Creative Media students at Barnfield College try their hands in professional radio and TV takeovers at the University of Bedfordshire.
The students were invited to takeover the on-campus radio station, Radio Lab, and the University’s YouTube channel, BedsTV. This was part of a live brief set up by Terry Lee, Radio Lab Station Manager, giving them the opportunity to produce programmes for their coursework assessments while gaining valuable industry experience. As part of the live brief, the students had just over three weeks to research, plan and rehearse a 30-minute show, in which they discussed a variety of interesting topics, including films, music and politics!
As part of their content for the show, the students secured an interview with Sarah Owens, Labour MP for Luton North, during which they discussed the Prime Minister’s recent announcement proposing all school pupils in England must study maths in some form until the age of 18.
The students also took part in a taster session with the University’s media performance department to present a live TV programme. As well as gaining experience of working in a live TV studio, the students were able to spend time brushing up on their scriptwriting skills during a morning workshop, which involved them researching and writing content for their special BedsTV show.
Students were enthusiastic about the project and were happy to share their personal experience.
Vivian Kaneva, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media – Production and Technology student, said: ‘It has been a pleasure collaborating with Radio Lab, gaining insight on the inner workings of a radio show, having the opportunity to put together our own ideas for different segments and having an overall great time communicating with peers and the very supportive radio department’.
Nabila Akter, added: 'I was a little nervous at the beginning but when we started the show, I relaxed into the professional environment; the producer was excellent at supporting us. I enjoyed being there, it was a really great experience and a taste of industry.'
This opportunity arose thanks to the college’s ongoing partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, a chance for our students to access industry standard equipment whilst also experiencing a taste of what studying Media at higher education might be like.
Natalie Cooper, Creative Media Production tutor at Barnfield College, who organised the visit for the students, said: ‘This is an exciting local partnership for us, providing students with unique industry experience and an opportunity to be heard across their town. Working to a live brief has challenged our students to professional standards and provided an insight into higher education – we look forward to future projects with the University.’
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