 | | The gang gets to grips with the BBC |
BBC Voices launched a project called the Radio Academy in the summer of 2006. Six budding reporters were given the chance to learn how to produce radio features on topics they felt passionately about. Summer, 17, from Stoke Holy Cross, Abigail, 16, from Thorpe St Andrew, Beth, 17, from North Walsham, Edward, 16, from Winterton, James, 16, from Wymondham, and Dan, 16, from Hellhoughton, make up the Academy. ASBOs and apathySince last summer, they have spent most of their school holidays producing more than 30 features for BBC Radio Norfolk, about life and the world around them. They wanted to show people that there's more to teenagers than ASBOs and apathy. "Too often adults stereotype teenagers," said Beth. The Radio Academy is the only scheme of its kind in BBC Local Radio. Now the up-and-coming presenters will get a chance to show what they've learned. On Monday, 7 May, 2007, they will take over the microphones at BBC Radio Norfolk to present their own programme. Open choice | | Taking some time out to reflect |
"They've all been fantastic," said BBC Voices producer Gary Standley. "We gave them a free hand on topics they could cover, and they have just got better and better as the year has gone on," he added. The Academy has been honing the talents of youngsters from a range of different backgrounds - who have been keen to tackle subjects close to their hearts. "I have gone to church since I was born and being a Christian is a really important part of my life because it gives me something to hold on to when times get tough," said Abigail. "Although I’ve been blind since birth and there have been many challenges, I’ve managed to come through," said Edward. The aspiring broadcast journalists have enjoyed working with others who share a love of radio and current affairs. "I've really enjoyed spending time with the other academy members. I think we are a diverse bunch of people and that leads to lots of interesting discussions and viewpoints," said Dan. Future projectsThe Academy's show on Monday is the first time they've taken over the controls in the studio for a full hour - but the confident team is already looking ahead to what else they can do. "I know we are going to undertake some different types of work in our next sessions. This is the real value of the Academy, giving us so many opportunities," said Dan. The Academy has impressed radio professionals who they've worked with. "They started the year as novices, eager to learn, but inexperienced. To have their own programme shows how far they've come and how hard they've worked," said Gary Standley. "After first meeting the gang a year or so back, I knew they'd have a great time with the Academy," said BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Stephen Bumfrey. "If there’s one thing I do envy them for it’s their confidence. I didn't really feel relaxed behind a microphone until my late twenties. I'm certain that, should they choose to do so, they can all look forward to a media career," he added. The BBC Voices Radio Academy can be heard on BBC Radio Norfolk on Monday, 7 May, 2007 between 6 and 7pm. Listen live via this site. | 
