Candidates for the Radio Academy Trustees election
The following candidates put themselves forward for election in January 2021 (voting is now closed).
Adele Cross
I’m proud to say that this year marks my 20 year anniversary at the BBC. With 2 decades as a programme maker under my belt from music radio to long form speech content, BBC TV to BBC Learning I’ve been given the chance to express my creativity, follow my passion, develop my leadership skills and contribute to this medium we love called radio. After coming through a tough year the audience has rediscovered a trusted friend in the radio but there’s more work to be done. As a founding member of the black women in production group I have been championing diversity and inclusion in all its forms across ethnicity, gender, disability, class and regionality; and have been doing so for years. As someone who is very much “on the ground” I enjoy offering support to many young and gifted hopefuls. The talent is out there. This year there is a spotlight on change and I am keen to be at the heart of any initiatives to see it through. It would be an honour to play my part as a Radio Academy trustee.
Alan Jarvie
I would like to be considered for the role of member of the Board of Trustees. I have been interested in (and loved) radio since the '60s. My first memories of listening to radio are listening to the offshore station Radio Scotland 242 and the launch of BBC Radio 1. Through the '70s I became more interested in the ILR stations, especially Radio Clyde in Glasgow, although my interest was nationwide. I had many hours of enjoyment of dx-ing for distant ILR stations in order to listen to their individual styles of presentation. I have been involved with internet radio for about 10 years and was involved with the set up of 242 Radio. Apart from presenting my weekly show on 242, "AJ on your Radio", I am involved in programme planning and production as well as conducting interviews with artists. I would like to become a Trustee as payback for all the enjoyment radio has given me in my life and put both my sales and marketing background and radio experience to use for the Radio Academy.
Andi Durrant
I’ve been lucky enough to work in radio since 1997 as a presenter and producer for Kiss, Capital, Galaxy and stations in Europe, Australia & America. I’ve tried to be a loud and positive voice for music radio in the UK, and fought to promote specialist content and new talent. I’m a passionate supporter of the Academy, engaging where possible and sitting on the awards judging panel. I’ve also been honoured to receive a few awards myself. I set up the Leeds-based independent production company This Is Distorted in 2013 and we’re now one of the world's largest producers of specialist music programmes, working with over 400 stations and making market-leading podcasts. I also have experience within exec boards, representing the media sector on the board of the Association For Electronic Music for the last 3 years. I love the Wild West times audio is in right now, and I hope my experience within both the commercial groups and independent sector would give me an interesting perspective.
Andrew Bantock
I've worked in radio for many years, mostly on the technical side of the business. I started at the BBC as a TO and now run my own studio and transmission consultancy serving the Commercial and Community Radio sectors. The recent pandemic has seen an increased reliance on the ability of engineers and technical support staff throughout the sector to keep things running under extreme conditions. I would like more representation on the Academy Board of Trustees for this vital arm of our industry which I believe has been side-lined in recent years. Although I now concentrate on technology, I have a wide range of experience having presented, produced and written for radio and audio programmes as well as having had a regular column in the old Radio Magazine writing about the technical side of radio. I've even been known to venture over to the 'dark side' picking up a TV camera or sound kit to see how the 'other half' lives! I would appreciate your support for my nomination.
Andy Coote
Currently Treasurer and Director of SourceFM. Experienced writer and marketer as well as radio presenter. Many years of business experience with large (B&Q and Texas Homecare) and smaller businesses. Self employed since 1997. I have been very interested in radio since my younger years and was a loyal Radio London listener in the 60s. Have watched the development of local radio both a the BBC and ILR and applied to BBC Solent and Radio Victory in the 80s before getting involved in business as a Systems Developer and Manager in big retail chains. In the 1990s, I was a sales person on the road and listened to radio wherever in the UK I happened to be. Involved in Hospital Radio (Southampton) in the early 80s and came back into Community Radio 8 years ago. I have a lot to offer. My age may count against me but my involvement would be active and my brain still functioons! I'd enjoy meeting and working with like minded individuals and a part of a team.
Becca Bryers
I’ve worked in audio since 2005, starting in live radio production at BBC Radio Leicester - followed by stints in station management, broadcast technology training, and now as an award-winning podcaster. I’m also the current chair of the BBC’s Next Generation Committee, which focuses on the needs of younger audiences. My first contact with the Radio Academy was winning a bursary pass to the 2014 Radio Festival. The following year I was back as a 30 Under 30 and I’ve attended every festival since then, as a session producer and a speaker. I’ve also attended the ARIAS as a nominee and volunteer (with crucial responsibility for the VIP party!). I’ve really appreciated the networking opportunities and insights these events have offered. I think industry access is really important and in joining the charity as a trustee, I’d hope to help the Radio Academy to continue identifying opportunities to support early/mid career content makers, particularly those who, like me, are not London.
Colin Slade
I have 50 years experience in Radio. Initially with BBC Local radio, then from 1974 commercial radio. I have served throughout my career as presenter, but also as programme controller and other management roles working at stations such as Hallam, Pennine, Wyvern , Orchard , Gemini, Classic Gold and Planet Rock. I have always had a skill for discovering and developing new talent. I am now officially retired, but continue as a freelance presenter at Radio Exe in Exeter. I am also experienced as a charity trustee having served for ten years on the Gemini Radio Charitable Trust board and am currently a trustee for 3 Local charities in Devon. I am a Devon County and Mid Devon District Councillor. I am Chair of the Devon Pension Board and at MDDC Cabinet Member for the Environment as well as serving as Mayor of Tiverton. All this I believe offers a unique package of experience of Radio as well as the charity and local government sectors, which would be of benefit to the Radio Academy.
Danny Lawrence BEM
I have been involved in radio for many years. and was chair of community media association till late 2020 I am an avid fundraiser and experienced at grant bid writing as well as well as giving advice to stations on funding pots having worked in local radio as a freelancer and now in community radio I have seen every aspect of the business I am also a development board member at city/guilds. involved in training and seasoned presenter. I first came in at my local hospital radio back in 1979 when at that time most of us getting our foot in the door was the only way! I have developed training schemes and accredited courses. as well as untap income that stations can develop. in this hard time for all finding ways of income and being different is the only way to move forward. I want to bring my own stamp if elected as a trustee to the Radio Academy. I was awarded the BEM by the queen in 2013 I have also been responsible for bids to training awards in broadcasting
Darby Dorras
Darby Dorras is an Executive Producer at Somethin' Else with a decade of experience in independent audio production. His current work includes Exec Producing BBC Radio 4 strands Gardeners' Question Time and The Kitchen Cabinet, Radio 4 drama, and Somethin' Else original podcasts including Out To Lunch with Jay Rayner. In the past Darby has made docs for Radio 2 and 4, produced audio for brands from Penguin Random House to The Economist, and was the launch producer behind the cross-industry Mental Health Minute initiative which made radio history in 2018, seeing Darby receive The Gold Award at The Audio Production Awards last year. He's also a 30 Under 30 alumnus and multiple APA/ARIA nominee. As someone with a physical disability (he only has one hand), Darby is extremely passionate about creating a more accessible and diverse audio industry. He's the founder of the Disabled People in Audio group, and the producer of the upcoming Radio Academy webinar focussing on disabilities.
David Harber
David Harber is a radio station manager with small-scale radio experience (TSAs of <350,000). A committed and passionate broadcaster, marketeer and station owner, he began his career aged 16. He won his first radio licence aged 22. He currently owns a multi-award-winning community station in Hampshire. An NUJ member and charity trustee, David plans to launch several new SSDAB services. He may be a notable radio nostalgist but he embraces the changes and potential that exist for the sector. The former Sony Radio Awards judge says, "The industry finds itself in an oddly difficult position where strong brands rightly win audience and revenues, while smaller operators just want to fight against the consistency of values and meaningfulness that actually makes radio a viable option to their prospective listeners.” David has been a lecturer in 'radio' at Bournemouth and Sussex universities. He has owned stations and sold commercial stations. David has a cat.
Hedley Finn MBE OBE
I am Hedley Finn and as the founder and lead for Radio Lollipop International for children in hospital and also Life Time Radio for those in hospital with dementia, it is my firm belief that radio and audio has a hugely significant role to play in supporting the well-being of society both as a therapy and a force for support and for good. I am excited by this opportunity to work with the membership and the Board of the Radio Academy at a time of unprecedented growth and change across the sector. I am motivated by action that makes a positive difference to people’s everyday lives. I operate with a high level of emotional intelligence and I am a respectful, supportive and inclusive team player. I have over four decades of extensive experience in both the charity sector and the commercial sector. I am currently also on the Boards of Total Sense Media and the Local Media Network. I was honoured with an MBE in 1992 and an OBE in 2020 for services to charity and Radio Lollipop.
Jem Stone
I've had a long association with radio as a listener, a young fan - yes i really did listen to Peter Jones' England football commentaries on Radio 2 under the blankets as a kid - and now as a leader with the BBC running the social media team for radio and Sounds. I've always in my career tried to reinvent how radio sounds and works for new and young audiences. As a music radio presenter I worked with volunteers and up and coming bands in the early 90s. I produced a programme for 5 Live pioneering streaming and using the internet for the first time at the turn of the century. For the last decade i've ran teams focusing on how radio syndicates its content, visualises radio moments for social media platforms and engages with its listeners. I'm particularly interested in and have senior level experience of how the UK radio industry collaborates with third parties, tech platforms and each other, to distribute its content and the opportunities/issues that poses for us as an industry.
John Clayton
John has been involved in radio throughout his whole life - almost! Starting with Bedroom FM, which then organically grew and acquired Lounge FM around 1975. All this, whilst also becoming an investment banker at Deutsche Bank, achieving the heights of Vice President. Prior to this, John was playing for the youth team at West Ham United. John started professional radio on Essex Radio, then was hired to be part of the launch team at Heart 106.2 - London, and involved with the inception of the Souths biggest commercial radio station - Wave 105. As time progressed, John took up more senior roles, and pursued a long and successful career as Programme Controller, Group Talent Coach, Group Programme Director and Managing Director, at various stations and groups, including UKRD, KMFM and Celador, also spending time in Dubai, rebuilding their brands. Nowadays, John is broadcasting and training across the UK, and heads up a small independent production company, delivering rich content.
Jonathan Blake
As a lifelong radio fan and broadcast journalist with almost twenty years of experience I am keen to help shape the future of our industry. Bringing knowledge, skills and passion from my time as a volunteer in hospital radio through to working as a political correspondent for BBC News, I would be honoured to serve as a Radio Academy trustee. My mission would be to help all of our communities contribute to the vital role radio plays in our lives and build a sector fit to face the challenges ahead. Experience in commercial radio and the BBC at a local, national and international level has given me a good insight into how our industry works. News and current affairs has rarely been more important in our daily lives and radio is an indispensable part of that. Our challenge is to ensure we can meet the demands of ever-changing platforms, the economic environment and listeners’ lifestyles to allow radio to thrive and continue to take its unique place at the heart of our national life.
Kathryn Anastasi
I’ve worked in sports radio for thirteen years, gaining experience across talkSPORT's output. I never could have predicted when starting in student radio that I’d end up as Head of Live Sport at talkSPORT but I am so proud that I did. Along the way I've produced shows such as Keys and Gray and Colin Murray. In my role now I oversee all of talkSPORT’s outside broadcasts and have led on international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup in Russia, Lions Tours and talkSPORT’s award-winning cricket commentary in Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa. I am passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion and have used my influence at Wireless to break down barriers. In 2020 I launched talkSPORT’s first apprenticeship scheme which has been a hugely rewarding experience. I am a 30 under 30 alumni and I would like to contribute my time and expertise to the Radio Academy to encourage debate, share best practice and celebrate excellence across the audio industry.
Kyle Evans
I have spent over 20 years as a content leader in regional commercial and BBC radio sectors and now in the broader audio world as Head of Content at Voiceworks. As an editorial leader with experience in speech and music programming, I have been lucky enough to work in a large variety of roles putting me in a great position to understand our industry across many levels and sectors. My journey started at BBC Radio Stoke aged 16 through to BBC Wales, BBC Choice TV, Red Dragon FM, Smooth Radio, Real Radio and Heart. I have worked with and learnt a lot from incredibly talented people, many of whom have made significant impact on audiences and revenue but developing new talent has always remained a priority. Change can be challenging, and I have managed teams through plenty of it. The Radio Academy plays an important part in the ever-changing industry I love, and I would relish the opportunity to help it evolve to stay relevant and support our talented and diverse audio community.
Liza Ward
Since 2016 I have enthusiastically attended and even presented at numerous audio networking and celebratory events via Podium.ME and Whistledown Productions. I have worked closely with industry stars like Camilla Byk, David Prest, Hugh Costello and Simon Jarvis. We have worked in collaboration with BBC Radio 4 and the Church of England. Collectively two awards have been won for Best Factual Series and Best Documentary in 2019/2020. As a member of the Audiotrain Steering Group I actively contribute by securing sponsorship, guest speakers, brand and content initiatives. 12 years as a HR professional grants a people management and development skillset. The award-winning programme; Ladder to Nowhere tells you the rest. As a relative newcomer I observe the mechanics at play in the profession and realise future plans for increasing diversity to represent our audience. LJW Productions has since been established: 'To encourage authentic representation [..] for disadvantaged groups. [...]'
Louisa Wells
I'm a podcast producer at the Telegraph, a job I started the first week of the first lockdown, because I have spectacular timing apparently! I'm now truly an expert in the duvet-studio set up... I believe coming from a podcast angle, I could bring a different point of view to the Academy in this evolving audio landscape. That said, I have lots of experience in more traditional radio, as I worked across the BBC for 8 years as a broadcast journalist for both network and the regions, heading the production of a local breakfast show in a very busy news patch, and as a journalist for 5live Breakfast up in Manchester. I've produced sessions for the Radio Festival on short shelf-life podcasting and how to go "beyond the podcast", be it live shows (fingers crossed we get back there soon!) or book deals. And I've really benefitted from the Academy, from the confidence that came from being listed in the 30u30, through to events for women in the industry, and I'd love to be able to give back.
Lovejit Dhaliwal
I would like to nominate myself to be a trustee for the Radio Academy (RA). I have worked in radio for over 20 years as a reporter, presenter and producer and currently at the BBC World Service as a freelance producer/reporter. I have recently created my own podcast series and have enjoyed seeing it grow and am excited about where podcasting can take audio. Freelancing become increasingly common in our industry and as one I feel its important that the RA is able to act as a hub or a voice for them e.g., engaging with other sectors - demonstrating how audio is not just an artistic medium but one that can enhance their reputation, brand or sales. As a part -time academic (I currently lecture at UAL), I believe there are stronger partnerships to be built with the education and audio sectors. There are possibilities with other sectors too, where the RA is able to fly its flag for excellence and act as a gateway for those seeking skilled audio professionals.
Muna Ahmed
I have worked extensively across the industry, including the BBC and the biggest commercial radio groups. I’ve been producing content for the multi-award-winning Prison Radio Association for the last 7 years. All of my work is normally done behind bars in HMP Brixton, working in partnership with people serving prison sentences. Developing voices you wouldn’t normally hear on the radio is something I’m very passionate about and I’m proud to say some of the talent we have developed at National Prison Radio are currently working in the industry. I’ve also created content and trained producers for a number of stations in Africa. National Prison Radio and my work in Africa have given me an opportunity to represent marginalised communities and to advocate for social and cultural change.
Nina Robinson
Two decades of radio broadcasting at the BBC, my career started in commercial radio with crucial help from community, festival and hospital radio from Birmingham, to Brixton to Benghazi and back. I ended up in global news which is an elite place, so it's important I tell you my roots. My grandfather came to the UK in the 1960’s from Punjab, india to do dangerous work in the iron foundries of the West Midlands. He suffered much racism but his Sikh faith helped him through. He died last year but his story has helped me through my own challenges. He taught me to stand up for what I believe in, to be unafraid in the pursuit of justice and to never, ever give up. From a comprehensive school in a deprived area of back to back housing, I went to Oxford University and got a 2:1 in PPE and later a Masters in Economics. I stood up to racist bullies and shouted out to those in power to expose hypocrisy. I have no regrets. I want to dedicate my life to making this industry do better.
Pete Wagstaff
I love radio a massive fan! I love its energy, diverse variety of stations appealing to all audience tastes. I love that young people still want to get intro radio! I love a funny entertaining engaging show, a great on-air contest, fun PR campaign, those pull the car over moments and the connection between on air talent and audience. I’ve been a jock, an owner, Arqiva Awards judge, MD, Member of CRCA committee, PD, Copywriter, Producer, Changed a Codec at 4am to get us on air and remembered at 8 I should have changed the logging tape at 6. It’s a really exciting time with new stations,I don’t think local radio is dead just delivered in different ways Radio is about the talented folks that work in the industry, the amazing output we produce, the interaction, one to one-to-one with the audience! I love how radio is still massive in terms of media consumption! I feel I have a lot to offer. I would like think I would fit in and at the same time challenge! It would be an honour to be chosen.
Peter Curran
I believe in a collective of diverse voices gathered to illuminate what needs work, and I hope to bring ideas of joy and celebration as well as practical solutions to the challenges facing Academy members, present and future. When a Board member of Audio UK I met teams at OFCOM, DCMS, and BBC senior management specifically on behalf of independent producers outside-London and throughout the UK, leading to positive policy and funding changes during 2018-2020. As co-founder and editorial director of digital book publisher Talking Music in 2011, I bring applied knowledge of international Audio platforms. Commitment to next generation of UK producers and presenters through designing and hosting Audio Masterclasses for Creative Skillset and latterly Audio Train. Good relationships with commissioners across BBC Factual, Arts and Comedy programmes. As an openly-practicing BBC Broadcaster/Podcaster I've an excellent contacts book of Names to serve the Academy, when needed.
Ray Paul
Working towards building the future of radio is something that is very important to me. I have had a 30+ year career to date, including working for BBC Local (BBC London), Network radio (was one of the start up team for BBC Radio 1Xtra), community radio (Bang radio & Unity Manchester) as well as the World Service.My company, The PMG, create content for BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 4, World Service as well as Kiss FM Networks. I believe my experience and viewpoint can be an asset to the Radio Academy, and feel I can also benefit from the vast experience around the table. As well as being London based we also have a production branch which is based in Liverpool and adds to the unique perspective of our company. Over my career I have worked through the ranks of being a researcher through to running departments for 1Xtra & R1. This includes all elements of production and I feel this gives me a strong insight into production matters. I hope you look upon this application favourably.
Ricki Lee
I would like to nominate myself to become a trustee of the radio academy. I’ve over 20 years experience in the radio industry. Former UK broadcaster, turned technology company owner (Aiir) turned first Brit to be allowed to own radio stations in the USA. I think I can bring a national and intentional radio knowledge and experience to the table and would be delighted for your consideration.
Sophie Malcolm
Hi there, I'd like to nominate myself for the Board of Trustees as I feel I have quite a unique perspective and insight into UK radio. Over the last 25 years I've worked for the 'Big 3'; The BBC, Global and Bauer. I've experience both on and off air for Capital Radio in London, BBC Radio 1, Magic/Kiss and the broader Bauer Network. I even did traffic reports from 'The Flying Eye' - before GPS and road-side cameras made that job obsolete! Really importantly for this role at The Radio Academy, over the last few years I've been in nearly daily contact with hundreds of community stations, hospital radio stations, student radio stations and ILR's. I've been creating a network/database of contacts for an Entertainment News/Audio Press Release business I have been developing called 'The Klaxon'. I've spent fascinating time listening to the wants, needs, frustrations, many zany and some heart-breaking stories of people whose passion is radio. I'd love to share this experience with you.
Toby Foster
For nearly twenty year I have presented on BBC Radio Sheffield, both on afternoons and for the last fourteen years on Breakfast. I have worked with various directions of editorial travel and managed to tread the line between holding people to account and making listeners feel part of our family. Away from radio I am a stand up comedian, who runs The Last Laugh Comedy Club in Sheffield,and has played all major clubs in the UK as well as The UAE and Afghanistan. TV appearances have been fun (Phoenix Nights, Extras, Afterlife 2), and I provide the voice for Bangers and Cash on UKTV. An experienced festival organiser, I own and run Wentworth Festival a 10,000 people Gold Standard national level music festival in Rotherham every summer, responsible for all aspects of the festival from concept to physical delivery. I don't like time off. I feel that I could bring all my experiences within and outwith radio to bear one the role of trustee, and would be happy to be considered.
Tony Barnfield
Recent Gold (Sage Person [Over 60] of the Year) winner in the Community Radio Awards 2020, I made my first professional broadcast on BBC Radio 1 at the age of 20 in 1969, as a "Dee Jay Discovery", after which I worked freelance producing trails for Radios 1 and 2. I joined the BBC staff in 1973 to work on Radio 3 Schedules, moving to Radio 4 as an announcer, returning to freelance presenting in 1978, working across all the existing BBC networks, local and regional radio, and was one of the first voices on Radio 5. Soon after, I changed gear to run my own restaurant with rooms business, winning numerous awards such as AA Best Breakfast in Britain and was on the Management Board of Southern Tourist Board. I retired from the world of hospitality in 2011 and have since volunteered as presenter/producer on Radio Addenbrooke's (hospital radio), Cambridge Talking News (currently, Editor) and Cambridge 105 Radio (community radio). I thus have significant experience of radio over many decades.
Tony Gosling
Radio journalist for over thirty years I worked initially in community 'Radio Thamesmead' in London then for the BBC in London, Southampton and Wiltshire. Producing and presenting my own show and churning out three hours of talk programming a week, mostly exclusive interviews, for Phil Gibbons for the last 12 years on BCfm. With several live BBC network 'expert' appearances I'm also a freelance for satellite broadcasters all over the world, most recently in Turkey. I am a team player who has good knowledge of broadcast law and many retired expert contacts in relevant disciplines, as well as friends in 'old school' broadcast journalism that may be of use as speakers for the academy events.
Tony Patti
Broadcasting's best days lie ahead as both an engine of local economies and as an integral part of tomorrow's technological world. The names are bigger, the show is worldwide, but I get a royal pass into life in the broadcasting business. I am Tony Patti with proven success in media and operations management helping stations to increase revenue through improved listenership, Radio Management Consultant/Director. Experienced and Award winning Celebrity Broadcaster. Expertise and a wealth of experience in successfully building, designing launching, and developing radio stations world-wide. An experienced broadcast and technical consultant on all aspects of radio operations, Training & Coaching Talent, Outside broadcasts, events and broadcasting. Launching, developing and increasing listenership and sales revenues. Launched Stations & Licenses acquired for 15 radio station in the UK & world-wide including: UK, Mauritius, Sri-Lanka, Kenya, Uganda & Dubai
Will Jackson
I’ve always loved radio in all its forms, from growing up listening to London’s pirate stations and LBC, through great experiences at hospital and student radio, to a career that’s taken in BBC and commercial radio production and most recently the trade body AudioUK. There, my work has included the creation of the Audio Content Fund for content on commercial and community radio; growing the Audio Production Awards; and ensuring the organisation better reflects the diversity of the whole of the UK. Last year, I also partnered with the Radio Academy to create the Audio & Radio Emergency Fund, supporting freelancers during the pandemic. As a long-standing member of the Academy, I’d now love to play a formal part in steering its vital role as a force for good in radio and audio. I’d help the new leadership ensure the Academy continues to develop its important work to promote and celebrate excellence, and that everyone - in all parts of our sector, right across the UK - feels they belong.