We’re passionate about helping to support our students through their broadcasting aspirations. Students studying Radio Production are initially taught the basics of radio production, presenting radio shows and producing content from an early stage. By their final year, students are either managing the campus station or producing substantial audio projects including specialist radio shows, podcasts and documentaries.

Guest Speakers 

We know how invaluable it can be to have guest speakers talk about their experiences within the industry, which is why we organise for so many guest speakers to appear!

Former students such as BBC 5 Live’s Commissioning Editor: Richard Maddock, Radio City’s Content Controller: Chris Rick and Bauer Network Producer: Daniel Bates also regularly return to the campus to share their experiences and offer advice. As does Virgin Radio’s Content Controller: Mike Cass, who is also a regular contributor.

What’s more, Bauer Radio’s Editor in Chief: John Pickford, comes in each year to provide the same legal session he would give to new presenters or journalists who join Bauer radio. 

Industry Master Class

In 2016, The Cat Radio won a collection of awards, including the ‘Student Radio Award for the Best Training Initiative’ in the Student Radio Association Awards, a category the team was nominated for again in 2017.

The award is given to the radio station that ‘offers members an outstanding training scheme’. That could include master classes with the industry or training days. This year students have learnt from BBC Breakfast, Football Focus and BBC 5Live’s Dan Walker; they’ve had a training session from Bauer Radio’s Editor in Chief John Pickford and a voice training session from Global Radio’s Senior Commercial Producer Shelly Smith.

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Dan Walker, talking about his role as a radio and TV presenter and his career so far.

Work Experience 

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In addition to our nationally renowned Work Based Learning module that Level 5 students take part in, we also have students that have gained regular work experience at the Manchester-based radio station Gaydio, BBC Radio Manchester, and Capital Radio in Wrexham. Current student, Thomas Marland is one of them: “I have found throughout my studies, meeting people working in radio, that gaining as much experience in industry is vital alongside academic work. It’s here where the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom can really be put into action in the fast-paced and exciting world that is broadcasting. I’ve also found that learning from industry professionals can also have serious benefits with university work and how you go about it. I’ve had the opportunity to work at major radio companies across the North West including at Bauer and Global, much of this being sought through the contacts of the University lecturers themselves. As well as learning from the experienced, it also helps to significantly enhance your CV and make them all important contacts which drives this industry.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about Radio Production, you can either visit our website www.chester.ac.uk or get in touch with the Programme Leader Michelle Ponting M.Ponting@chester.ac.uk

Don’t forget to check out The Cat Radio online www.thecatradio.co.uk

You can also follow The Cat Radio on Facebook @thecatradio or on Twitter @TheCatRadioUK