We have begun our annual search to find the most exceptional young professionals throughout the radio industry. Now in its third year, the 30 Under 30 initiative is our way of recognising and celebrating the brightest talent under 30 working in UK radio. The final list aims to highlight those who are not just doing their job across a wide range of skills, but doing it brilliantly and to recognise superb ambassadors for the radio industry as a whole.

The final 30 will be decided by The Radio Academy’s independent panel of judges and announced at the Radio Festival in Salford in October. In previous years, more than 200 applicants have entered and we’re hoping for an even higher number of entries in 2013.

The 30 Under 30 is open to anyone who has been working in UK radio for no less than 12 months prior to 2nd August 2013 and who will be under 30 on the 1st October 2013. It’s free and very simple to enter. The deadline for nominations this year is 5pm on 2nd August.

Paul Robinson, Chair of the 30 Under 30 judging panel, said: “Membership of The Radio Academy’s 30 Under 30 is increasingly being worn as a badge of honour marking exceptional achievement in UK radio, whether behind or in front of the microphone. Whatever your role in radio, if you are under 30 I encourage you to apply this year.”

To enter, just click here and, in no more than 250 words, tell us why you or a colleague deserve to be in The Radio Academy’s 30 under 30.

Need a bit of inspiration?

Before you start writing your 250 words, why not have a listen to some of the podcasts about the 30 Under 30 here, which will give you a better idea of what the judges will be looking for. You’ll also find a .pdf of last year’s booklet, which should give you some idea what it takes to make the final 30.

Spread the word!

OK, how shall we put this? Maybe you’re not quite eligible for the 30 Under 30 anymore? Well, we know how that feels! But why not spread the word and encourage those disgustingly talented young people you know to enter. Or you can nominate them yourself. It’s entirely up to you. And, by the way – we don’t think you look a day over 31!

Monday 8th July | Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm| BBC Broadcasting House, Level 10, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RF

Ben Cooper in Conversation with Matthew Bannister

Ben Cooper (Controller, Radio 1 and 1Xtra) is tasked with winning a new, younger audience for Radio 1. It’s a great job but no easy task – dropping Chris Moyles, declining audiences and an almighty “ding dong” over Thatcher just some of the recent challenges. Ben talks about his vision with former Radio 1 boss Matthew Bannister, no stranger to controversy himself when he axed many of the old guard presenters back in the 90’s.

Details:

Date: Monday 8th July 2013
Time: Doors open 6.30pm
Venue: BBC at the Mailbox – Birmingham

Registration:

Space is limited and registration is required for this event.

Cost: members free / non-members £5 (inc VAT)

To register for this event, just click HERE.

Tickets for Radio Academy events are non-refundable, but may be transferred.

Are you interested in helping the Midlands Branch Committee?

Mike Owen, the current Midlands Branch Chair will be at this event and is keen to chat to any local radio industry bods about the events you’d like to attend and he’s also happy to hear about any creative ways you may have to make them happen.

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.

What a treat we have for you in this week’s RadioTalk! Tim Blackmore talks to the legend that is Johnnie Walker MBE.

In this revealing insight, Johnnie takes us through his life, including pirate, BBC and commercial radio, alongside his take on drink, drugs and the rock’n'roll business.

Warts and all, this is an interview not to be missed, and with someone who remains at the top of his game.

And, of course, the podcast wouldn’t be complete without another fascinating edition of David Lloyd’s Radio Moments. Happy listening!

Produced and presented by Tim Blackmore MBE and recorded at Unique Facilities London, with imaging from On The Sly.

Comments always welcome. Also available via iTunes.

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.

We hate to say we told you so, but have you noticed that big flaming orb in the sky this week…? Good, isn’t it?

Places are going fast, so hurry up and register your team for the only event that properly rewards a mis-spent youth of radio geekery – the London Branch Summer Quiz!

So get your team together, register and join us for the ultimate fun-filled factfest! Doors open at 6.30pm on Monday 8th July at The Junction, 2a Corsica Street, Highbury, London, N5 1JJ. It’s £25 per team, maximum 5 people per team. For more info and to book your place, just hit the website.

Me Me Me: How to create a compelling personal brand

It’s your last chance to book for Monday’s London Branch event where we’ll be asking: how important is it to have your own personal brand and how do you create one?

Join host Emma Barnett (Woman’s Editor, The Telegraph) and a panel of 30 Under 30 judges – Paul Robinson, Lisa Kerr and James Cridland – for invaluable advice on how to really stand out from the crowd and make your brand work for you.

Doors open 6pm on Monday 10th June at Gibson Guitar Studio, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London, W1T 1NJ. It’s free to members and £10 to non-members. For more info and to register, visit the website.

Radio Remembers

Every year at the Radio Festival we run a short presentation to remember industry friends and colleagues who have passed away since the last Festival (Nov 2012).

Is there anyone that you feel we should acknowledge from your station? If so, please email us with the following information:

- Name
- Company
- Position
- Date of Birth – Date of Death
- 2 x photos minimum – (high-res jpg)
- A short biog on their career

If they were on-air talent, please include a short audio piece (1-2 mins) if possible. We can also use video if appropriate. Don’t forget to give us your name and contact details too, in case further information is required.

Listen

This week’s RadioTalk is short but sweet, with more classic clips and news from the week in radio history in another brilliant episode of David Lloyd’s Radio Moments. Highlights include Noel Edmonds’ first breakfast show for Radio 1; Tony Blackburn’s first show for pirate Radio London, having left Radio Caroline; and a terrific clip of a 16 year old Scott Mills on Power FM, fairly bursting with enthusiasm. Happy listening!

Membership

Support The Radio Academy, get discounted rates for all our events and be the envy of all your friends by becoming a Member. You can sign up on our website for annual membership for just £25, but if you work for any of our Patrons it’s absolutely free! Just register with your work email address here.

Best wishes,

The Radio Academy Team

This week’s RadioTalk is short but sweet, with more classic clips and news from the week in radio history in another brilliant episode of David Lloyd’s Radio Moments. Highlights include Noel Edmonds’ first breakfast show for Radio 1; Tony Blackburn’s first show for pirate Radio London, having left Radio Caroline; and a terrific clip of a 16 year old Scott Mills on Power FM, fairly bursting with enthusiasm. Happy listening!

Imaging from On The Sly.

Comments always welcome. Also available via iTunes.

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.