From the ears of The Pips, what’s happened in the world of radio this week!
By Danielle Porter
Radio 1 says good bye to Andy Parfitt
After 13 years Andy Parfitt is hanging up his Radio 1 coat at the end of July. He will also relinquish the reins at Radio 1Xtra, the Asian Network and Popular Music.
He was appointed Controller of BBC Radio 1 back in March 1998, and has lead the station plus 1Xtra to record audience figures; Radio 1′s reach has increased to nearly a whopping 12 million listeners a week! So Andy can leave the station on a high.
His tenure has brougth a lot of changes most notably to me personally was ousting of Jo Whiley from her afternoon slot, who has since moved onto pastures new at Radio 2. They still have some relative old timers for Radio 1 standards with the likes of Chris Moyles and Scott Mills, who still bring in the listners in droves. But there’s a whole throng of young talent emerging from Dj’s such as as Fearne Cotton, Greg James, Annie Mac, Nick Grimshaw and early breakfast presenter Dev. Is the overhall complete? And who’s for the cull next? So many questions and I don’t possess any of the answers.
Where will Parfitt go? Well one thing’s for sure- He won’t be short of offers, being hugely well respected within the industry with an impressive track record.
Grants Available between £500 – £1500
I was parousing the tinterweb and came across this useful site from In The Dark. They are comissioning and investing in the best new crafted documentary features from around the world.
The Sound Bank scheme is offering funding of between £500 and £1500 towards the production of new audio pieces of 3 to 15 minutes duration each. Recipients of the scheme will also be allocated a ‘mentor’ to help with the artistic, editorial and practical realisation of their idea. The finished works will feature at In The Dark events and online. In addition In the Dark offers to promote winning commissions, liaising with broadcasters, webhosts, festivals and competition-holders across the English-speaking world.
An independent jury of radio enthusiasts chaired by Nina Garthwaite will award up to four grants. The scheme is open to all – first-time producers and students, migrants from other arts and media as well as experienced radio professionals seeking the opportunity to attempt something bold and adventurous.
The deadline for your proposals and show reels is the 15th of September. For more information check out their site In The Dark
Get some money, for doing something that you love. GOOD LUCK!
Community Radio
Bolton FM Awards
In June this year Bolton FM celebrated their second birthday and to keep the party going on Friday the 22nd of July they had their inaugural awards ceremoney -a pat on the back to their devoted presenters. The top two gongs went to Mark Daniel, who won the coverted ‘Best Presenter’ prize and the ‘Listener Award’ voted by you, went to the Mid Morning show. Well done guys. To find out more about Bolton FM just visit their site Bolton FM
The Pips Choice
My ears went a seeking this week to find something new to tantalise my ear buds and I came across Unity Radio based in Manchester. It’s fresh, Urban and kicking! – How old am I? I’m probably not their target listener but I was hooked as soon as I hit the dial. Again it’s community radio, they claim to be the best station in Manchester, I wouldn’t give them gold but their’s something highly addictive to their output. Obviously you will need to like the music, and the quality of the presenters does vary but its undoubtaly the DJ’s energy that makes me feed on their buzz – I love it! Especially the 45min mix on Drive Time. (Latest interviews you can here on their site – Stephen Marley and DJ Fresh) Unity FM
Coming up on The Pips
This week you can hear the The Pips talking to David Garrido, current reporter and presenter at Sky Sport, with his past life at Talk Sport.
Final Thoughts
The Pips would just like to acknowledge the huge talent that was Amy Winehouse, who filled our airwaves with great music. RIP AMY.
If you have a radio story please email us at info@thepips.co.uk