I have written previously about my hatred for television, and although I have not always been so vociferous in my dislike, I have always preferred radio, even in my teens and twenties. I like the way radio elevates words above all else, and allows you to form a picture in your own head much the way one does when one reads a book.
Like many women my age, I listen to Radio 4 compulsively, and find it sparks ideas and stimulates thought. I am also a big fan of BBC Local Radio, and flick between BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Gloucester – living, as we do, close to the border of both counties. There is nothing more fascinating than hearing about the lives of real people, particularly when they come from one’s own neighbourhood.
The BBC is holding a series of awareness days for women, in recognition of the low numbers of women working in broadcasting. To qualify for the first of these days, to be held in Birmingham on 6 December, you need to send a two-minute voice sample, together with your CV and a 200-word idea for a local radio programme. The successful candidates (30 for each awareness day) will have the opportunity to network with and meet local radio presenters and senior executives from the BBC. They will attend meet-the-expert sessions, keynote and panel discussions, and workshops, and receive tips on interviewing and presenting on radio. It sounds like an amazing experience and perfect for anyone interested in finding out what life’s like on the other side of the mic.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 27 October, so you’ve still got time to come up with a belter of an idea. What are you waiting for?
For more information, visit the BBC Academy website.