Sunderland students tune into radio careers

Aspiring broadcasters in Sunderland are getting a head start in the audio industry thanks to a new initiative designed to connect emerging talent with radio and podcasting professionals.

The University of Sunderland teamed up with The Radio Academy to host its popular Foot in the Door event, aimed at helping early-career professionals gain insights, contacts and opportunities in radio, music and audio content.

Held at the university’s David Puttnam Media Centre, the event was delivered in partnership with Spark, the university’s student-led community station. 

It brought together industry leaders, presenters and alumni for a day of interactive workshops and networking.

Attendees benefited from hands-on sessions led by well-known radio figures including Hits Radio 90s presenters Steve Furnell and Karen Oxley, who both shared their experiences from years behind the mic.

Karen said: “It’s been great to be part of Foot in the Door and see so many enthusiastic people who want to get into the industry. It’s great for students to be able to get that advice.

“When we were starting out, we wouldn’t have known where to look for advice like this, so to bring everyone together under one roof is a great opportunity.”

Steve added: “The facilities at the University of Sunderland are incredible and the opportunities are fantastic. 

“It’s great that the Radio Academy have decided to come to the North East because the region is and will always be a hot bed of talent.”

Other speakers included representatives from the BBC, WhatCulture and Broadcast Bionics, offering advice on everything from production and podcasting to on-air presentation and studio operations.

Supported by BBC Sounds and Broadcast Bionics, the event highlighted Sunderland’s growing reputation as a training ground for future media professionals looking to make waves in the world of audio.

Dixi Stewart, managing director of The Radio Academy, added: “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 and a privilege to share with them ideas on the future of audio and to identify opportunities for their skills to take the industry forward.

“I'd like to thank the team at the David Puttnam Media Centre for making us so welcome and for facilitating Foot in the Door so brilliantly in such impressive surroundings. 

“We look forward to continuing our relationship and coming back to the University of Sunderland soon.”

Lee Hall, head of the school of media and creative industries at the University of Sunderland, added: "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.

“We also had the opportunity to show off our superb resources, which impressed visitors who described them as sector leading.”

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