Radio!

I feel like I've been doing pretty well recently in my attempts to find suitable work experience for the future. I posted a blog update a little while ago relating how I had acquired an editorial position at a Lancaster based literary journal called Flash, and to add to that now, I can happily say that I will soon be venturing into the realms of radio!

I was sitting in the café of the Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, whilst John Gilmore of BBC Radio Lancashire was presenting his show there (which I believe he does every first Friday of the Month). We had a little chat after he had wrapped everything up, and we parted as the best of friends. Well, acquaintances. People who talked in a café once?

My dear reader, I'm afraid I've sold you a red herring. Whilst this did happen, and I've got some works details from John Gilmore, for when I decide to do some work experience at the Lancs station, I'm actually going to be contributing to Bailrigg FM, Lancaster University's radio station.

Now, I won't try and pretend that this is a massive step forwards; the radio, like the literary journal is a strongly Lancaster Uni based enterprise, rather than a BBC initiative or even an independent Lancashire radio station. But hey, I still had to get accepted into the team, and that feels like a small achievement.

As for what I will be doing with the radio team, my options are fairly open. The radio hosts a variety of programmes, ranging from political and cultural journalism, to dramatic pieces and desert island disk style music shows. I'm favouring the latter half of that spectrum; my taste in music is very varied, so I might be able to contribute to the music scene in a broad fashion, even if not in a very in-depth one.

The prospect that has piqued my interest the most was the offer I received to produce short episodes of radio drama. I say 'produce'- the role would entail more of an all-round involvement with the process; the programme requires researchers, writers, producers, actors, post-editors and publicity reps. I have the option to take up as many of those jobs as I see fit, so I can envisage myself finding an old short story, converting it into script form, and perhaps even taking one of the voice parts myself.

More than this, there is the possibility to write an entirely new piece of work, to be broadcast for the first time. This would require significantly more planning and writing, but the results would surely be even more rewarding. The thrill of having a work performed for the first time has been described as 'exhilarating' by many a stage and screen writer, and whilst I recognise playing something on the student radio can hardly compare, it would be great preparation and experience for the 'real deal' in the future.

I will have to fit my work at the radio around my other University study requirements, so can't give a definite start and end date. I'll begin looking at things in the new term; I have already roped in some friends to help with productions.

So, another string to the bow, hopefully. I guess the next thing to do is start a film or theatre company. Any takers?

M