The Doc Media Academy is the online learning platform of the Documentary Media Centre (Doc Media Centre), designed to support individuals and organisations working in the independent heritage, museum, archive, and library sectors. It offers courses that provide communities, students, educators, and researchers with exceptional access to documentary media content. Dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, the Academy fosters creative communication and engagement through documentary films, photography, audio recordings, and new media. Through its dynamic programmes, the Doc Media Academy addresses social issues, promotes inclusivity, and celebrates diverse perspectives, building stronger connections between people and the world around them.
"I’ve finally found a platform that allows me to find out about issues that are important to me."
- T. Sampson
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Hi, I’m John Coster
John Coster is a freelance journalist and visionary founder, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of media and social change. With a passion for amplifying the voices of the marginalized, he has dedicated his career to shedding light on important issues and promoting civic engagement.
Coster is best known for founding Citizens Eye, a groundbreaking platform that empowers ordinary citizens to share their stories and perspectives. Through this initiative, he has democratized journalism, allowing diverse voices to be heard and valued in the public discourse.
In addition to Citizens Eye, John Coster is the driving force behind the Documentary Media Centre, an organization committed to fostering documentary film and storytelling as tools for social transformation. His work in this sphere has helped shed light on a myriad of social and cultural issues, providing a platform for filmmakers and storytellers to inspire change through their work. He leads DocXplorers Productions, the documentary filmmaking arm of the company.
Furthermore, John Coster is the visionary behind the Parallel Lives Network, an innovative project aimed at creating connections and building bridges between different communities and cultures. Through this initiative, he continues to promote understanding and unity among diverse groups.
John Coster’s career as a freelance journalist and his commitment to these transformative initiatives have demonstrated the power of media to shape conversations, challenge norms, and create a more inclusive and empathetic society. His dedication to amplifying voices that often go unheard and his innovative approach to media have left an indelible mark on the world of journalism and social change.
He completed six years teaching as an ‘industry practitioner’ at De Montfort University’s Leicester Media School on the Communication Arts BA (Hons) and Media Production BSc (Hons) courses in 2022.
Building Stronger Communities
This is our first course and I’m delighted to be working alongside Dr Kim Sadique, Director of the Genocide Education Network, to enable this innovative online course to be offered.
