Dr. Tegan R. Bratcher

Tegan R. Bratcher, Ph.D. (she/her) is an accomplished media researcher and professor of media and public relations, deeply committed to using research as a vehicle for transformative change in the media landscape. With a passion for exploring the intersections of race, identity, and digital communication, Dr. Bratcher’s work illuminates the ways in which media can shape and empower communities.

As a Roy H. Park Doctoral Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Bratcher honed her expertise in media and communication, focusing on topics such as race, public relations, and digital media, with a special interest in podcasting. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from West Virginia University. Throughout her academic journey, she has been the recipient of numerous awards for her teaching and research, and she has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Bratcher’s current research delves into new media from diverse perspectives, with a particular emphasis on the role of podcasts and other digital platforms in fostering community, strategic communication, and identity formation. She co-edited an anthology titled, Diversifying the Space of Podcasting (forthcoming 2024) and is contributing a chapter to a forthcoming 2027 text celebrating the bicentennial of the Black Press. Her own manuscript, Black Power, Black Podcasts, further exemplifies her dedication to advancing scholarship in the field of media and communication.

Beyond academia, Dr. Bratcher serves as a Senior Researcher for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media—an organization that was awarded the prestigious Governor’s Award at the 2022 Emmys. Her work with the Institute underscores her commitment to driving progressive change in media representation. Additionally, she has contributed as a historical researcher for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, and has consulted extensively on media research, development, representation, and DEI initiatives.

Widely recognized for her ability to communicate complex research to diverse audiences, Dr. Bratcher excels as a speaker at international conferences, a classroom educator, and an academic writer. Her expertise spans media studies, public relations, communication, and history, making her a sought-after voice in both scholarly and professional circles.

In her personal life, Tegan enjoys traveling, reading, shopping, and spending quality time with loved ones, always embracing opportunities to explore new perspectives and experiences.