I’m an inquisitive journalism graduate working towards a career that will enable me to inform, educate and engage with people; within an organisation that encourages diversity and freedom of speech.
This website displays my skills and experiences across a plethora of platforms, as well as examples of my work.
With the band You Me At Six at BBC Radio 1, in 2009.
It’s a working world…
I have undertaken an expansive list of work experience across a range of mediums, all of which are noted below and detailed within my blog.
I am currently working as a Casual Unit Assistant at BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra and Produce Redtop Radio, a monthly Arts & Culture Show on Roundhouse Radio.
Music Loving…
Music has played a huge part in my life and continues to do so. Born into a ‘hippy’ family, I spent my childhood frequenting gigs, music festivals and record fairs.
Some of my first writing stints were as a music reviewer for my local newspaper (The News in Portsmouth) and I later began interviewing bands on my radio show and for the student magazine at University.
Bands I have interviewed include; Hell is for Heroes, Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother), Funeral For a Friend, Dallas Green (Alexisonfire), Enter Shikari, The Fray, 3 Inches of Blood, Munroe Effect, Sion, Almeida, Hadouken!, Luke Leighfield, Dreadzone, Sub Giant, The Orb, The Elements, The Long Blondes, Fighting with Wire and In Case of Fire.
Picture: Interviewing Sub Giant at Glade Festival, 2008.
That’s Educational…
I first considered a career as a writer/journalist, whilst I was studying at Secondary School. I’d spend hours each day writing and contemplating world issues so it seemed only fitting that I try to turn these fascinations into a career.
When I applied to college I decided to take a wide-range of creative subjects to help me to further understand the world around me; (Art, Photography, German and Psychology.)
College life was fantastic, I spent my time there dressing elaborately, volunteering at the Students’ Union and writing in my spare time for a local magazine called RANT, run by Portsmouth Youth Council.
After completing my A-levels I decided to study Journalism at Southampton Solent University, where I immediately signed up to the student radio station; Sin Radio and began writing Music Reviews for the student magazine.
I soon fell in love with student radio, sharing my time between presenting specialist music shows, reading news bulletins and being part of the music team. I was elected as Head of Events in my third and final year at University, where I became responsible for the marketing and social cohesion of the station and its members.
Life in the Student Movement…
When University was coming to an end I successfully ran in the Student Union elections for the role of Vice President Communications. I spent the following year working as an executive officer; running campaigns, events and publicising the Union services. My love of student radio and writing continued as I managed the student media outlets. This included editing the magazine; RE:SUS and it’s accompanying website.
I made connections with the Student Radio Association (SRA) and worked with a large team to merge Solent’s student media outlets and re-launch the collective under its new name; Sonar Media.
Work Experience:
BBC Radio 1
September 2009 – ongoing
Freelancer
BBC Blast – Events
October – November 2009
Media Workshop Assistant
BBC Radio 1
22nd June – 19th August 2009
BBC Blast Creative Trainee
Solent Students’ Union
June 2008 – June 2009
Vice President Communications
Solent Productions & Radio Avalon
Glastonbury Festival
24th – 28th June 2008
Camera Operator, Documentary Film-maker, Radio Reporter
Solent Productions – Glade Festival
18th – 23rd July
Journalist & Camera Operator
Poore Quality Productions – Access Festival, Southampton
21st June 2008
Journalist and Camera Director
Daily Echo Newspaper
27th – 30th May 2008
News Desk Reporter
Kingston Green Radio
2nd – 4th June 2008
Presenter & Volunteer
The News, Portsmouth
Sept 17th – 21st 2007
Features Department
Green Radio – Big Green Gathering Festival
30th July – 6th August 2007
Roving Reporter and Presenter
Creative Partnerships, Southampton & Isle of Wight
June 2007 – August 2007
PA to Communications and Development
BBC Blast On Tour, Southampton
April 2007 – June 2007
Work Experience Crew Member
Express FM, Portsmouth
June 2006 – Oct 2006
Show Presenter and Volunteer
RANT, Portsmouth Youth Council Magazine
2005-2006
Feature Writer
Hayley Clarke Media 