mark douglas

Globally experienced media and communication leader

Greater Adelaide Area

About

Strategic senior media and corporate communications adviser. Writer, editor, journalist, broadcaster. Creative. Innovative. Targeted media specialist. Digital, social and traditional communications. Print, broadcast, online. Strong high-level connections across Australian and international media, with interstate and international experience. Government lobbying. Publicity. Publications. Community engagement. Science communication. Online, mainstream and corporate video production. Previous and continuing roles include: Corporate Communications Coordinator, University of Adelaide. Editor of Lumen, the University’s flagship magazine. Media advice. Speechwriter to the Chancellor, the Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC. Speechwriter to the Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Hoj AC. Providing an external voice for the University for all faculties. Media, Communication, Campaign adviser and editor for the Public Service Association (SA); Deputy News Director/Producer/Chief of Staff/Reporter for 7 News; Executive producer SA Weekender, Seven Network Executive producer Crimestoppers, Seven Network Reporter/writer The Times, The Evening Standard, London Reporter, South China Morning Post, Hong Kong Reporter, senior features writer, Editorial writer, The Advertiser Bureau Chief Victoria for News Corporation Political, police, court, local government, industrial reporter The Advertiser Reporter, The Australian Researcher/writer for Parliamentary Select Committee - Legislative Council of SA Editor, Southern Fisheries; Editor, the Public Sector Review (Adelaide's longest running publication); Editor, OzIndo - Australia/Indonesia Trade magazine Media adviser/reputation manager for SA's only Everest climbers Duncan Chessell and Katie Sarah Senior Consultant The Communications Network (corporate and government communications)

Experience

  • Communication Coordinator at Adelaide University
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    High level corporate communications and engagement; media and communications; editor; speech writer; video producer.

  • Editor; Speechwriter; Corporate Communications at University of Adelaide
    Oct 2022 - Feb 2026 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    Senior corporate communications and reputation enhancement for a global top 100 University across multiple teams and faculties. More than 3000 staff and 30,000 students. External communications specialist. Editor, Lumen magazine, the University’s flagship publication with an influential educated audience of 100,000+ readers. Media advice. Speechwriter to, among others: The Chancellor of the University, the Hon. Catherine Branson AC, SC; the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, Professor Peter Hoj, AC; Military and Defence Strategic Adviser to the University, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO DSC MVO, former Head of Army, Australia, including keynote speech to NATO European Heads of Mission 2023; Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Jessica Gallagher; Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mike Goodsite, Director, Institute for Sustainable Energy and Resources.

  • Owner at Mark Douglas Media
    2007 - Feb 2026 · 19 yrs 2 mos

    Multiple discrete and bespoke media, communication and lobbying roles for significant individuals and organisations. High level political contacts. Government reports. Confidential services and influence. Overt clients included international storytelling, large-scale global publicity on behalf of world-first mountaineers and explorers Katie Sarah and Duncan Chessell. International-standard corporate video production and distribution.

  • Media/Communications/Campaign adviser and editor for the Public Service Association (SA) at Community & Public Sector Union (CPSU - PSU Group)
    Mar 2006 - 2014 · 7 yrs 11 mos

    Senior media and communications adviser to the General-Secretary and Chief Industrial Officer for a significant member-based organisation representing hundreds of thousands of public sector workers. Major media campaigns including public demonstrations and advertising campaigns to protect public services and conditions. High profile public advocacy. Also edited publications, provided media training, wrote speeches, created media releases and appearances, and managed media relationships. Government lobbying and submissions.

  • Executive producer, Deputy News Director, Chief of Staff at Seven Network
    May 1998 - 2007 · 8 yrs 9 mos

    A leader of Adelaide’s most successful and highest-rating television program with audiences regularly in excess of 200,000 people. Led a team of reporters, camera operators, editors and presenters. Set news agendas and promotion strategies to grow audiences to gain and retain top-ratings status. Daily contact with senior government figures including Premiers and Ministers. Created a new Sunday magazine program. Produced the Crimestoppers series, including originating an episode which resulted in the capture of a double-murderer. Oversaw creation of more than 1000 hours of prime time local television.