Our History
Formed in 1976
Our research began in 1974 with the Glasgow University Media Project, which was funded by the Social Science Research Council awarded to John Eldridge and Paul Walton of the University of Glasgow.
These researchers created pioneering research methods which focus on the use of language in news and other media formats. They also found novel ways to investigate how meanings are established for audiences.
The Glasgow University Media Group (GUMG) was formed in 1976, as the name attached to the first publication to come out of this research project, Bad News. This book was controversial in its critique of the established media, and gained the support of politicians, trade unionists and scholars.
Our researchers went on to publish many more articles and books during the next three decades, causing controversy in their challenging approach. Titles included More Bad News and Really Bad News.
Our controversial, critical approach attracted some of the top scholars in media and communications research to work with us as staff or in collaborative projects. We have hosted top international PhD students who joined the Group for the period of their studies.
The Glasgow University Media Group has also been referred to as the Glasgow Media Unit and the Glasgow Media Group, reflecting historical changes in group leadership and participation.
Professor Greg Philo was Research Director of the Glasgow University Media Group for nearly three decades, based in the Department of Sociology at the University of Glasgow. Greg retired in 2021 and was replaced by our current Director, Dr Catherine Happer.