A local commercial radio station has tapped into Forth Valley College’s talented team of media lecturing staff and students to help enhance their range of on air presenters.
Forth Valley Radio has recognised the wealth of talent available at FVC and has welcomed some of the exciting next generation of broadcasting professionals, which are developed each year at the College’s Stirling Campus – especially through FVC’s bespoke broadcast platform Connect Forth.
The Tillicoultry based station has also given FVC Creative Industries Lecturer and former experienced radio presenter Gavin Orr, the opportunity to enhance his skills with a presenting slot, and he can’t wait to pass on his new knowledge to his eager students.
Steve Mac, Co-Owner Forth Valley Radio, said: “Forth Valley Radio would like to say a massive ‘Thank You’ to everyone at Forth Valley College for the voluntary work they have carried out in the development of three of our presenters: Janie Stevenson, Claire Buchanan and Sam Loaiza. It’s just fantastic to think of the link we have formed between the College and the Radio Station. We hope that other students follow suit and take the opportunity to become involved with an industry that is on the way up. From gaining skills, knowledge and experience at the College radio station to training and then presenting your own ‘Radio Show’ on ‘Your local Radio Station’ is some achievement, so again I thank you.”
Gavin Orr, who also helps to coordinate and facilitate FVC’s Connect Forth Radio station, said: “I initially got involved with Forth Valley Radio to forge links between the College, Connect Forth Radio and industry….mind you it didn’t take too long to convince me to get back behind the microphone - Steve Mac is very persuasive!
“The link that both radio stations are forging is growing and I am so proud that current and former students are thriving across both platforms.
“As for me, I’ve found a spark being back on air again. Being involved within industry keeps me relevant and up to date with my own delivery and my re-ignited passion has definitely transferred back into the radio studios at the College. Being involved with Connect Forth Radio and presenting on Forth Valley Radio is very beneficial and the student and listener reaction is worth it.”
Samuel Loaiza a second year HND Media and Communications student and Connect Forth Radio Steering Group Member, presents the Friday Evening show from 6pm-8pm on Forth Valley Radio. He said: “As soon as this opportunity was mentioned to me I knew I wanted to jump on board. Going from learning about radio at the college straight into having my own radio show to put on my CV was really exciting. And now that I’m here, I couldn’t have imagined how much I would learn, but also how fun it would be! It’s been great getting to know the other presenters too and learning from their experiences. I’d highly recommend any other student in college or university to try something like this if they can, because really nothing tops learning in a 100% real and functioning radio studio.”
Janie Stevenson, is a student on the second year HND Media and Communications course and also a Connect Forth Radio Steering Group Member. She is also a Saturday Breakfast Club Co-Presenter/Producer (7am-10am) on Forth Valley Radio. She said: “Last year I wanted to get some experience in the media industry and that ended up being with Forth Valley Radio. I thought I was going to be behind the scenes but on the first day I ended up going live on air.
“Now eight months in I am behind the desk and keep us live, and way more confident - so I am no longer just saying a couple of words at a time. Being on radio was something I never expected to do, but now it’s something I look forward to each week and has helped me gain amazing experience to get into the industry.”
Claire Buchanan a FVC Digital Media Graduate presents the Thursday Evening show between 7pm-10pm on Forth Valley Radio. She said: “During my time studying Digital Media at College and university I always took a special liking for radio and audio work. I graduated during the first Covid lockdown so I knew it would be difficult job hunting in the media field and very reluctantly put a hold on looking for further experience in radio and audio.
“My former lecturer Gavin Orr got in touch in August 2021 telling me about Forth Valley Radio and it sounded right up my street. It was local, had a great bunch of people involved and allowed me to be creative with radio again. I started my weekly show on Forth Valley Radio in September and it’s the highlight of my week, every week. I present the Thursday evening show every week at 7pm and it feels so great to sit down for three hours and just have a great time with the listeners and share conversation about music, news and just have a bit of a laugh. Forth Valley Radio is a great wee station with such a wide variety of music, voices and topics and I feel grateful to be part of the team.”
Connect Forth Radio content is mainly produced via the wide range of media students from BA Digital Media, HND Audio Visual and NC Media cohorts who will offer a mixture of music, news and pre-recorded documentaries, dramas, interviews and feature packages.
Connect Forth offers impressive radio, video, social media and online platforms under a striking newly designed brand and will be using these to promote and enhance the new live radio broadcast stream. It is integrated with academic study within the media department while also offering extra-curricular opportunities for students across the college.
Complete with a full management, social media and production structure – as would be found in any industry media organisation – Connect Forth offers Media and Creative Industries students the opportunity to apply for management and production roles to create the perfect content which can be broadcast to the full Forth Valley College student and staff body.
All previous student management teams have been instrumental in helping the station to take the next step forward and leave a legacy for future students to improve upon even further. They have been fully supported and mentored by the Creative Industries Media Team and this year’s cohorts will be no different.
For more information visit the Connect Forth website https://www.connectforth.forthvalley.ac.uk/
