David Dunaway, Professor of English, University of New Mexico

Proposal Type: Structured Conversation

Abstract: At the 2014 meeting I organized a panel about issues in turning written history into broadcast form; for 2015, I’d like to pursue the praxis of broadcasting history. In either point/counterpoint, panel or structured conversation, I would like to consider the advantages and disadvantages of turning our archival work and research into forms provoking public reaction and use. The presenter is a veteran public radio producer with an academic background.

Seeking: Absorbing broadcasts is the way most people spend their leisure hours, in their cars and kitchens. By understanding critically the way producers use historical materials and the way that historians consult and comment on historical documentaries, we can improve the collaborations which make historical media.

I would like to find collaborators in historians who work on, write, and consult on historical documentaries; and to share experiences in ways that a collaboration between historian and producer has worked out well. Obviously there are problems in funding and designing digital representations of history; but beneath these is the question of what we do when we reach out to a public for history, in the forms which they (we) consume. I would like to consider a best practices declaration for consulting on historical documentaries in net, radio, or TV; and to discuss how est historians can interpret and represent contested issues Those of you who work in production and also have training in history, let us meet and consider this intersection.

Related Topics: Digital, Oral History, Civic Engagement

If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: David Dunaway, dunaway[at]unm.edu

If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.

Discussion

10 comments
  1. Thomas Cauvin says:

    I think the panel could be an opportunity to bring one or two European public historians. I was thinking about the UK, but others could be interested. If you want, I could spread the word through the International Federation for Public History.

  2. The idea of including European oral historians is an excellent one; and in other continents too. Do please send out this offering to the IFPH…

    Thanks.

    1. Thomas Cauvin says:

      Done. I asked them to contact you directly if interested. Good luck.

  3. Dear David
    I received the news about your panel and I’d like very much participating, but Nasheville is too far from Italy (manly too far for my “research pocket”)!
    But if you want something “recorded”, a remote partecipation..

    Enrica Salvatori
    historycast.net

  4. Nick Patrick says:

    I’m the Series Producer of BBC Radio 4’s “Making History” programme which is presented by Tom Holland and Dr Helen Castor here in the UK.

    Also leading a public history project about the American air bases in the East of England during WW2 which is using oral history and digital engagement

    Keen to be kept in the loop about all this

    1. Would you like to participate? If so could you draft a preliminary paragraph based on the issues raised ?
      Dr. Dunaway
      Www. Davidkdunaway.com

  5. Modupe Labode says:

    David,
    The dialogue between producer and historian would make this panel very interesting. Many radio listeners are unaware of the role of producers. I’d also be curious about the different models of broadcasting history–ranging from the history segments in “Radio Diaries” to “99% Invisible” to roundtables of professionals, such as “In Our Time” or “The History Guys.”

    1. You are right: the nature of the collaboration between producers and historians is really in need of reflection: so who will volunteer to join me in a structured discussion about this topic ? Deadline is coming up for the panel proposal. Please email or call me soon.

      David
      505 345 0185

  6. Morgen Young says:

    Speaking as one of the co-chairs of NCPH’s Consultants Committee, I think the consulting element of this proposal is especially intriguing. If it’s relevant to the overall structure of the session, I’d love to see some discussion of historians being paid to work on documentaries. In the Portland, Oregon area many historians are approached by producers and asked to donate their expertise, research, writing, etc. That may be the standard in broadcasting (or perhaps it’s not), but I always want to advocate for historians being paid for their work as consultants.

  7. I would be glad to examine the whole consulting process in this panel. What types of aid do we provide? How can we do the job better (often the answer is to learn the aesthetic and best practices of that medium. But where are the historians working as consultants and producers? So far none have identified their interest in his panel.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.