University News Last updated 01 March 2017
For two weeks at the end of their third year, BA Media (Radio Station module) students complete a two-week ‘Scratch Radio Refresh’, taking over the number one student radio station in Birmingham, our very own Scratch Radio. This year’s takeover was particularly exciting as it featured an exclusive guest interview with university chancellor and all round nice man…the one and only Sir Lenny Henry!
From 9 to 20 January, the class brought fresh new shows, playlists and presenters to the table, with the students running and planning everything that was broadcast. Station manager Hannah Jennings relished the challenge, noting the employability and experience benefits of the project;
It was also Hannah who managed to secure the interview with Sir Lenny. She and fellow student Jack Hogan spoke to the star live on air discussing his PhD, his career to date, what it’s like being our Chancellor and his hopes for the future in an interview that Jack calls ‘one of the highlights of my three years at university.' Both students commented on how friendly and welcoming Lenny was throughout their conversation. "Sir Lenny truly is a nice guy,” they reported back to us!
Their media training is already paying off. The conversation took place with only 15 nerve-wracking minutes between finalising the interview to actually giving Sir Lenny the call…talk about professionalism! See for yourself, and listen to the interview!
The broadcast is an annual event, however, this year students added an extra layer of collaboration - working with marketing undergraduates in the Business School to provide campaign-planning expertise to promote the broadcast.
Scratch Radio isn’t just around for the two-week takeover, it’s a real online station, running 24/7 with totally student-led shows, playlists and presenters… no dead air allowed!
Please give the station a go and show students your support - you can listen via the scratchradio website.