Budding broadcasters chosen for Class of 2017 following BBC Radio 1’s Academy in Hull
Ten young people from Hull have the opportunity to try their hand in radio and TV roles after being selected for the exclusive Radio 1’s Academy: Class of 2017, led by BBC Learning.
Published: 24 July 2017
We are thrilled to offer these amazing opportunities to the Radio 1’s Academy Class of 2017. It’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy in the city that’s been our home for the year
For the first time ever, ten recruits aged between 16 and 24 were chosen from a competitive shortlist by BBC Learning during Radio 1’s Academy in May following rigorous interviews and a group exercise.
Between now and the end of the year, the Class of 2017 will receive bespoke career advice, tailor-made training from industry professionals, work experience opportunities, visits to key BBC buildings and facilities as well as the chance to develop new skills.
The selected young people - all of whom either live or study in Hull - are Sudeepa Bhardwaj, Alex Craiu, Gus Kadare, Shona Masson, Conor Ellis, Angel White, Olivia Rae Mounsor, Barnaby Teasdale and twin brothers Mark and Peter Hurton.
Providing a programme of such in-depth and specialised training is a first for BBC Learning and comes as part of Radio 1’s year-long residency in Hull during the city’s Capital of Culture year.
The recruits will be offered money-can’t-buy work experience placements and will contribute to the creative output of the BBC and other organisations in Hull.
Their first work experience opportunity came at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Some of the group worked with Artist Liaison, while others were based with the Broadcast team, Newsbeat and BBC Introducing.
Mark Hurton, 21, says: “I was shocked, surprised and excited when I was selected to be part of the Class of 2017 because it is an amazing opportunity to see how professional events work backstage as well as seeing and learning how TV and radio are made.
“My favourite moment so far was working backstage on the BBC Introducing Stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Hull 2017, assisting the stage crew move instruments and equipment on and offstage as well as helping to manage the dressing rooms and the backstage area.
“I am most looking forward to radio training at BBC’s Wood Norton radio studio to see how a professional radio station operates. At the end of this experience I hope I have gained a unique insight to how BBC shows and events are created.”
Shona Masson, 18, says: “Meeting so many celebrities and DJs at Radio 1's Big Weekend was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am really looking forward to learning more about the technical side to an industry I already love. I am hoping to learn more about the different positions available for someone working at the BBC and hopefully gain some useful contacts that may help me further my career.”
Other work experience opportunities for the Class of 2017 include the BBC and Hull City of Culture’s LGBT I Feel Love event in July, Radio 1’s Teen Awards and at BBC Humberside.
The Class of 2017 will also visit Media City in Salford for a tour and some ‘mobile-first’ filming before heading to the BBC training facilities at Wood Norton.
Dan Gooding, Executive Producer at BBC Learning, says: “We are thrilled to be able to offer these amazing opportunities to the Radio 1’s Academy Class of 2017. It’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy in the city that’s been our home for the year.”
KS
