Robert Crawford

Robert Crawford is Professor of Advertising in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University.

His research focuses on the growth and development of the advertising, marketing, and public relations industries nationally and internationally.

Robert Crawford is Professor of Advertising in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. His research focuses on the growth and historical development of the advertising, marketing, and public relations industries nationally and internationally.

Professor Crawford's books include “Oral History and Business: Disruption and Continuity” (Routledge, 2023 – co-authored with Matthew Bailey), “More than a Glass and a Half: A History of Cadbury in Australia” (Halstead, 2022), “Digital Dawn in Adland: Transforming Australian Agencies” (Routledge, 2021), "Behind Glass Doors: The World of Australian Advertising Agencies 1959-89" (UWAP, 2016 – co-authored with Jackie Dickenson) and "But Wait There's More…: A History of Australian Advertising, 1900-2000" (MUP, 2008). In addition, he has edited various collections, including "Decoding Coca-Cola: A Biography of a Global Brand" (Routledge, 2021, co-edited with Linda Brennan and Susie Khamis), "Global Advertising Practice in a Borderless World" (Routledge, 2017 – co-edited with Linda Brennan and Lukas Parker), "Consumer Australia: Historical Perspectives" (CSP, 2010 – co-edited with Judith Smart & Kim Humphery). Professor Crawford is also a co-author of the second and third Australasian edition of the textbook "Advertising Principles and Practices" (Pearson, 2011, 2014). He is also the author of over 80 book chapters, journal articles, and encyclopaedia entries for national and international publications.

Prior to arriving at RMIT University, Professor Crawford lectured in the Public Communication program at the University of Technology Sydney, where he also served as Head of School. Professor Crawford has held research positions at the Menzies Centre at King's College, London and the National Centre for Australian Studies at Monash University.

Professor Crawford has taken up visiting fellowships at various universities (including La Sabana University, Colombia; Brown University, USA; Macquarie University, Australia) and institutions (State Library of NSW; National Museum of Australia; Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences).

Professor Crawford’s research on the history of communication and marketing is recognised for its innovative approaches as well as its capacity to connect the past with the present. His current project, Shop Talk: Department Stores, Shoppers and Consumer Capitalism, 1945-2025, is supported by the Australian Research Council’s Discovery scheme (DP220100943). Professor Crawford also works closely with industry and businesses on marketing history matters. He has recently completed projects for Cadbury, Griffiths Bros, and Claude Neon, and is currently working with Hoyts, Bendigo Woollen Mills, and the Outdoor Media Association.