The students had originally been tasked with producing an advert for the College to promote Higher Education courses, but the station was so impressed with the standard of their work, they have asked the students to complete a further 16 adverts for businesses in the local area to be played on their airwaves.
Robert Wilsdon, Assistant Head of Department for Business, Computing and Creative Industries at the College, explained more:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to put what they have been learning at the College into practice in a real-life setting.
“When the station requested more content to be developed, they commented on how the students’ output was of the same standard to that of a commercially-produced radio promotion.
“Their talent and professionalism are outstanding, and I am very proud of what they have produced already. This is a remarkable accomplishment for Hana, Josh and Benn. I am delighted their work is being recognised by industry professionals.”
The Coleraine BID launched its radio station in November as part of an effort to bring a new energy to the town centre. It is run by a number of experienced locals, who between them have 30-years of experience in the industry including local radio legends Denis McNeill and Alistair Nicholl who have been training the presenters.
The students have now been invited to the Coleraine studio to meet the team and undertake an interview live on-air about the work they have been doing.
Commenting on the experience so far, Hana said:
“Most of what we do in Performing Arts is on the stage, so this has been a great opportunity to branch out and do something totally different. I have really enjoyed it so far and I’m delighted they like what we have created.”
Hana’s classmate Josh added:
“Getting to use the recording equipment at the College has been really exciting and this is a great chance to add another string to my bow in terms of my portfolio. Being asked to develop more adverts has also been a massive confidence boost.”
Lastly, Benn, who is originally from Swindon but now lives in Carrickfergus, said:
“I have a lot of music that I’ve been producing, so this is a great chance for me to use it as well as learning more about the production and editing process. This experience has given me a fascinating insight to what my future might hold.”
Listeners can tune into Our Coleraine on 105.3FM or listen online at www.ourcoleraine.co.uk/radio until 24 December 2019.