London Branch
The chair of the London Branch is Sandy Warr.
If you would like more information on the Branch, please contact us.
The Committee
Sian Bennett (RadioWorks & Maple Street Studios)
Heather Davies (Unusual Productions)
Tim Dye (BBC Radio 2 & 6 Music)
Sarah Grun
Matt Healy (Freelance)
Jonathan Jacob (Global Radio)
Nick Jeffery (BBC)
Dave Johns (Freelance)
Talia Kraines (Bauer)
Phil McGarvey (BBC Radio 2)
Hannah Ratcliffe (BBC Radio 4)
Jess Ratcliffe (Triple A Media)
Neil Sloan (Wise Buddah)
Paul Sylvester (Absolute Radio)
Sandy Warr (Freelance)
Matt Wilkinson (Global Radio)
Latest News from the London Branch
London Event: Freelancing
Posted by London Events at 30 April, 2013, 9:11 am
Wednesday 22nd May 2013 | 6pm for 6.30
Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
Is freelancing the freedom to shape your own career or does it mean you can never say no again?
In an ever changing industry, many already freelance and many more are thinking about taking the plunge into self employment. Sandy Warr (Lecturer, Consultant and Broadcaster), Lorna Clarke (Network Manager, BBC Radio 2 & 6 Music), Petrie Hosken (Presenter and Social Political commentator) and Dave Johns (Tax Accountant/Radio Programmer & Presenter) will be explaining the journey to becoming a freelance - from tax, generating your own brand and then getting work - while highlighting the pros and cons of being your own boss!
You can follow the event throughout the night on Twitter via @radioacademy and #RAfreelance.
Details:
Date: Wednesday 22nd May 2013
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start
Venue: Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
Registration:
Cost: members free / non-members £10 (inc VAT)
To register for this event, just click HERE.
Tickets for Radio Academy events are non-refundable, but may be transferred.
Did you know most people working in radio qualify for free membership of The Radio Academy via Patrons or as volunteers/staff of SRA, HBA and most community affiliated stations? Although registration is required, it's a relatively quick process.
Click here to see if you qualify.
Speakers:
Petrie Hosken - Presenter and Social Political commentator
Petrie began her career in broadcasting as a TV news reporter and presenter. In 1989 she became a defence correspondent and travelled the world covering the work of HM Forces. In 1993 she went to Bosnia as a reporter and was awarded a UN medal for her work there. Changing her specialism to finance she became a television anchor for DW TV and was based in Cologne and Berlin for more than 6 years.
In 2001 she became co-presenter of LBC 1152 AM's Breakfast Show and at the end of 2002 she joined CBS News as a Social and Political Commentator - a position she still holds. Reintroduced to LBC 1152 AM's Breakfast Show in 2006 she began working with James Hartigan. She co-hosted Drivetime on LBC 97.3 FM with James for two years.
Petrie loves London and all it has to offer (apart from the number 266 bus!) and is always ready for an argument. @PetrieHoskenLBC
Sandy Warr - Lecturer, Consultant and Broadcaster
Sandy teaches radio and presenting skills at City University on a range of Undergraduate and Masters Degree programmes and has worked as a presentation coach at media organisations including Sky News Radio, LBC and Al Jazeera.
Her broadcasting career has included spells as a political commentator, music presenter, sports commentator and even agony aunt at places like LBC, BBC 5 live, talkSPORT, Capital Radio, Smooth Radio and BBC Radio 4. She has won Sony Radio Academy Awards for presenting and commentary work. She regularly freelances for Absolute Radio.
Sandy also works as a media trainer for a number of leading companies. @sandywarr
Dave Johns – Tax Accountant/Radio Programmer & Presenter
When Dave left school he wanted to be ‘on the radio’ but his parents thought he should get a proper job so he trained as an Accountant specialising in taxation. He has worked in London for both media Accountants and international firms and, among his many achievements, Dave once got the teeth of a famous actor allowed for tax purposes! He has also run his own successful tax practice for 25 years.
In addition, Dave has worked in radio for many years, helping to set up new stations and most recently as Programme Controller and breakfast presenter of County Sound Radio in Guildford, part of the UKRD group.
Dave has a wealth of experience advising on self-employment with a particular interest in the media and says that although tax can be fun occasionally and helps to pay the bills, it doesn’t compare with the buzz and privilege of being on the radio each morning. @DaveJ1566
Lorna Clarke – Network Manager, BBC Radio 2 & 6 Music
Previously, Lorna was the Electric Proms Director and was responsible for establishing the innovative festival as one of the key musical landmarks in the UK’s live music calendar. Lorna's career began in 1983 in the newsrooms of BBC Cornwall, Radio Viking in Hull, Metro Radio in Newcastle, BBC GLR and World Service News. Lorna joined KISS 100 London in 1990, working her way up to Programme Director, which included a six month attachment as Development Manager for KISS 100 in South Africa. From 2002, Lorna was Head of Mainstream Programmes for BBC Radio 1 for five years, followed by four years as BBC Talent Executive. @Lornaatwork
Social Media in Radio – audio available now!
Posted by London Events at 26 April, 2013, 4:06 pm
Our most recent London Branch event, Social Media In Radio, was a fascinating and really useful evening. If you missed it, you can have a listen to the audio from the night right here!
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London Event: Social Media in Radio
Posted by London Events at 1 April, 2013, 10:00 am
Thursday 18th April 2013 | 6pm for 6.30
Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
***UPDATE: Audio from the event is now available - just click here.***
Tweeting, status updating, pinteresting or blogging.....
These days, there is a plethora of social media platforms available to radio stations - how can we best use these platforms to enhance what comes out of the speaker or does it even matter? Is social media the visual platform to the radio show? Does social media’s growth mean radio’s decline? How can we ensure that we don't get into hot water by keeping on the right side of the law?
Join the Radio Academy for another evening looking at the latest trends, examples and insights from the experts in social media for broadcast. Kevin Hughes (Showbiz Reporter, Capital FM) will be chairing the event alongside a steller panel including Jem Stone (Social Media Editor, BBC Music), Charles Ubaghs (Social Media Editor, Global Radio), Paul Chantler (Freelance) and Garret Keogh (Founder, Telegraph Hill).
We'll also be joined by Dan Biddle, Head of Broadcast Partnerships at Twitter who'll share his recent presentation fresh from the stage at Radiodays Europe.
You can follow the event throughout the night on Twitter via @radioacademy and #SocialMediaRadio.
Details:
Date: Thursday 18th April 2013
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start
Venue: Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
Registration:
**This event is now SOLD OUT**
Did you know most people working in radio qualify for free membership of The Radio Academy via Patrons or as volunteers/staff of SRA, HBA and most community affiliated stations? Although registration is required, it's a relatively quick process.
Click here to see if you qualify.
Speakers
Kevin Hughes - Showbiz Reporter, Capital FM
Kevin Hughes has over 15 years of broadcasting experience and is a freelance presenter and showbiz reporter for Capital FM. He blogs and tweets as @popprince
Dan Biddle - Head of Broadcast Partnerships, Twitter
Dan joined Twitter in 2012 and is responsible for the company’s broadcast partnerships in the UK. He works closely with broadcasters and production companies to effectively use the Twitter platform and create engaging content and events that bring audiences closer to the shows they love. Previously he was Editorial Lead for Social Media for BBC Vision and other credits include the BAFTA Award-winning social media campaign for the BBC Two series Virtual Revolution.
@DanBiddle
Paul Chantler - Radio Consultant, United Radio
Paul has worked in the radio industry for nearly 30 years as a presenter, journalist, producer, programme director and consultant. Among other things, Paul visits radio stations across the UK to teach presenters, producers and journalists about libel, contempt and compliance. He is co-author of three books; Essential Radio Journalism, Hang The DJ? (a guide to the law for radio presenters) and Twibel (a guide to the law for people using social media) the new edition of which is due to be published shortly. @PaulChantler
Garret Keogh - Founder, Telegraph Hill Social Production Company
Garret Keogh is a founder of Telegraph Hill Ltd, a social production company set up two years ago and delivering social media campaigns and content for a range of TV and Radio broadcasters including BBC1, BBC Three, Sky, Radio 1, 1Xtra, Asian Network and 5 live. The company delivered two successful campaigns to launch the Radio 1 Breakfast Show and it's campaign for Asian Network helped deliver an increase in Rajar numbers for the channel. The company also delivered ground-breaking social media integration for The Voice UK and are currently working with Radio 1 on the launch of this summer's Big Weekend event. @TelegraphHillHQ
Jem Stone - Social Media Editor, BBC Radio
Jem has worked for BBC Online for nearly 15 years as a product manager and editor, and focused for over a decade on features, policies and strategy for how users engage with BBC websites, programmes and each other. For the last 4 years he's been the editor of social media and syndication for BBC Radio working on how the national networks engage with listeners and fans away from the BBC and represent themselves on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere. @Jemstone
Charles Ubaghs -Social Media Editor, Global Radio
Charles has been part of Global since 2010 responsible for social media strategy, policy and social output across all of Global's brands. He directs Global's on-air and online editorial teams on the management of over 70 social accounts while also working on social initiatives across the rest of Global - including identifying and setting key social metrics for the business with the commercial and insights teams. He's previously worked as a music journalist (BBC, The Quietus, DrownedinSound) and a commercial social media manager for Marks&Spencer. @Cubaghs
Audio: All About The RAJARs
Posted by London Events at 22 March, 2013, 11:52 am
If you missed our last London Branch event, All About The RAJARs, you can have a listen to the audio from the evening right here!
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London Event: All About The RAJARs
Posted by London Events at 22 February, 2013, 11:28 am
Monday 11th March 2013 | 6pm for 6.30
Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
More than just random figures - what are the statistics behind the headlines?
The quarterly figures come out and we rejoice when they go up. But, when they go down? Well, we all have our excuses - “it’s a blip”, “the diaries went to the wrong people” or “it’s the sales team’s fault – there are too many ads”!
On Monday 11th March, a sold out audience packed Gibson Guitar Studio to hear our experts delve into the mysteries of RAJAR data. We had Matt Deegan (Folder Media) in the Chair and Lyndsay Ferrigan (RAJAR), John Shorter (Hallett Arendt), and Adam Bowie (Absolute Radio) to give us an insight into the facts behind the headlines and how best we can use the information.
The event really got people talking. Well, blogging at least. We'll have audio from the event up soon but, in the meantime, Adam Bowie has posted his presentation from the evening on his blog, in which he attempted to predict the future for radio using only RAJAR data and 42 slides. There are also great write-ups of the night by James Cridland on Media UK and Jack Allen at RadioWorks. Thanks again to everyone who took part!
Speakers
Adam Bowie – Head of Strategy & Planning, Absolute Radio
Adam has worked for Absolute Radio, and its previous incarnation as Virgin Radio, since 1996. Currently he looks after the commercial research interests of the station including RAJAR analysis, digital radio services and works with regulatory bodies such as Ofcom and DCMS. He sits on the RAJAR technical management group representing commercial radio and looks after the interests of Absolute Radio’s digital metrics, as well as conducting bespoke research for clients. Privately he blogs at adambowie.com. @adambowie
Matt Deegan – Creative Director, Folder Media
Working at The Radio Academy, bidding for FM and digital licences for GWR, then leading strategic projects at Classic FM, Xfm and Capital were all warm ups for Matt’s current job. Folder is a radio and new media consultancy firm with clients including NME Radio, UTV and the BBC. It also owns nine DAB multiplexes that will start to roll out to over ten million people later this year. Folder also runs the children’s station, Fun Kids, which last year won Digital Station of the Year and saw Matt nominated as Radio Programmer of the Year at the Sony Radio Academy Awards. @matt
Lyndsay Ferrigan – Research Communications Manager, RAJAR
Lyndsay studied for a Degree in Events Management in 2003. She first gained insight into the radio industry via work experience at Real Radio in Glasgow and was instantly hooked. She left sunny Scotland and moved to London almost 6 years ago. After five years of working in the commercial radio industry (talkSPORT) she joined RAJAR at the beginning of 2012. This new role is completely different and she has found it exciting to go from producing speech radio programmes at a national station to being responsible for all the press and PR of one of the biggest radio surveys in Europe. @lyndsayferrigan
John Shorter – Director, Hallett Arendt
John began his sales career at Border TV in 1972. In 1976 he moved to IPC Magazines working across a wide range of titles. He later worked at AIR Services selling radio to London and regional agencies. By 1979 John had joined TCS Media, planning and buying all media for major blue chip companies. John joined Hallett Arendt in 1989 as Marketing Services Director and his role now incorporates all aspects of marketing services for clients. He has also been instrumental in the successful development of the ECR and Octagon software programmes which enable Hallett Arendt clients to make the best possible use of their RAJAR data. @JohnAShorter
Producer: Dave Johns - Radio Programmer and Presenter, Radio Academy London Branch Committee
Thanks: Sound engineering services provided by Pete Freeman, APA Live Events Ltd; venue courtesy of Gibson Guitar Studio
Audio & photos: Poptastic! Tony Blackburn’s Life On Air
Posted by London Events at 8 February, 2013, 9:27 am
If you missed our fantastic London Branch event celebrating the 70th birthday of radio legend Tony Blackburn, hosted by Aasmah Mir, you can listen to the edited highlights from the evening right here!
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
London Event: Poptastic! Tony Blackburn’s Life On Air
Posted by London Events at 15 January, 2013, 5:15 pm
Wednesday 6th February | 6pm for 6.30
Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
Join us as we celebrate the career of one of our most loved broadcasters, Tony Blackburn!
From his early days on pirate radio, to being the first voice on BBC Radio 1 in 1967, Tony has always been somewhat of a pioneer, but after a (nearly!) 50 year career in radio, what has defined him for the public is his honesty, warmth, adaptability, and love of music. A much-loved household name, his career has spanned radio, TV and film and 
has even seen him crowned King Of The Jungle on I'm A Celebrity back in 2002, confirming his status as one of the UK's national treasures.
Sony Radio Academy Award-winning broadcaster Aasmah Mir asks the questions, in a warm, funny and upbeat session to start The Radio Academy's events calendar for 2013.
Details
Date: Wednesday 6th February
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start
Venue: Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
Registration:
**THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT**
London Branch Christmas Quiz: The Results!
Posted by London Events at 4 December, 2012, 3:42 pm
Last night saw the return of the legendary Radio Academy London Branch Christmas Quiz and what a fantastic night it was! We hope that everyone who came along had a great time.
Thanks to all who attended and to our quizmasters, markers and to APA Live for managing the audio on the night.
The winner of Heads or Tails was Kate Donaghy from Cameo Productions, who won a meal for four courtesy of our venue hosts, The Junction.
Special thanks to Sandy Warr, our London Branch Chair, who stepped in to host the quiz.
Congratulations to Sheena, Tom, Jamie, Andy and Matt from Magic 105.4. In the running for first place for the last few quizzes but, until now, never quite getting to the top. This time, they walked away with the much-coveted trophy!
How well did your team do?
1. Izzy Whizzy Let's Get Busy - 133
2. Quack Quack Boob - 125
3. This Is Noble - 124
4. Party Without Mark - 119
5. The Lost Boys - 111.5
6. The Sultans Of Sin - 101
7. The Capital Goldies - 98
8. Blaggers - 97
9. Quiz Akabussi - 95.5
10.= Quiz Team Aguilera - 93
10.= Quizzy Rascal - 93
12. Joel's Angels - 92
13. Cameo - 91
14. The Panda Bares - 90
15. Kid At The Controls - 89
16. Resonance 104.4 FM - 88
17. TYF Roy - 87
18. The Scope Creeps - 86.5
19.= Big Auditing Dynamite - 84
19.= JAZZ............NICE - 84
19.= Smooth Radio Team 1 - 84
22. Gin'll Fix It - 83
23. Jazz In My Pants - 75
Our friends at Radio Today have posted some lovely photos on facebook - go tag yourselves!
London Event: Christmas Quiz
Posted by London Events at 16 November, 2012, 4:22 pm
Monday 3rd December | Doors open 6.30pm | The Junction, 2a Corsica Street, Highbury, London, N5 1JJ
The legendary Radio Academy London Branch Christmas Quiz returns for more radio-based festive fun!
Bookings are open now for your chance to stun us all with your radio knowledge in our annual test of brain power.
We'll have the usual mix of music, general knowledge, radio know-how,and some seasonal silliness…
If you haven't thought about your Christmas Party yet, this might be just the ticket. So get your team together, pick your team name and join us for a fun-filled factfest!
Registration:
Cost: £25 per team (inc VAT). Maximum 5 people per team.
Tickets for Radio Academy events are non-refundable, but may be transferred.
Details:
Date: Monday 3rd December
Doors open: 6.30pm
Quiz starts: 7.30pm
Venue: The Junction, 2A Corsica Street London N5 1JJ
Thanks to everyone who came along to the Quiz, it was a great night and congratulations to winners Magic 105.4! Our friends at Radio Today have posted some lovely photos on facebook - go tag yourselves!
London Event: Visualising Radio
Posted by London Events at 14 September, 2012, 9:41 am
Wednesday 3rd October | 6pm for 6.30
The Gibson Building, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ
Young Britain's most popular music search engine is YouTube. With a visual angle becoming ever more important, how can music radio lead the way?
Joe Harland, Head of Visualisation for BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, and his team are at the vanguard and he’ll tell us how they do it.
Speaker
Joe Harland - Head of Visualisation, BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra
Joe started in radio as an independent documentary maker in the mid-90s, making music specials for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 before joining the Evening Session and then producing Jo Whiley from 2000-2002. Whilst there he introduced ‘cover versions’ to the Live Lounge and developed the brand into one of the world’s most important live music showcases, leaving the slot in order to bring Zane Lowe to the network.
Joe has worked with artists from Madonna to Metallica, even producing Eminem as a presenter along the way, and since 2010 has led the innovative Visualization unit for the networks. He and his team have created massive digital and visual impact with their work, from Ben Howard’s multi-million viewed Call Me Maybe to the unique Chris Moyles 52 Hour Special, and continue to pioneer new methods of working and fresh ways of reaching young audiences with both station’s extraordinary content.
Tickets
Members - FREE / non-members - £10. REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT.
Sound engineering services at Gibson Studios provided by Pete Freeman, APA Live Events Ltd
If you'd like to get involved with the London Branch please email us.
