My BBC Apprenticeship - In Pictures

On 30th September 2013, I started my first day as a BBC Production Coordinator Apprentice. I had absolutely no idea what the next 15 months had in store, but looking back on it now I can hardly believe how much I have been able to cram into this space of time! Now that I have graduated and completed my qualification, a Level 4 Diploma in Broadcast Production Management, I have had the chance to reflect on the abundance of amazing experiences I have had and wanted a place to log all of the incredible shows and events I’ve been a part of. So here it is – a snappy picture diary of my time as a BBC Apprentice. 

6th & 7th December

Top of the Pops, Riverside Studios

The Top of the Pops Christmas Special has always been a key feature of the Nicholson Household Christmas Day routine, so it was incredible that this was my first ever studio television experience. Here I worked as a Runner to presenters Fearne & Reggie and was delighted by just how lovely, friendly and charming they both were.

11th December 2013

Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, Maidstone Studios

In the Nicholson household, New Year is not complete without Jools Holland’s Hootenanny on the TV counting us into midnight, but in 2013 is seemed strange to be doing just that on December 11th! For the same nostalgic reasons as Top of the Pops, working as a Runner on Hootenanny was an amazing opportunity for me. Responsible for looking after any of the celebrity guests in the audience, this was my first chance to speak to some of my idols who had inspired me to work in TV and Radio, and it is these ‘pinch-yourself’ moments that you never forget.

31st December 2013

My First Credit!

As New Year’s Eve came around in 2013, not only was I looking forward to watching Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, but this was also the day that I received my first ever television credit for Sir John Tavener Remembered, a documentary looking back on the career of the late composer.

28th February – 1st March 2014

6 Music Festival, Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

My first few days in the BBC Live Music & Events team, I was thrown straight into an event and it was a brilliant way to get to know the team and to understand the workings of event day, preparing me for the many that followed! 

19th – 20th March 2014

Jo Whiley’s Sport Relief Challenge, NBH Piazza

Having watched Comic Relief and Sport Relief year upon year, watching the lengths that celebrities go to for the charity, it was great to get involved with one of the projects. Working as Artist Liaison, it was my job to meet and greet all of the show’s guests who would be joining Jo Whiley in her Perspex box as she ran for 26 hours straight to raise money for the charity! Everybody knows what Sport Relief is about and there was a great sense of team spirit surrounding the whole event, all working to achieve one goal. 

23rd May 2014

Radio 1’s Big Weekend Dance Party, George Square, Glasgow

I had the pleasure of standing in the crowd, enjoying the show and soaking up the atmosphere as Radio 1 opened its doors to 2014’s Big Weekend. Having worked on preparing the video mapping sequence that was projected onto the square, I felt a huge sense of pride as I watched the overwhelming display. 

24th – 25th May 2014

Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Glasgow Green, Glasgow

As a huge Radio 1 fan, I have applied year after year for tickets to Radio 1’s Big Weekend, so to finally be there but in a working capacity was even better than I could have imagined. As the Event Coordinator for the BBC Introducing Stage, I had worked very closely with the BBC Introducing team to plan the line-up. It was a pleasure to be able to email all of the chosen artists to confirm their spot on the line-up and to meet them across the weekend; they were all so genuinely grateful for the opportunity and put on an incredible show. Watching artists like Royal Blood, Catfish & The Bottlemen and Saint Raymond pack our little blue tent full to the brim until it was fit to burst was incredibly exciting, and they certainly did not disappoint, with many of the Radio 1 DJs quoting Royal Blood as their highlight of the weekend. 

Amidst the madness on our stage, I managed to make it out at the end of each day to see the event headliners – Coldplay and Katy Perry. As a massive Coldplay fan, it was my first time seeing the band, and they were perhaps one of the greatest live acts I’ve ever seen. Standing in the pouring rain with my amazing Live Events team singing our hearts out to Yellow is a memory I won’t forget anytime soon. 

28th August & 25th September 2014

Rugby Training with KSI, James Haskell and Wasps Rugby Club

My third placement on my apprenticeship was a chance for me to take a step outside of the BBC and experience the independent television industry. I joined the Endemol Beyond team working to coordinate shoots for 3 YouTube channels, including Rulem Sports, fronted by YouTube star, KSI. Rulem Sports’ mission was to teach KSI different sporting disciplines throughout the year and I loved being a part of his rugby challenges with England Rugby star James Haskell and some of his Wasps Rugby Club teammates. I never knew what was around the corner with these shoots; one minute we’d be practicing kicking and passing, the next they’d be weightlifting one another, having a dance off or smashing eggs on each other. As unpredictable as it was fun, KSI is perhaps one of the craziest and funniest people I’ve met on my apprenticeship.

19th October 2014

Radio 1 Teen Awards, The SSE Arena, Wembley

October saw my return to the Live Music & Events team for my final apprenticeship placement. My first event back in the team, once again, is one I have applied for tickets for in years gone by but to no success. However, an event that was a dream come true soon became a nightmare… as I dropped my iPhone down the toilet!! So unfortunately no photos from the Teen Awards, but if you look closely here, you can see that Now Magazine managed to capture a snap of me on the red carpet behind The Vamps and Shawn Mendes, who I was fortunate enough to look after and manage throughout the event!

10th November 2014

Best Day Ever for Children In Need, Tendring Technology College, Frinton

This year for Children In Need, Radio 1 took over a school for the day to give them the Best Day Ever, with Tendring Technology College being the lucky winners. With a Live Lounge from Rixton from their school hall, plus Scott Mills and Greg James’ shows coming live from their classrooms and school hall too, they certainly did have an amazing day and it was wonderful to see the children, but even more so the teachers, having a brilliant time, particularly at Danny Howard’s after school disco! Having spent the days leading up to the event, coordinating travel arrangements for all of our staff, DJs and guests on the shows, it was my job to transport these guests around the school for their appearances, meaning that I would be constantly stopped my excited school children and staff for selfies; but our guests were so accommodating and equally as excited about being involved with Children In Need, making for a really special day.  

15th November 2014

1Xtra Live, The NIA Arena, Birmingham

This was my first 1Xtra event since working in the Live Events team, so was a great opportunity to be introduced to new colleagues I hadn’t previously had the chance to meet. Some of the memories that stand out from our time in Birmingham were from our team nights out, both on our first night in the city, as well on our final night after the show when we were invited to Annie Mac’s night at The Rainbow Factory. 

21st November 2014
6 Music Celebrates Libraries, The British Library

During my time in the Live Events team, I was trusted to manage an event by myself for 6 Music, working as the Lead Event Coordinator. Broadcasting live from The British Library, Steve Lamacq and his team brought the show from the mezzanine level of the beautiful building, bringing with them DJ Yoda, who explored the library’s sound archives to make a brand new track with the samples he collected. As the Event Coordinator, it was my job to bring together the venue's events team, outside broadcast supplier, marketing team and production team to ensure everyone was sure and happy with the arrangements planned. It was a very smooth operation and sounded great on air, receiving a lot of support and great feedback on social media.  

11th December 2014

BBC Music Awards, Earls Court

As my apprenticeship drew to a close, the inaugural BBC Music Awards was my final event in the Live Music & Events team, but was certainly the ideal way to end the 15 months on a total high. This was by far the best event I have worked on throughout my whole apprenticeship and it’ll take something truly staggering to top it. With a sensational line-up including Ed Sheeran, Take That, Coldplay, One Direction, Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding and Tom Jones, you could not turn your head without catching one of the UK’s biggest music artists in your eye line. It was definitely at this event that I had the most pinch-yourself moments, especially when standing in the dressing room area to find myself surrounded by One Direction on one side and Chris Martin on the other! AND – What an amazing way to bring the event to a close and my apprenticeship to an end with a credit on prime-time BBC One television. 

18th December 2014 

My Last Day

So as you can see from all of these photos, I have had quite an adventure over the past 15 months working at some of the BBC’s biggest events, meeting some of my idols and favourite musicians, as well as making many amazing new friends. Very fortunately, I was able to share my last day with the Live Music & Events Christmas party. This team is made up of some incredibly talented and hard-working people who I completely admire and I hope I get the chance to work with them again very soon.

15th January 2015

Graduation!

Out of everyone I have met on my apprenticeship, it my fellow Production Coordinator apprentices I can guarantee I will be friends with for life. Balancing a new job with a huge amount of coursework was quite challenging at times, but just a text or phone call away we always knew we had each other to lend a hand of support. Add to that 3 amazing people we could not have done this without - our scheme manager, Maddy, and college assessors, Gilly & Suzz. Helping to find our next placements and supporting and guiding us with our college work from Day 1, they have helped us every step of the way and continue to do so even now that we have graduated. I think we would all agree that they were fundamental in helping us to achieve 100% on our qualification and continued to push us every step of the way. So a big thank you to them, as well as to everyone I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 15 months. 

BBC Production Co-Ordinator Apprenticeship - Placement #2

I finished my previous blog post at the end of my first placement on the Production Co-Ordinator Apprenticeship with ‘but the adventure must continue’, and wow, it certainly has! Soon after writing that post, it was confirmed that I had secured my dream placement.

I have always had a huge passion for radio and have always sought out opportunities to experience this industry as it is where I have always seen myself ending up in my career. From doing work experience at BBC Radio 1 at the age of 16, to volunteering at my local hospital radio station and even attempting my own radio podcast (yes, attempting is definitely the key word there), I returned to the location in the first point in that list. Yes, my dream had finally come true and on February 25th, I found myself walking through the doors of Radio 1 on the 8th floor of Broadcasting House.

Aside from my draw to radio, I have also always been interested in working in the world of events and events management. I touched upon this in a very small way at school, organising many of our Sixth Form events including our Prom, the school talent show, a Christmas party for a local school and a fundraiser to raise money for that party; and it was this introduction to events management that inspired me to seek more opportunities in an industry that I could see myself making use of my organisational head and attention-to-detail.

So, thanks to my scheme manager on the apprenticeship, I ended up at the absolute ideal placement for me. Radio + Events = Radio Events. And here I am! To give the team their deserved full title, the Live Music and Events team in Radio Popular Music. If you’ve ever listened, watched or even been to an event for Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, 6 Music or BBC Introducing, it would have been organised by the lovely team I am currently sitting alongside now as I write this. Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Radio 2 in Hyde Park, 1Xtra Live, The Teen Awards, 6 Music Festival – the list goes on and on.

One of the best parts about this placement has been the huge amount of trust that the team have put in me. I’ve been given a great deal of responsibility which I really appreciate and respect, and for that reason I’ve made sure I’ve put 110% into everything I’ve done so they wouldn’t regret it. So hopefully they haven’t!

Within the first days of this placement, I was already on a train to Manchester to work at the first ever 6 Music Festival. I was immediately thrown into a DJ and artist liaison role and loved every minute. Experiencing such a large event within my first days prepared me to understand the coordination and logistical process that goes into achieving the end result that I witnessed in Manchester, and helped me to know how to continue whilst working towards Radio 1’s Big Weekend – a project I have completely admired.

Two years ago when the team were organising one of their biggest events to date, the Hackney Weekend, I found myself at the Hackney Academy listening to a talk given by Neil Wyatt, the Live Events Manager who was heading up the event. I was completely absorbed in everything he had to say and now I can’t quite believe I’m sitting here two years on working with the same team on the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Glasgow. I’ve done a full loop, and as much as I enjoyed sitting on my sofa at home and watching Jay Z and Rihanna on telly playing the Big Weekend that year in 2012, I have absolutely no doubt that I will much prefer 2014 and I guarantee I will stand pinching myself when I see Coldplay in Glasgow. And even more importantly, as I run around in the mud on Glasgow Green chasing after artists to get them on stage, the thought of that sofa in 2012 will become an increasingly distant one.

One of the main projects I have been involved in is the ongoing BBC Introducing programme and I have absolutely loved it! It’s a fantastic scheme that supports unsigned and under-the-radar musicians – it’s an incredible opportunity for artists trying to break the industry, and from my perspective, an equally amazing scheme to work on. I have been involved in the organisation of the Introducing stages at some of the upcoming summer festivals, including Big Weekend, Glastonbury and T in the Park. I’ve been responsible for asking for recommendations from the local shows, sending these to a panel of presenters, producers and music experts for their opinions and then contacting the artists and confirming their availability once the line-up was chosen. I have also worked with the Introducing team to decipher to final running order at Big Weekend to ensure a variety across both days. The whole process was an extremely interesting and eye-opening experience, particularly because of my love for music and what better way to spend your day than by listening to a ton of new music! Of course, that isn’t all I do but I have spent the odd day here and there just browsing through the Uploader for some fantastic new music, which there is a huge abundance of out there.

I’ve also done a spot of writing for the BBC Introducing blog each week, listening to some more fantastic music that has made it onto the Introducing slot on the Radio 1 playlist and then writing about it. This job just gets better and better.

From working on 6 Music Festival, to Big Weekend in two weekend’s time, I’ve also been fortunate enough to work on Jo Whiley’s Sport Relief Challenge, the Radio 1 Academy, as well as looking ahead to Glastonbury, T in the Park and Radio 2 In Concert with Kylie this week!

With just days to go until I get on the train to Glasgow, the anticipation for the festival is building on the 8th Floor and across Glasgow it seems. Everybody is extraordinarily busy but also incredibly excited for the weekend and I feel truly inspired by the team I’m working with, with brains that can be best described as Big Weekend encyclopaedias! The creativity, organisation prowess and dedication of everybody working towards the event is admirable and I feel incredibly lucky to be doing my dream job surrounded by these people.

Onward to Glasgow!

 

BBC Production Co-Ordinator Apprentice Scheme - PLACEMENT #1

It may seem like I’ve completely abandoned my blog recently, and whilst this is slightly true, I’ve had a complete whirlwind six months that have distracted me, and fairly so!

Having spent night-after-night writing and tweaking my answers, I eventually clicked ‘Submit’, sending an application to the BBC for a place on the BBC Production Apprenticeship scheme.

After a long summer of waiting, an email shocked through my inbox inviting me to an interview at BBC Elstree. Having met so many talented and passionate people, I was beginning to doubt my chances but was grateful for the interview experience I attained.

Just a few weeks later, I was contacted inviting me to attend a second interview, but this time for a different scheme. My love of organisation and planning must have come through to the assessors, who recommended I apply for the BBC Production Co-Ordinator Apprenticeship instead.

“Would you be able to come to Broadcasting House on Thursday 15th August?”

“Sure, of course, thank you!” I immediately responded. Just seconds later, I began to question why this date seemed so familiar in my mind; of course, it was my A Level Results day. If one day wasn’t already stressful enough, I now had the added pressure of the most important meeting in my life so far.

BBC Broadcasting House

Less than a week after my second interview, I received a call offering me a place on the Production Co-Ordinator scheme. Shock, nerves and excitement thundered through me as I looked forward to the 30th September and the all-important first day.

Having already met some of my fellow apprentices at our interview, I felt at ease as soon as I saw a handful of familiar faces in the room. Quickly I began to mingle and meet all of my fellow apprentices. It wasn’t long before we were all smiling, laughing and on our way to the pub after work! Many friendships begun on that day and I know that I’ll hold them dear for a very long time.

Upon entering the BBC Academy at Elstree, I have always felt hugely welcome and supported by the amazing team that run the apprenticeships and training schemes. My scheme manager, Maddy, and scheme co-ordinator, Darren, have been incredibly supportive from Day 1, firstly for giving me this opportunity having read my application and interviewed me, as well as their ongoing help and support 24/7 during our training and whilst out on our industry placements. Having started this scheme fresh out of secondary school, I really do have Gilly and Martina, our scheme assessors, a lot to thank for due to the incredibly useful and insightful training they gave us to prepare for our placements in the TV and radio industries; I’m not quite sure what I would have done without it. The organisation that the whole team have put into planning every finite detail of our apprenticeship, from co-ordinating our training, finding our placements and assessing our evidence and coursework, has been fantastic and one of the countless reasons why I would recommend this opportunity to anybody with an interest in working in the media.

I’m now coming to the end of my first placement and the 3 months have completely shot by; but time flies when you’re having fun. BBC Music Television was an ideal first placement for me and I’ve had the opportunity to work on some incredible shows that I’ve grown up watching. Top of the Pops and Jools Holland’s Hootenanny are iconic British TV shows that I feel very fortunate to have worked as a runner on. The experiences I had in December at these two programmes were made by the very intelligent, organised and talented colleagues around me, as well as by the guests and presenters I was responsible for looking after. They say that you should never meet your idols but I’ve certainly met some of mine in the past three months and will cherish the memories of meeting such genuinely lovely and interesting people.

Jools Holland Hootenanny

Another highlight from my time at my first placement was achieving my first broadcast credit as a Production Team Assistant on Sir John Tavener Remembered, a documentary shown on BBC4 on New Year’s Eve. There’s no greater buzz than seeing in the New Year celebrating the hard work you put into a programme.

One of the reasons I have loved BBC Music Television is the variety of roles I’ve been able to take on. As a Departmental Production Management Assistant, I’ve been very fortunate to have a role that oversees the whole department with the opportunity to work on all sorts of productions and projects. From BBC Learning, to Classical Music documentaries, Entertainment Music documentaries and larger Popular Music shows, my experience here has always been diverse, interesting and full of different challenges and opportunities to learn.

The iconic Top of the Pops sign

My colleagues here have always been supportive, helpful and willing to teach me and give me opportunities to learn and develop myself and I can’t thank them enough. I’ll be keeping in touch with many people here and will miss them when I’m gone.

But the adventure must continue – but where will I go next? My second placement is nearly here but still TBC. Watch this space!

A year on... Is Grimmy the just successor to Moyles?

“So, er, this is actually happening.”

Nick Grimshaw’s uneasy first words reflected the reluctance of the nation, who listened in anticipation on Monday 24th September 2012 to hear the voice of the next generation of the breakfast show.

The latest RAJAR listening figures, however, reveal that many of Chris Moyles’ older listeners may have not been as pleased with his replacement. From 6.73 million listeners when Moyles left the breakfast show, the 6:30-10am slot has faced a slight decrease to an average audience of 5.9 million.

It is considered that some devoted fans of ‘The Chris Moyles Show’ may have switched their allegiance to Radio 2. The station’s flagship morning show, fronted by Chris Evans, has swelled in support with almost one million extra listeners, allowing Radio 2 to extend their lead as the UK’s most popular breakfast radio programme.

Nevertheless, Grimmy’s introductory figures stand side-by-side with Moyles’, who started the Radio 1 Breakfast Show in 2004 with 5.93 million listeners; just marginally higher that Mr Grimshaw.

So it’s not all doom-and-gloom for the 28-year-old from Manchester.

Ben Cooper, controller of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, will be particularly pleased with the effect Grimmy has had upon introducing nearly a quarter of a million extra listeners in the 15-24 age bracket within his first three months as the breakfast show host. A recent BBC trust document had outlined Radio 1’s need to lower the station’s audience age profile, which the placement of Grimshaw has certainly accomplished.

Research has found that over the past five years radio listening among 15-24 year-olds has fallen by 16.9%, with Grimshaw’s dramatic spike in listeners from this age category proving to be a meaner feat than originally considered.

In a world where radio is no longer the only source of new music, teenagers tend to turn to online sources to access the music they want, but Grimshaw’s chat, funny features and celebrity guests appear to have enticed listeners ahead of these online competitors.

In fact, the ‘Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw’ currently holds the highest proportion of 15-24 year-olds in any Radio 1 breakfast ratings for three years.

Veteran Radio 1 listeners who were discouraged from tuning in due to the apparent desired cull of older listeners could have been deterred even further after Grimshaw’s highly-speculated first song, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s ‘N***as In Paris’.

Grimshaw’s audacious charm shone through this decision, ignoring any inner obligation to conform by playing a more BBC-friendly track; Grimmy says himself: “the ruder and cruder the lyrics, the better. Obnoxious hip hop is my favourite genre.”

Grimshaw’s bold selection represents his connection with the intended young demographic and his true love and devotion to music.

Following a long stint on the prestigious 10-till-Midnight slot, playing his favoured current artists and trendy-tracks alongside best friend and DJ Annie Mac, Grimshaw has had to become accustomed to a reduced sense of choice. Nevertheless, he has still managed to fill listener’s ears with an abundance of Jessie Ware, Aluna George and his personal favourite, One Direction.

Within his first show, Grimmy name-dropped the boy-band a grand total of 23 times, as well as continuously referencing Harry Styles, who he is repeatedly snapped with by the paparazzi on the celebrity party circuit.

There is no doubt that having Styles as a close companion will irrefutably attract teenage listeners, particularly females, with whom this ‘1D’ star is the figure of their infatuation as the UK’s current teen-heart-throb.

As a friend-to-the-stars, Grimmy’s phone book is a list of the country’s elite with models, Kate Moss and Agyness Dean, joining Lily Allen, James Corden and former flatmate, fashion designer Henry Holland, as potential victims of his most popular radio feature ‘Call or Delete’.

Who would have thought that the most efficacious and creative item of one of the biggest radio programmes in the UK would come in the form of a practical joke?

The feature suffered unnecessary criticism, however, in light of the Australian DJ prank-call scandal, despite the “rigorous editorial procedures around the use of hoax calls on air” that a BBC spokesperson outlined. Nonetheless, the show took a minor hiatus in the wake of the death of Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who took her own life after revealing medical details about the Duchess of Cambridge to Australian radio presenters.

The respectful decision is likely to have derived from Grimmy’s faithful production team, who are undeniably, the secret of his success.

The reliability and resourcefulness of Grimshaw’s ‘breakfast clique’, which includes producer Matt Fincham, assistant producers Ian Chaloner and Fiona Hanlon, and social media producer Laura-May Coope, enables the continuous output of an entertaining show with engaging features, impressive guests and amusing dialogue.

Left to right: Fiona Hanlon, Matt Fincham, Ian Chaloner, Nick Grimshaw

It is without hesitation that the team behind a breakfast show are of equal significance to the presenter in regards to the overall success of the programme. You must simply take a look at Grimshaw’s predecessor to understand the sheer magnitude that the supporting voices on the show can have.

The Chris Moyles show became renowned for its prominent zoo-format that combined the participation of multiple contributors, including sidekick Comedy Dave, newsreaders Dom and Tina, producer Aled, plus assistant producers, a role which Fincham previously held.

It was initially envisioned that, the transformation of the breakfast show would include the removal of this format, a particular wish held by Ben Cooper. Within the first few weeks, this was somewhat apparent, but Grimshaw’s familiarity with having another agent, whose contributions he could deflect from, became increasingly evident.

Similarly to his predecessors Moyles, Evans, Sara Cox and Zoe Ball, Grimshaw also has a wealth of experience in television. The introduction of his voice to people’s mornings will not be too unfamiliar, with many acquainted to hearing his Northern tone at sunrise when watching T4 and Freshly Squeezed, which Grimmy fronted between 2007 and the shows’ culminations in late 2012.

It seems that the RAJAR statistics highlight an even further increase of younger listeners to Radio 1, with Channel 4’s teenage morning audience redirecting to Radio 1 to follow Grimmy since the axing of T4 in December 2012.

There can be no denying that Moyles was one of the most talented and passionate radio broadcasters of his time, but like all things, everything must come to an end. There could have been no better substitute than Nick Grimshaw, who has embraced the role with observable dedication and a great hunger for the entire industry.

To a station that has faced a bout of negative coverage in the media in recent months, Grimmy is a breath of fresh air and evidence of a strong and lengthy future for Radio 1.

The BBC at Festivals

With a breadth of media outlets attending the UK’s festivals each year, there is one broadcaster who stands in the forefront with the greatest presence at the country’s summer events. As one of the largest broadcasters in the world, the BBC is representing the British media worldwide, with their coverage of such events providing overseas viewers with a sense of our first-class festivals to rival the European and US counterparts like Snowbombing and Coachella.

As summer is fast approaching, the impending festival season is becoming increasingly anticipated, as it does year upon year. It is with no doubt that most of us will be unable to attend all of the festivals we wish to, resulting in relying on television, radio and online sources to provide us with all of the excitement from the events.

Over the upcoming four months, the BBC will bring us coverage of four of the top UK festivals, including what can arguably be described as the ‘Power 3’ of festivals.

Glastonbury, T In The Park and Reading & Leeds festival are undeniably three of the biggest music events of the calendar both in size and popularity. With multiple stages, there is something for everybody, with the BBC’s broadcasting outlets providing a sense of this.

In 2013 and post-Olympics Britain, the technological availability and advancements that the BBC are open to has allowed for an increase in output, which these festivals will make use of.

BBC Online was subject to a vast expansion in 2012 in order to show numerous events at the London Olympics. These capabilities will spread to this summer’s Glastonbury Festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset from 26th to 30th June, with plans in place to have cameras streaming live footage on its digital media players throughout the entirety of the weekend.

A statement released from the BBC at the start of the year by then Acting Director General, Tim Davie said, “[Our] ambition this year is to offer music fans unprecedented coverage of live music.”

“On desktop, mobile, tablet and connected TVs, we will bring BBC audiences closer to the music they love by offering a full performance or festival-goer experience for those who can’t be there.”

Not only do the BBC deliver content to viewers, they also deliver in providing festivals with highly sought-after performers. The ‘BBC Radio 1 & NME Stage’ at Reading & Leeds Festival as well as T In The Park is a renowned attribute of the festivals’ line-ups, presenting attendees with an abundance of the artists that listeners are accustomed to hearing every day on Radio 1. Fans of Bastille, Skrillex, Alt-J, Jake Bugg and BBC Sound of 2013 winners, Haim, will be pleased to see such acts at Reading & Leeds on the Radio 1 & NME Stage on the weekend of the 23rd – 25th August.

The long-standing BBC Introducing scheme also comes alive during festival season, with Reading, Leeds and T In The Park holding a stage specifically for the programme, which seeks to highlight and support under-the-radar artists into the public eye.

The BBC’s festival coverage will all commence on in the last weekend of May, when Radio 1 take their annual Big Weekend to Northern Ireland. This year the event will take place in Derry-Londonderry and for the first time, the festival will consist of three days of music starting on Friday 24th May. Olly Murs and Two Door Cinema Club are the only acts announced so far, with the rest of the line-up being announced at the start of May. All we do know is that the Main Stage will focus on dance music, with other stages being run by Radio 1’s sister-station, 1Xtra, and In New Music We Trust.

From delivering a vast extent of coverage of the summer’s hottest festivals, to organising their very own, the BBC are the leaders in supplying the nation with the musical highlights of the year. Without them, we would be left very out of pocket in our quest to experience the musical moments that they manage to deliver to our eyes and ears through the media.

Britain vs Europe - The Battle of the Foreign Festivals

As 2012 draws to a close and we reflect on the year, it seems that the UK has really shined in terms of cultural events. It goes without saying that not only our nation, but nations across the world, have gathered to watch the UK this year more than ever – the Brits really know how to do it best.

The London 2012 Olympics have been acclaimed and praised, with many saying that it is the greatest Games ever. Not only was the organisation of the events at the Olympic Park a roaring success, but also that of our British Olympians, with a marvellous medal haul of 65 in the Olympics and a triumphant 120 in the Paralympics.

Shortly before this was of course the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in June. As a country we were reminded of the prestigious British title that we all so proudly adorn, taking delight in the spectacle of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, whereby over 1000 boats assembled around the centrepiece of the Royal Barge, whilst the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh sat in their velvet red thrones. However, cast your mind back to this very day – whether you stood on the bank of the Thames or watched the BBC television coverage, one element that will certainly be remembered is the terrible, yet typical, British weather.

Of course, it was an extra-long Bank Holiday, and it would not have been the same without a downpour, but is it occasions like these that are transporting our British festival go-ers abroad?

Whether it’s Ibiza Rocks or Mallorca Rocks in their respective destinations, or perhaps Sonar or Benicassim in Spain, you can be guaranteed that the sun will be shining upon your weekend of live music, which of course seems much more desirable than a boggy, flooded field in Somerset.

Glastonbury Festival is renowned for the climate that seems to attack it year upon year. As the festival took a fallow year in 2012, the rotten weather had to be passed on to a festival peer, with the Isle of Wight Festival taking the brunt. Across the weekend of the 21^st to the 24^th of June, Seaclose Park in Newport became waterlogged with the torrential rain that had battered it, turning the park into what can only be described as a mudbath.

Isle of Wight campsite: Tents surrounded by thick mud

Isle of Wight Festival: Tents floating on flooded water

Some people may not be too fussy about rain hammering down whilst watching their favourite bands; after all, in a packed crowd only your head and the top of your shoulders will get wet! However, it is the camping element whereby the European climate can be a clincher. The photos from these flooded festivals show tents almost floating upon the surface of the water, with attendees waging through mud and knee-deep puddles to escape from the campsite. Travel to Spain or the Canary Islands and the weather is much more camper convivial.

Hannah Jacques, winner of BBC Radio 1’s Superstar DJ Competition 2012, won the chance to open up Radio 1’s legendary Ibiza Weekend at the iconic Ushuaia Beach Hotel, and therefore knows a lot about the attraction of foreign festivals. Hannah says the thought of the chance of rain nowadays is something that would put her off attending a British festival.

“I am not one who can sleep in a muddy tent, and if I am cold and wet I know I can’t enjoy myself no matter how drunk or how good the artist is!”

“The thought of going away to a summer festival abroad does really appeal to me. The fact that it would be guaranteed good weather takes away any worry.”

Hannah Jacques

Not only is the weather becoming an issue for British festivals, but also the price tag attached to their tickets. Glastonbury, V Festival, as well as Reading & Leeds have gradually increased their prices year upon year, with the 2013 Glastonbury tickets burning a gaping £213 hole in a visitor’s pocket. With that comes an expensive train ticket and even more extortionate food and drink prices.

Although not all work out as cost-effective, some European festivals can work out cheaper, allowing for the equivalent festival experience with a summer holiday abroad also included. Benicassim tickets for 2013 cost just £130, with the cheapest return flights for these dates from London to Barcelona costing just under £80 with EasyJet, leaving just enough money to spend on a pint in the park to equal out the cost you would have spent on your Glastonbury ticket alone!

For some, the pull may not be in the weather, nor in the price, but the line-up itself. Whether it’s your favourite British band, US band or perhaps a European group, the festival bill will always be the biggest confirmation on whether to buy tickets for that gig. However, if you are willing to travel abroad to see your favourite band, DJ Hannah Jacques warns that you have to be prepared for everything else that comes with it.

“Foreign festivals would have lots of local people as support acts, so you might have to listen to lots of artists you don't have a clue who they are!”

Despite having the ultimate weather conditions for a weekend outdoors, the hassle of going abroad is not for everybody. Plus if you can't afford a flight to Europe, don't be worried that you're missing out completely. The Brits still know how to throw a party, with our festivals being just as good as any others. Some of the biggest artists from all over the world come to the UK to perform to packed out crowds, with both the performers and the fans returning year upon year, so the organisers must be doing something right to battle with the uncontrollable climate that they face.

"Is the youth-radio bubble doomed to burst?" It's a simple answer...

“Is the youth-radio bubble doomed to burst?”

It’s a simple answer – NO.

With the latest news of Chris Moyles’ departure from the Radio 1 breakfast show, the BBC station is being continuously mentioned in the press for its aging listeners. As recent statistics show that the average age of a Radio 1 listener stands at 32, higher than the target audience of 15-29, the press are quick to judge that Radio 1 must be doing something wrong in engaging a younger demographic, or that teenagers and ‘youths’ won’t be interested in the radio industry for much longer.

This couldn’t be more wrong.

Not only am I a huge fan of BBC Radio 1, but I’m a radio enthusiast with a dream to work as a radio producer in years to come. It could seem that my view is biased; however, I’m not the only one and there are plenty of other teenage, budding radio stars out there in the UK.

With so many new fresh opportunities being introduced to radio, the industry is going from strength-to-strength. 

Social media has a consistently growing role in radio. The use of Facebook and Twitter have an immense impact on the shows themselves, as well as giving immediate response and feedback to the stations, presenters and producers, which can be used instantaneously.

 

And vice versa; most importantly is the impact that radio has on the social networking sites too. By taking a look at the ‘trends’ on Twitter, once you’ve escaped the daily 1D and Bieber tweets, you can often find the names of artists being interviewed on Radio 1 and even more notably, artists playing in Fearne Cotton’s Live Lounge. By clicking on the link or hashtag, with some radio features such as the Live Lounge making use of this twitter feature, a feed of discussions and opinions of the show appear at once.

Twitter really comes to life during a media-frenzy. The X Factor, the Olympics and other key TV and sporting events always dominate the Twitter trending topics. On July 11^th, one of these media frenzies occurred as Chris Moyles stepped down from the breakfast show, with Nick Grimshaw being announced as his replacement. As a controversial media figure, everybody had something to say about Moyles’ exit, causing a stir as the UK’s top trend for most of the next 24 hours. Such a reaction would not come from a media ‘doomed to burst’; this proves just how popular radio really is.

Another sensation that radio has been introduced to over the past few years is the use of visual media. Surprising for a radio show, you may say, but every day on the Radio 1 website, you would be able to watch a segment or a feature streamed live on a video link on their homepage. The BBC Red Button has also been of frequent use to Radio 1, with a 52-hour, strangely addictive, live feed being used during Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave Vitty’s world-record breaking marathon radio show. 

A Facebook page, titled ‘We want The Chris Moyles show on the Red Button every day’, has just under 3000 likes, proving the popularity of making radio visual. Some people may argue that radio is just becoming TV, however visual radio is very different; the insight into the studio and the feeling of snooping into an unseen world is incredibly compelling, engaging and fascinating.

It’s not just the young radio enthusiasts who understand the enormous involvement that radio plays in our day-to-day lives, but also the artists who are played on the stations. Since Top of the Pops was taken off air, the need for artists to have their music shared to the country has been left to radio. Although it is necessary to create an interesting, attractive music video to be shown on MTV, the necessity to appear on the Radio 1 playlist is additionally significant.

Split into an A, B and C list, an artist’s weekly play count depends on their position in the playlist. A weekly playlist meeting with producers is the judgement day for musicians hoping to achieve a chart hit. The impact of Radio 1 on the chart positions of certain songs is extraordinary, so it is understandable that artists today become so motivated to achieve a spot on the list, as seen above with the tweet from pop group Scouting For Girls.

In the words of Radio 1 fanatic, Gerald Somers, “radio has a long way to go yet”. Gerald, who writes his own blog about Radio 1 news, said: “Radio is fun, interactive and becomes a companion in a strange sort of way.”

This idea of radio providing companionship is shared by even more radio enthusiasts, including Amy Byford, 18, and Maddie Faiers, 19, both from Essex. Maddie, a presenter on Keele University’s student radio station, KUBE, said: “Radio is an essential part of my daily life.  It provides me with the news, music that I love, as well as new music I may not know, entertainment, debates and company. I feel like the presenters are my friends!”

Amy said: “I think people take it for granted sometimes. Without radio, many people would get into their car for a long journey and not have a presenter talking to them.” As an aspiring radio producer, like myself, Amy continued: “Although it is a hard industry to get into, I believe that if you want something enough, you will be successful.”

Just like Amy, James Lewis from Bristol, has great aspirations for reaching his career goal. “My dream for the future is to present on BBC Radio 1. I am immensely determined to achieve this aim, and will stop at nothing to ensure that I, one day, will broadcast a show on Radio 1.”

The immense passion for developing a career in the radio industry is held by so many young individuals, making these positions so sought after, proving that the 'youth radio bubble' is continuing to grow.

A love shared by many teenage and student radio fanatics is radio's vast scope of creativity and the immediacy that allows for this creativity to be shared.

James continued: "The main reason that I love radio as a medium is that it is so immediate and therefore I can directly interact with listeners and improvise and change my show depending on how the listeners react. This lends radio a more personal feel that I think makes it a more two way experience for the presenter and listeners.”

Chris Quillietti, 17, a hospital and school radio presenter from Scotland, said: “Creativity is and always has been the life blood of the industry and I really enjoy working with energetic, creative and enthusiastic people. I love radio because of its fast pace, accessibility and how creative you can be.”

Oliver Dean, 16, from Milton Keynes, has been working at his local BBC radio station for the last 3 years and is a self-confessed 'radio geek'. Oliver said: "Radio has a piece of my heart. I don’t understand why more people don’t want to work in radio, I don’t think there is a better job in the world... getting to talk, play music and entertain millions of people for a few hours in a day. What could be better?"

A final thought comes from Luchina El Badawi, 19, from Guildford and presenter of the University of Plymouth’s student radio station. Luchina said: “It is just plain old fun. You get to have a laugh with the people you are doing it with.”

The newly redeveloped BBC Broadcasting House
 - ready for the next generation

Radio isn’t simply just a dying media for ‘greying listeners’, as a recent article in a Sunday newspaper suggested, but is a trendy and constantly developing industry. It is an industry that relies on creative, intelligent and passionate individuals, who spend hours putting together and broadcasting fantastic shows that continue to attract listeners, even viewers and many discussions on social media sites. There are many more individuals like this out there who are just waiting to get stuck in with the next exciting generation of the advancing radio industry.

Jessie J jumps into the record books

One of Essex's finest stars has this week become a historic figure of British music.

Following the release of her album 'Who You Are' last February, Jessie J has been topping the charts with singles from the album. Jessie's second single, Price Tag, as well as one of her most recent singles from the album, Domino, both reached the #1 position. Her latest single, 'Laserlight' featuring French DJ David Guetta, released from the Platinum Edition of the album, is now Jessie's 6th single to secure a top ten position.

The position of having 6 top ten singles from one album in the UK chart is one that has only been held by the elite: Take That, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Michael Jackson. As the first UK female to achieve such a feat, Jessie J is moving one step closer to becoming one of the UK's greatest musical success stories.

Jessica Cornish, as she may be known, has progressed a long way from her Essex childhood. Having held the #1 spot in 19 countries world-wide, totalling a staggering 11 million single sales, it is certain that the UK public aren't the only ones going crazy for this songstress. Her album has also sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide, with over 1 million in the UK.

Jessie J

Jessie's success stretches much further than many would expect. Having starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West-End production of Whistle Down The Wind as a child, before graduating from the BRITs school in the same class as Adele and Leona Lewis, Jessie has always been surrounded by success, which she has been to keen to share with others. Having written songs for US stars Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, including Miley's hit single 'Party in the USA', it is clear that she has been keen to pass on her talent and success.

Her desire to continue finding new talent has become more public in recent weeks after beginning her coaching role on BBC's new talent show The Voice. The format, which has been very successful across the world, has now reached the UK and has been proving popular in the weekly ratings. Sitting alongside Will.I.Am, Tom Jones and Irish rock-band The Script's Danny O'Donoghue, Jessie J holds her own as the only female judge. This Saturday will be the first of the live shows, as Jessie J continues to mentor and coach a group of artists she selected in the blind auditions. Having whittled her acts down to five in this weekend's battle rounds, Jessie is left with a range of talent, style and ages with her performers Becky, Cassius, Ruth, Toni and Vince.

Having begun work on a second album, I cannot imagine that the typical myth of a 'difficult second album' will be a term placed against Jessie J's name. Making Essex proud, we can expect and hope that Jessie's success can only continue to grow and strive.

Essex superstar spinning on The Voice

Brand new hit BBC One show, The Voice, whereby the four coaches sit with their back facing the performers, is proving to be a huge success.

After much popularity in the US, the UK version with coaches Will.I.Am, Tom Jones, The Script's Danny O'Donoghue and Essex's very own Jessie J, has been topping viewer ratings for the past three Saturday nights.

The Voice judges: Jessie J, Danny O'Donoghue, Will.I.Am and Tom Jones

If one of the four coaches wish to mentor the artist that they are listening to, they must hit the button in front of them to spin their chair around. If more than one coach turns around, they must fight it out with one another to make themselves seem more desirable and appealing to the performer, who will then select the coach they wish to work with. With just 10 places in their category, the coaches must be certain when listening to the artists that they wish to turn around and potentially work with them.

With just three weeks in to the brand new BBC show, Jessie has filled up 8 of her 10 available coaching places. With 18 number one singles across the world, two million album sales and a staggering 16 million single sales, Romford's Jessica Cornish definitely knows a thing or two about the music industry.

Although some might believe she is quite a newcomer to the music scene, Jessie has been writing her own music for many years, as well as writing chart-topping songs for the likes of Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys. When it comes to fighting for the acts that she wishes to work with, Jessie certainly throws all of this success and experience into her case to prove to the artists that she can help them to be just as successful.

One of the acts that was unfortunately passed by in the audition process was Essex's Shansel Huseyin. All four judges teased at the prospect of pushing their button for the 16-year-old operatic singer, who, unbeknown to the judges, had discovered her singing talent whilst imitating a Katherine Jenkins performance! Shansel, who reached the Grand Finals of Essex's Got Talent, has had no vocal training, yet managed to spark the attention of the four The Voice coaches.

Essex's Got Talent: Shansel Huseyin

It has been rumoured, since Shansel's audition was shown two weeks ago, that Will.I.Am has offered her a record label. Whilst nothing has been confirmed, it is certain that Essex holds a bundle of talent and shows like The Voice and The X Factor are a prime example of how people of all ages from the county are achieving such massive success.

Sport Relief Returns for 2012...

It's that time of year again when the greatest heads at the BBC are put together to create one of the greatest fundraising events of the year.

The event that alternates with Red Nose Day, or Comic Relief, every year, is back on Friday 23rd March, where the tele-marathon will begin. This will be succeeded by the Sport Relief mile on Sunday 25th March, whereby events will be held up and down the country, with the public being able to run 1, 3 or 6 miles to raise money for the charity. Essex's very own Olly Murs is one of the many celebrities taking part.

This isn't the only Sport Relief event that Murs will be contributing to...

24th March will see a special Sport Relief matinee show being held at London's O2 Arena, headlined by JLS. Olly Murs and Rizzle Kicks. Tickets are still available and all proceeds will go to Sport Relief.

Olly's hat-trick of Sport Relief events will be completed when he takes part in Lets Dance for Sport Relief. The BBC1 show returns this year on 18th February and will see Mr Murs performing alongside Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills. Another Essex appearance will also be made when TOWIE stars and cousins Amy Childs and Harry Derbidge perform. Other dancers will include Ulrika Jonnson & Angelos Epithemiou from Shooting Stars, DJ Tony Blackburn, comedian Omid Djalili and many more.

The show will also include performances from some of the biggest names in music including LMFAO, Tinchy Stryder, Will Young, JLS, as well as Brentwood's Pixie Lott.

To find out how to apply to take part in the Sport Relief Mile, please follow the link. Best of luck!

Essex Stars Hit The Desert!

Last month, nine of the country's biggest celebrities gathered together to take part in a Comic Relief fundraising adventure. In previous years, we have seen David Walliams swim the channel, Christine Bleakley jet-ski across the channel, Helen Skelton row the Amazon and who could forget Gary Barlow, Chris Moyles, Fearne Cotton, Cheryl Cole and other celebrities climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009. A new year brings a new challenge, and 2011 was the year of the desert trek...

On 21st February, the BT Red Nose Day Desert Trekkers arrived in Kenya to start their mission. Scott Mills, Craig David, Peter White, Lorraine Kelly, Ronni Ancona, Nadia Sawalha, as well as Essex's own Olly Murs, Kara Tointon and Dermot O'Leary have all now returned safe and sound after what was probably one of the hardest week's of their lives.

After five very long days in the scorching sun and heat, the nine celebrities were obviously extremely exhausted but also very proud of the gruelling exhibition that they had completed. Our very own Olly Murs said that he 'wasn't prepared' for the extreme heat that the celebrities had to face, saying that it was a much harder task than he had expected.

From interviews on the radio, it seems as if the group of 9 got on very well with one another, with no reports of arguments just yet! To find out more, tune into BBC1 tonight at 9pm to see the group as they trekked across the desert in Kenya.

Also, be sure to tune into the Red Nose Day show on BBC1 tomorrow from 7pm to find out the total that the group managed to raise. All the money that they have fundraised will go towards aiding blindness across Africa.

To sponsor the trekkers, please go to:
http://bit.ly/feM7LH

Essex Star Is A Hit for 2011

Essex girl, Jessie J, has been awarded with the prestigious BBC Sound of 2011. The BBC and Radio 1 are always looking out for the most promising new artists and the Sound of 2011 helps to find these artists for the upcoming year.

Jessica Cornish, who has already been awarded with the Critic's Choice Award at the upcoming Brit Awards, topped the list, with James Blake and The Vaccines taking second and third place. The list is chosen by experts in current and new music, with occupations that stretch from magazine editors to music critics, as well as radio presenters and respected bloggers.

In previous years, the 'BBC Sound of...' has been awarded to Ellie Goulding, Adele, Mika and Keane.

Having received this accolade, as well as the Critics Choice Award, there is no doubt that this Essex girl will have a successful 2011. Her album 'Who You Are' is sure to be one of 2011's biggest successes when it is released later in the year in June.

Watch this space for more Jessie J news - she is set to be one of biggest acts of the year!

Kara lifts the Glitterball!

Eastenders actress, Kara Tointon, lifted the Strictly Come Dancing glitterball last night after winning the show with dance partner, Artem Chigvintsev. Having consistently received the top scores each week with the judges, the actress from Leigh-On-Sea was a deserving winner of the hit BBC1 show.

After dazzling the judges and the audience with her rumba from the previous week, Kara received an almost-perfect score of 39 out of 40 from the judges, with Craig Revell Horwood failing to give the pair a score of 10 due to 'an illegal lift'. The other judges and professional dancers failed to see an illegal lift but Mr Nasty still failed to give the couple the perfect score that they deserved.

Despite this, Kara and Artem reached the final two and waltzed their way to the glitterball trophy! The waltz was the only dance that this loved-up duo had failed to perform but managed to amaze the audience, who responded with yet another standing ovation.

Following weeks of training with one another, Kara and Artem had developed a very close relationship, with Artem announcing in a previous week that he would wait until the show was finished to ask Kara out on a date. He felt that it would be too 'complicated' for the pair to be in a relationship whilst still dancing on the show. The pair shared a loving kiss at the end of the show, with their fellow contestants and the audience responding with a cheer!

Congratulations to Kara and Artem!

Essex star is the Critics Choice!

Jessie J is a local singer and songwriter and has been gradually rising to stardom! This week, the fantastic singer, whose fullname is Jessica Cornish, was awarded the Critics Choice awards at the 2011 Brit Awards.

This prize has previously been awarded to artists such as Adele and Ellie Goulding, who have both been tremendously successful after receiving the accolade. The award is given to rising artists who are tipped to have great success within the following year and into the future, so it is a great honour for Jessie J to receive the prize.

Having worked with B.O.B, Christina Aguilera and Chris Brown, this Essex girl is used to the music world and has plenty of contacts to help her to succeed within the industry. She has also worked with Justin Timberlake and he has even said that he feels she is "the best singer in the world right now".

This isn't the first success that Jessie J has had - she also wrote hit single 'Party In The USA' for American teen star Miley Cyrus. This shows that Jessie J has the writing talent to create even more hits in the future!

And awards do not end here for Jessie J! She has been nominated on the Long-List for the BBC's Sound of 2011, whereby music experts at the BBC handpick a selection of inspiring artists who have a lot of talent and a unique sound to succeed in the upcoming year. As well as this, I'm sure that this Essex girl will go on to be a star in the future, and will receive many more awards to add to her collection!