The University of Sunderland has welcomed the Radio Academy for its latest Foot in the Door event, for students and potential audio professionals.
Supported by BBC Sounds and Broadcast Bionics, Foot in the Door aims to connect aspiring broadcasters with senior figures in audio, radio and podcasting.
Held on 15 October at the University’s David Puttnam Media Centre, the day-long event was delivered in partnership with the student-run community station Spark. It brought together radio, podcast and audio experts from across the UK to help early career professionals take their next step in the industry.
Workshops were led by presenters and producers including Hits Radio 90s’ Steve Furnell and Karen Oxley, both University of Sunderland alumni. They joined other industry guests such as BBC Radio 2 Head Helen Thomas, BBC Newcastle presenter Emma Millen, and Adam Wilbourn, Head of Podcasts at WhatCulture.
Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University of Sunderland, said: “The event was a huge success, connecting students with senior figures in the radio industry.
“And it wasn’t just about programme making for radio, students learned how to break into a range of roles including podcasting and technical careers.”
Dixi Stewart, Managing Director of the Radio Academy, said: “It was a wonderfully inspiring day full of fresh insight, thought-provoking discussion and audio passion.
“Students at the University of Sunderland are hugely talented, and it was a pleasure to share ideas about the future of audio and how their skills can help take the industry forward.”
Karen Oxley said: “It’s great for students to be able to get advice like this. When we were starting out, we wouldn’t have known where to find it, so bringing everyone together under one roof is a great opportunity.”
Steve Furnell added: “The facilities at the University are incredible and the opportunities are fantastic.
“It’s great that the Radio Academy has come to the north-east because this region will always be a hotbed of talent.”
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk