Audio documentaries on the renovations at Delapre Abbey, the decline of town centre shopping, the benefits of dance on physical and mental health and the rise of pickleball are being aired on a community radio station as part of a project showcasing the work of journalism students at Northampton College.
The six-week collaboration has seen first-year students on the Level 3 Multimedia Journalism course produce a wide range of stories for NLive Radio.
Working individually, students were challenged to develop original short features suitable for broadcast on the station’s regular programme, Undiscovered Northampton. Each student conceived, researched, planned and produced a professional quality feature, incorporating interviews, scripted narration and carefully selected audio elements designed to meet industry standards for broadcast.
The project encouraged students to explore stories with a strong local focus, resulting in a diverse and engaging range of topics. Features covered grassroots football clubs, the Northampton music scene and even a look at the work of local Morris dancing groups.
Throughout the project, students worked closely with NLive Radio Station Manager, Rebecca Steers and Assistant Station Manager, Andy Durrant, who provided professional advice and guidance to help shape their ideas and refine their production techniques. Students also visited the station’s studios, gaining first-hand insight into how a community radio station operates and witnessing a live broadcast of the very programme they were creating content for.
Year 1 Journalism Course Leader, Andrea Hartle, said: “The collaboration provided learners with a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real industry setting, develop technical and editorial skills, and build confidence in producing content for a real audience. It’s a fantastic partnership we are continuing to develop with NLive Radio to give our students a real competitive edge in exploring employment opportunities within the creative media industries.”
Feedback on the completed features has been overwhelmingly positive from both teaching staff and the client. The students’ work will be broadcast on NLive Radio over the next two weeks as part of Undiscovered Northampton, which airs Tuesday to Thursday between 10am and 1pm.
For more information about courses available at Northampton College from this September, visit www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk
