My first reply was from Mercia Radio (Coventry and Warwickshire). I was in broadcast, currently directing our production in the closing times of the production. Which basically means things were very hectic, time was weakening and to say the least, I did not expect the call. In fact because I was in the television studio, I had the weakest phone signal and network connection know to man. I still think to this day that I could of got better connection on top of Snowden. But Richard Neale, presenter of the drive home show kindly left a answer phone message for me to call back when please for a chat.
So I quickly did that, of course I had to – it was an opportunity in which as of yet, I have not had. I was ecstatic, and I didn’t even know what I had to! Im not the greatest phone speaker, never have been. My mouth goes dry and I may stutter, and that’s exactly what I did. But Rich was cool, we just arranged a ‘chat’ next week on Thursday at the studio. Brilliant! I have finally got somewhere, and with Mercia! The biggest radio station in Coventry. I was still curious in the possible role I will be working as, but even so I was still in the honey moon of having my first response and first opportunity.
Thursday approach, I got suited and booted and arrived at the studio (10mintues early of course), and Richard met me by the door of the long building over shadowed by a Chinese Buffet, Rileys and a night club. The proposition in which Richard had for me sounded great, in fact it was brilliant. I got to search websites, newspapers and adverts in order to create a daily guide. A guide for the people of Coventry in what to watch, what to see, what to do. A basic ‘what’s on’. This to me was a fantastic opportunity, I had a brilliant ‘producer’ role, creating a scripting for a popular show as well as learning more about radio and Richard presenting technique.
Over the next few weeks, I spent about 6 hours in the studio as well as producing work out of hours and I loved it! When I was there I slowly met the whole team, and they all seemed really nice. That’s what I thought was brilliant. The team were so close and in result, it was well functioned. As I created my weekly segments for Richard in which I learned more and more techniques on software such as Genesis, I then got to shadow Rich presenting a show. This was amazing. I was watching a live popular radio show. It was incredible to know how it works properly, but what struck me more was how natural it was to him.
I only learnt so much while studying radio at University, and in just a couple of sessions at Mercia, I already learned so much more. But then my role expanded over time, I helped out on the Breakfast show and took photos of Phil Taylor’s appearance at the studio as well as producing trending topics for Rich to talk about on the show.
This placement has taught me so much about radio but one of the surprising things in which I have developed was my passion for producing. I have discovered a love of looking for work, creating it for other people and then listening or seeing the outcome at the end and being satisfied with my efforts. Working for Mercia was such a success for myself and Rich, I have continued working there ever since and look to return straight after my American trip in which I am from June – September.
