Tutor in Broadcast and Digital Media

Mary Ferguson
Tutor in Broadcast and Digital Media
School of Computing, Engineering and Creative Industries
University of Bedfordshire

I joined the University of Bedfordshire in 2011 after more than 23 years at BBC News, where I built my career as a News Picture (Video) Editor. During this time, I worked alongside leading correspondents to craft news stories for national bulletins including the BBC News at One, Six and Ten, Breakfast News, and Newsnight. I also edited long-form documentary programmes such as Public Eye and On the Record.

I later progressed into leadership roles, serving as Deputy Manager (Editing) for BBC TV News and Head of Operations for BBC Persian TV, where I helped launch the channel. I was also part of special projects that introduced new services such as BBC World and BBC Interactive.

At Bedfordshire, my teaching centres on digital storytelling and mobile journalism (MoJo), with a particular interest in smartphone videography. I integrate industry practice into the classroom and studio to ensure students are well prepared for their careers, and I am passionate about exploring emerging technologies, especially the creative and academic uses of AI. In 2019, I received the Vice-Chancellor’s Student Experience Award for Outstanding Use of Technology in Teaching.

In addition to my teaching, I serve as an Employability Lead within the Faculty of Technologies, Education and Social Sciences (TESS), supporting students as they make the transition from university into industry.

Outside work, I enjoy oil painting, up-cycling furniture, and opera.