MT | Michael Thurlow Historical Research
Publications
Historical research produces more than reports and manuscripts.
It contributes to our understanding of the past and helps preserve important stories for future generations. This page highlights selected publications, conference presentations and research achievements undertaken by Dr Michael Thurlow. Michael's published research has focused primarily on the history of Australian regional commercial television and has contributed to a greater understanding of the development of regional media in Australia. He applies the same research rigour, analytical skills and evidence-based approach to every project he undertakes.
Featured publication
A History of Regional Commercial Television in Australia, Palgrave Macmillan, 2022
A History of Regional Commercial Television in Australia is the first comprehensive history of regional commercial television in Australia. The book examines the origins, development and evolution of regional commercial television from its beginnings in the 1960s through to the contemporary media environment. Drawing upon extensive archival research, documentary analysis and industry sources, it explores the role regional television has played in informing, entertaining and connecting Australian communities. The publication grew from Michael's doctoral research and represents more than a decade of historical investigation into one of Australia's most significant media industries. The book is significant for the following reasons:
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First comprehensive history of regional commercial television in Australia.
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Based upon original archival research.
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Examines more than sixty years of industry development.
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Contributes to Australian media history scholarship.
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Published by an internationally recognised academic publisher.
Theses
Master of Research, Macquarie University, 2016
Station Break: A History of Regional Commercial Television Ownership and Control
Michael's Master of Research thesis examined the historical development of ownership and control within Australia's regional commercial television sector. The research investigated the changing patterns of ownership that shaped regional television and explored the influence of regulation, consolidation and commercial pressures on the industry.
Doctor of Philosophy, Macquarie University, 2020
Switched On: A History of Regional Commercial Television in Australia
Michael expanded his master's research through his PhD thesis, which examined the broader historical development of regional commercial television and its contribution to Australian society. The thesis investigated the industry's evolution, localism, regional identity, technological change and commercial development. This research subsequently formed the basis of A History of Regional Commercial Television in Australia, published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2022.
Journal articles
Station Break: A History of Australian Regional Commercial Television Ownership and Control
Thurlow, M., & Griffen-Foley, B. (2016)
Australian Journalism Review, 38(1), 117–130.
This peer-reviewed journal article examined the historical development of ownership and control within Australian regional commercial television and explored the factors that shaped the industry's evolution. Michael was recognised as the journal’s first “emerging scholar” with the publication of this article.
Conference papers
Station Break: A History of Regional Commercial Television in Australia
9th Australian Media Traditions Conference, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Canberra, ACT, 2015
This paper presented early findings from Michael's Master of Research project and examined the historical development of ownership and control within Australian regional commercial television.
Fade to Black: Localism and Independence in Australian Regional Commercial Television
12th Australian Media Traditions Conference, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, 2021
This paper examined the changing nature of localism and independence within Australian regional commercial television and explored the historical forces that influenced industry development.
Scholarly impact
Michael's research has contributed to Australian media history scholarship and has been cited in subsequent academic publications relating to media history, broadcasting, regional Australia and television studies. Selected publications which cite Michael’s research include:
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Darian-Smith, K., Turnbull, S., Khorana, S., & Harvey, K. (2025). Migrants, television and Australian stories : a new history. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003519447
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Griffen-Foley, B. (2020). Australian radio listeners and television viewers: Historical Perspectives (1st ed.). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54637-3
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Griffen-Foley, B. (2024). A short history of the Australian media. In B. Griffen-Foley & S. Turnbull (Eds.), The Media and Communications in Australia (5th ed., pp. 9–17). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003280644-3
The continuing use of Michael's research by other scholars reflects its contribution to the historical understanding of Australian regional commercial television and media history.
Contact Michael Thurlow Historical Research to discuss your project.