Community Strategy. The LSE course enhanced my understanding of the many issues of democratic engagement as tackled by technology, and much of my interest has focused on how the production of technology has the capacity to cement certain policies – in some cases empowering citizens whilst isolating others. The LSE programme has given me a solid foundation from which I can critically assess new agendas when considering how to implement them.
Hang Yee Leung
MSc Media and Communication (Research)
2007
After graduated from the MSc Media and Communication (Research), I am now working as a college lecturer in the HKU SPACE Community College in Hong Kong, teaching courses related to media and culture. Without the knowledge obtained from the LSE, I would not have the chance to pursue my career goal as a media educator. Particularly, studied in a multi-national learning environment has broadened my horizons with lots of cultural exchanges. My solid theoretical basis and critical thinking were also well-developed from discussions with classmates, tutors and teachers. The taste of studying in this globalised department is one of the most memorable events in my life that knowledge, friendship and experience are treasures.
leunghangyee@gmail.com
Bo Li 
MSc Media and Communications
2007
Right after submitting my dissertation, I received an offer from the Department of Public Information, United Nations Headquarters and started my first job in New York. Now I am working for the Information Management Unit, and my duties include disseminating the latest UN information to the governments of all member states, managing databases, developing the new UN Information Centre website, and so forth. Before entering the LSE, I was a student of international relations, and never knew I could work in the field of information management! It is the courses I took at the LSE that enabled me to explore different fields of media and communications such as ICT, political communication and gender. Also, through this year’s intense study, my ability of critical thinking and statistical skills were significantly improved. My LSE experience was very challenging and rewarding, and I believe it will be an important step for my entire career life.
Moxuan Li
MSc Media & Communications
2003
I am now the media campaigner for Greenpeace China. I have joined them in their exposing to public a large-scale illegal logging case in China which is the first attempt from civil society to participate in environmental administration here, which is very exciting. With all the fermenting tension and spaces, it is now a great time to play a role in shaping the public sphere in China.
Welcome to drop me a line at li.moxuan@cn.greenpeace.org
Hong Ma
MSc Media & Communications
2006
After graduating from Beijing University, I came to LSE to study Media and Communications, which was a fascinating programme throughout. I benefited from the course, not only by acquiring more knowledge but by expanding my way of thinking. I found the seminars particularly beneficial, as they provided a sophisticated forum for perspectives generated from people from diverse backgrounds and academic styles.
Useful resources are associated with the department, which include valuable access to career prospects. Through the department I got into contact with Shine, producers of ‘The Clothes Show’ which I worked on until airing. Work involved conducting interviews, research and assisting filming for the TV programme. This proved to be a fantastic opportunity to transfer theories into practice and hone research skills and of course, included plenty of occasions to attend fashion shows and cat walks.
 Marina Makaron
MSc Media and Communications
2007
With the help of my dissertation, I have developed the marina makaron moscow brand. It is an international high-end silk brand, the idea behind it is the fusion of cultural tradition with globalization - a mixture of Eastern European distinct ethnic motives with modern colours of the world. The predominant focus of the brand is silk neckwear for women, having crossed the continent for the best silk, marina makaron moscow returned home for further production. As of today, sales have began in Peru, USA and Russia.
international@marinamakaronmoscow.com www.marinamakaronmoscow.com
Helen Marsh
MSc Media & Communications
2005
My time at the LSE was the most stimulating couple of years I've spent. Being around so many international students naturally brought a global element to the study of media and communications, and I found the department staff to be supportive and approachable.
Steve Mellano
MSc Global Media & Communications
2002
Like many of life's valuable experiences, you may curse the rugged ride, but in the end, you'll look back and realize that you made one of the best choices in your life. The education, both in and out of the classroom, will benefit you professionally and personally by challenging the way you think and how you view the world. Besides that, how cool is it to say you studied at the same schools as John Wayne, JFK, George Bernard Shaw, George Lucas, Neil Armstrong, and Mick Jagger. Join a world-class network of alumni, engage your mind, and infiltrate the veins of globalization. Be one of the few who can claim to have completed the most diverse and global of all advanced university degrees. It's something that will remain with you long into the future.
Steve is now working as a Research Assistant for Warner Bros. Pictures, Los Angeles.
Antoinette Di Michele
Media and Communication
2005
I co-ordinate the TELUS Innovation Fund, funded by telecommunications company TELUS and stewarded by the CFC, the launching pad for Canada’s most creative ideas and voices, a centre for advanced training and funding in film, television, and new media. Working with the Fund’s manager and the communications director, a multi-faceted marketing strategy was devised to increase visibility and brand recognition nationally. Additionally, I approach companies at the forefront of technology, design and innovation. Along with the expert industry insiders we invite to sit on the Jury panel, our Fund and projects selected provide a glimpse into the future of entertainment in Canada. A strong grounding in narrative, content and communication theories and an in depth understanding of converging media and delivery methods have been integral to my everyday and the Fund’s development. Most interesting is providing the first review of projects that are breaking new ground in storytelling, digital interactivity and cross-platform concept and design. I have my MSc and the LSE to thank for this opportunity and for my own personal appreciation and understanding of the processes and results. Voronin Nikolay MSc Media and Communications
2008
I'm working at the BBC World Service, in Russian Online team.
mr.voronin@gmail.com
on-dit.livejoutnal.com
Sandra Norman
MSc Global Media & Communications
2002
I am still working and living in Washington, DC (Consultant, Strategy, Finance and Risk Management, The World Bank Group, Washington). I enjoy working for the World Bank which allows me to gain new insights into globalization and its consequences every day - particularly as development is not only a question of economic development but is linked to many facts of life such as socio-political development and communication technologies. Just now, colleagues of mine are evaluating over 2,400 proposals and grass-root ideas to improve development work in sectors as diverse as social development, water, environment and biodiversity, social protection, education, health, energy, trade, finance and ICT. The global programme of Media@LSE provides a truly unique perspective: studying at two outstanding schools in two exciting media cities on different continents, really allowed me to gain a global and diverse understanding of media and communications - a perspective and knowledge that is increasingly important in our mediated world.
Lu (Lilly) Nguyen
MSc Media & Communications
2002
I'm back in California, in the Bay Area-San Francisco, to be more precise. I recently found a job as a research assistant for a research project. A professor by the name of Lisa Petrides of Teachers College, Columbia University is conducting her research on the information systems, information decision-making processes and educational institutions. They're in the process of creating a non-profit organisation, named ISKME (Information Systems and Knowledge Management in Education). I strongly feel that my time at the LSE has more than adequately prepared me for this kind of work, in spite of all my complaining at the time! A lot of theoretical, empirical, and methodological tools that we developed during both terms and put to use in the dissertation resurface again with the work I'm doing here, and so I'm pretty pleased with my time in London and where it's taking me now.
Erica Nonni 
MSc Media & Communications
2006
Shortly after finishing my studies at LSE, I joined the FullSIX Group, a digital and interactive marketing agency. I work in an account management role. My experience at LSE in the Media department was a rigorous and rewarding academic pursuit, while I also found good career planning support through the LSE Careers Service. I have LSE to thank for introducing me not just to the themes and concepts that I explored while a student there, but also to the great opportunities that London has to offer.
Victoria Peckett 
MSc Media & Communications
2004
My participation in the Media and Communications MSc represented my fourth year at LSE in a row, and as such was a bit of a bittersweet experience! I loved being able to stay on and study for another year in such an intellectually rigorous environment, and I remain extremely grateful to my sponsor Susan Howes for making this possible. Meanwhile I had to get through yet another year of Statistics, and my friends from my undergraduate course had moved out into the ‘real world’. I was also aware of the ever-looming deadline of August 2004, after which I would have to decide whether to make a career in the world of academia or strike out into the business world. In the end I chose business but it was not an easy decision. I still keep up to date with my theory and have revisited my dissertation a couple of times to see if it still makes any sense! However at the moment, at the tender age of 23, I feel my time is better spent on gaining some real-world knowledge and common sense, which maybe one day I can bring back into academia. I am currently working as an Account Manager for a full service digital marketing agency in central London (in fact I started at Harvest on the same day as the MSc dissertation was handed in!), and finding that online is moving faster than any of the theories can keep up with!
Would live to catch up with any fellow alumni and find out what you’re all up to! victoria@harvestdigital.com
Eduardo Pereira
MSc New Media, Information and Society
2008
I'm currently working as a consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the UK on the subjects of People and Change. What does it have to do with my MSc? Everything! Think of how information and communication technologies have brought changes to the patterns of work you do. These tools and devices have enabled new behaviours in the workplace and beyond. Clients often ask me how they can influence people behaviours to make their organisations more efficient and effective following the introduction of a new or improved information system. The answer is not straightforward, but certainly involves paying attention to the wider environment wherein people enact their everyday technologies (e.g. organisational culture, business practices, and so forth). It was what I've learnt throughout the MSc in New Media, Information and Society; and it is what I've been putting in practice as a business advisor.
epereira@alumni.lse.ac.uk
Holly Peterson
New Media, Information and Society
2007
I have been interested in doing a master’s degree in the communications department at LSE since I was an undergraduate on an exchange programme in the UK. After spending 10 years working in the not-for-profit sector in the United States, I decided the time was right to follow up on those plans. One of my previous roles had involved building and managing an online community for alumni of World Learning, where I was Director of Alumni Affairs. This piqued my interest in new media, and prompted me to finally pursue the degree at LSE.
The MSc built on my undergraduate degree in communications studies, and on my work building online communities. The programme was intense, but worthwhile. All the courses seemed to fit together to give a cohesive programme of study. We had direction, but also enough freedom to pursue those areas that were of interest to each of us. My dissertation was a great example of that freedom. I studied how families play online games together, focusing on a specific interactive online game with a case study of three families who all played the game together. It was a challenging project, but very rewarding. I’m so glad I was able to focus my dissertation on a topic that was personally interesting to me and also of interest to the wider academic community.
Following the programme, I have been appointed Head of Alumni Relations at the University of Exeter. I’m looking forward to starting that role, and to bringing what I learned at LSE to my work there. One of my priorities will be helping redesign the alumni web presence so that it is as good as it can be, and I know I will draw on information from my studies to help with that process.
I’m also hoping to keep in touch with all the great people I met during my year at LSE.
Harald Pfannhauser
MSc Global Media & Communications
2002
After an exciting and rewarding two years in the MSc Global Media and Communications programme at LSE and USC, I went back to Austria in 2003 and started at the ORF Austrian Broadcasting Corporation where I currently work as assistant to the VP Arts & Entertainment. My employer ORF can be seen as an Austrian equivalent to the BBC - just that we are about to experience the commercial and digital onslaught the BCC has so well endured since 1955. Finding out first hand about the UK and US media landscape certainly has set me up pretty well to tackle these issues back at home. I am currently working on the imminent switch-over from analogue to digital terrestrial television and its many implications (accidentally just what my dissertation was about). On top of that, I am a kind of jack-of-all-trades to accommodate my VP's ever growing thirst for all things media from home and abroad. Just what you guys love to hear: Media@lse indeed had the remarkable foresight to provide me with most skills necessary to match this thirst - thanks to a great faculty and even greater colleagues.
More lyrical waxing can be obtained from harald.pfannhauser@orf.at.
Nadya Powell
MSc Media & Communications
2002
I took the Media and Communications MSc. in 2001 and 2003 on a part time basis. It was perfect timing; I was in the midst of the .com crash and as work was quiet I could afford to be out of the office 1 - 2 days a week. Of course, the pay cut caused by working part-time was painful, but it was better than no income at all.
From the moment I sat in and absorbed the first class I loved it. I found the standard of teaching excellent and the sociological perspective it took on the media exciting. It was also a very flexible course and during the two years I dipped into Marxism, New Media, e-democracy and Research Methods. Lastly, I also met some great friends from all over the world giving me opportunities to travel to new places.
So what did studying at LSE do for my career? Previous to taking the MSc, I was an Account Manager at Grey Interactive climbing the career ladder at a reasonable pace. As soon as I started studying I found that my confidence increased, my ability to think strategically developed fast and I quickly moved into an Account Director role devising digital strategies for GSK, P&G and Masterfoods.
Now I am a Board Account Director at Dare, one of the leading independent digital agencies in the UK. Studying at LSE was a crucial factor to getting me here: it helped me to understand the role media play in society and therefore how to best plan and devise communications strategies; how to use data and research methodologies to evaluate success; how to appraise client briefs rather than accept them defacto.
In summary, studying at LSE taught me to break free of viewing work from a myopic business perspective and treat every project as an opportunity to learn something new about media and communications. This has not only meant that work is more enjoyable but also, I feel, means I bring greater value to my client's business.
Mariusa Reyes
MSc Media & Communications
2002
“My time at LSE: Theory vs. Reality:
When I applied for a place at the London School of Economics to pursue its Media and Communication Masters degree, I had already been involved in journalism for more than fifteen years, most of that time working for local newspapers in my native Venezuela and, later on, for the BBC here in London and in several other foreign news bureaux. Daily reporting of news and features stories around the world had kept me busy, as a radio producer and foreign correspondent. But the time came when I needed to pause and reflect on our role as media practitioners in a globalised world.
The nine months I spent at the LSE proved to be a challenging time. There I was, trying my best to fit media theories into the many real experiences I had had reporting stories in the field. At first, it felt like a battle between the forces of theoretical knowledge and practical reality. But as the course unfolded, it all began to make more sense and progressively, these two forces were reconciled in my mind.
The debates on globalisation were particularly mind-boggling. I had seen globalisation at work. I had interviewed those reaping the benefits of it and reported on the lives of many others, for whom the process only meant long working hours and meagre wages for tedious and repetitive jobs. Working conditions in the factories and sweat shops these people worked in resembled more the practice of slavery. So, naturally, I rebelled against those theorists who argued that progress, development and an end to poverty, were the miraculous rewards to be expected from globalisation. I still rebel, because very little, if anything at all, has changed.
I am now back in the news business. I want to continue discovering the world around me, my own culture, other people's realities as they unfold in an increasingly uncertain but challenging time. I've made a renewed and fresh commitment to journalism, one of my passions in life.”
Mariusa Reyes finished her Masters in Media and Communication at the LSE in the summer of 2002. She is a freelance journalist. She works for the Latin American section at BBC World Service and other radio outlets. She is the presenter of a 30 minute radio documentary on Cuba, for BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents, which was aired on 21st November. Mariusa lives in London.
Aasiya Riaz
MSc Media & Communications
2002
I am currently working as Joint Director with the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development And Transparency - PILDAT: an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan.
I was also a Reagan – Fascell Democracy Fellow from February – July 2006 at the International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy, Washington DC, USA.
LSE was fun: multi-cultural in the true sense of the word. Friendly, if you wanted to be friendly, and aloof, if you preferred it that way. What inspired me the most during my academic year was that teachers went out of their way to help - academically or otherwise. I admit, I really dragged my feet initially, but gradually, it became the place I was proud to associate myself with - and a place I miss the most in London now!
It was what I learnt in political communication and my dissertation on E-democracy that I am trying to apply through my job in Pakistan. In fact, the main focus behind me choosing e-democracy as a dissertation topic was to be able to develop a model for Pakistan that could aid the process of democratisation in my country. Thank you LSE!
Matteo Sardi
MSc Global Media & Communications
2004
Since 2003, Matteo Sardi has served as Communication and PR Director for the Italian Film Commission in Los Angeles. His responsibilities include promoting Italian films in the US to distributors and acquisition executives, attending film festivals, managing all media outreach and event planning. Events have included the Oscars, the Venice Film Festival and Costume Designers Guild. Along with promoting Italian locations and post-production facilities, Matteo also develops and manages cross-promotions with other sectors such as fashion, furnishings, food and wine.
Muzna Shihabi
MSc Media & Communications Regulation & Policy
2007
My one year experience at LSE is unforgettable. The quality of teaching is immensely high and my teachers were truly helpful mentors throughout the year. I also very much appreciated the multi cultural environment in which I was exposed to. This allowed me to create a large network of new friends from various backgrounds and countries. The support we had from the Media & Communications Department was tremendous.
I am now working as a Communications Advisor for the Negotiations Support Unit of the PLO in Ramallah. My email is Muzna.shihabi@gmail.com
Steve Smith
MSc Media & Communications
2003
Since leaving LSE I've moved back to Jersey where I returned to a career in public relations.
I founded Unlimited Exposure Public Relations in September 2003 and the company is going from strength to strength. It is part of a marketing group, called Image, which has been established in the Channel Islands for 25 years. I had the expert knowledge to start the company, which
compliments Image Group's existing services, and from day one they supplied offices in Jersey and Guernsey, full administrative support and lots of business leads!
It has proved to be a good working partnership and I now have five staff on the books (two full time). There is no doubt that what I learnt about the media at LSE has helped us to gain a reputation for creating communication strategies which are based upon a sound knowledge of media theory.
I still keep in touch with some people from my class, but would be happy to hear from any graduates interested in a public relations career.
Steve.smith@image.je
Russ Taylor MSc Media, Communications Regulation & Policy
2005 Immediately upon leaving LSE I became a regional counsel for a large U.S. cable and broadband company in its post-bankruptcy turnaround efforts. Thereafter I returned to England to pursue a PhD in law at the University of Oxford, where I remain today. Whilst at LSE, and together with fellow student Luke Gibbs, we founded OfcomWatch.co.uk. OfcomWatch is a website devoted to real-time review and commentary on U.K. and European media and communications policy, particularly focused on Ofcom. During this entire time, I was engaged in anti-fraud litigation in the U.S. (targeting entities which had defrauded the U.S. government in radio spectrum auctions), which successfully concluded in mid-2006. In early 2007, Luke and I formed InformationPolitics.com -- a consultancy aimed at the same sector. (check www.russtaylor.info for the latest)
Akihiro Tsuchiya
MSc Media, Communications Regulation & Policy
2005
The MSc in Media Regulation and Policy provided insight into the economic, sociological and legal aspects of the media sector. Having worked in television, it was a very timely topic to study as both governmental and commercial institutions faced new challenges to adapt to the emerging tide of the internet and new digital technologies. One of the topics of interest was how technology impacted the distribution of wealth and information amongst our numerous social groups, commonly known as the digital divide. My particular focus was on the viability of a policy to train/retrain senior citizens with adequate media literacy skills to empower them on the day-to-day basis, as many nations face an era of ageing societies.
Currently, I work for an internet start-up in the business of online video distribution as Head of Channel Launch for the Venice Project. My responsibilities range from creating efficient work flows for the digital environment to researching markets and topics for viable entry plans. Some of the research tasks include the investigation of regulations and copyright law, and how these might impact the business. It is an exciting period as many things in the online world are in flux and standards are yet to be established. Much of the theoretical knowledge gained at the LSE has complemented my commercial experience and enabled me to view the operation of businesses in greater depth.
Dmitry Tulba
New media, Information & Society
Graduation Date:
After five and a half years of trying to make people care about microchips (before and after LSE), I’m off to another creative shop to work on sweat and junk food as an account planner. I've been thinking what role LSE played in this (mess, I'm tempted to say). Surely there must be something else apart from helping me understand that there are bigger things than microchips. I’ll let you know when I work that out. In the meantime, good luck to all media alumni with whatever they end up doing.
Amar Vidyarthi
MSc Global Media and Communications
2007
After two fantastic years in both London and Los Angeles I am back home in Nairobi, Kenya working for a media conglomerate. The company owns and manages a number of commercial radio stations as well as Kenya’s newest daily newspaper. I’m currently seconded to the newspaper division where I am in charge of setting up our own printing press (only the 3rd dedicated newspaper press in Kenya) and I am also involved in evaluating and improving our circulation and distribution networks.
Juliane von Heimendahl (née Thiessen) 
MSc Media & Communications
2004
Before coming to the LSE I had studied in Germany and Australia (MA in English Literature) and worked in several media related fields. As I wanted to get more insights into the basis of Media and Communications I applied for the LSE program. What a great choice!
Some of the units I took were offered by the Gender Department - an option I highly recommend. Some topics were entirely unknown to me and the classes offered new and challenging approaches to the interaction of media and society.
The people I met during my time in London were amazing and I still keep in touch with many of them. When I got married this year, a group of people flew over to celebrate with us. So: yes I am married now but my husband lives in Switzerland and I am in Munich. I guess that is what you call a modern job-oriented marriage.
I work at a PR agency for German TV (www.presse-partner.de) now. My first job turned out to be hell after a few months. So I quit and started all over again but now I am more than happy.
Honestly I have to say that so far I have not been able to talk about Media theories in my job…. but I have to admit that the Stats classes was not so useless after all!
Terri Wills
MSc Media & Communications
2000
Terri is recognized for her international expertise in strategy development, market research, and policy analysis in the creative industries – including television, film, music, publishing and interactive media. Terri is currently a Manager at Nordicity Group where she divides her time between Toronto, Canada and London, UK working with corporate and public sector clients to develop new strategies and policies to grow strong creative industry companies. Prior to Nordicity, Terri was Head of Strategy for the Factual and Learning division of BBC where she shaped TV and broadband content strategies and developed commercial and public sector partnerships. Terri has also worked with Forrester Research in the UK and Harlequin Enterprises, a multinational publishing company. In addition to her work in the creative industries, Terri is currently applying her knowledge of how to use media and communications for positive change by project managing the Greening Greater Toronto initiative, a multi-sectoral 120-partner initiative working to ‘green’ the city region. “After exploring a range of Masters programmes in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. I was drawn to the MSc in Media and Communications at LSE due its critical approach to the media as an industry but also as an important agent of social change – positive and negative. And I wasn’t disappointed. The interdisciplinary approach, the international representation in the classroom, and the rigorous academic training prepared me well for a career in international business strategy as well as policy development in the sector”
Christian Zarro
MSc Media & Communications
2005
The MSc in Media and Communications that I completed in 2004/2005 has been one of the most demanding and intense things I have ever done in my life. It is really difficult to describe in a few words what this programme has given me but it is something that has enabled me to grow, to see the world with more mature eyes, and to get to know myself in ways with which I was unfamiliar before.
After having campaigned in favour of a five-year ban against GMOs in the Swiss agriculture, I have been working as a Conference producer since May 2006 for a company that, among other things, organises conferences on issues related to food, nutrition and health. These conferences, which take place in London, are aimed to British ministers, parliamentarians, academics and representatives from companies.
Page last updated 20 April 2009 ^
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