Candidates for the Radio Academy Trustees election
The following candidates were on the ballot to be elected as Trustees of The Radio Academy in 2023. The ballot closed on 30 January, and the result will be announced soon.
Jeremy Buxton
My life has centred around working in radio (hospital, local/national, BBC/commercial). As trustee, I’d use this experience to facilitate development, innovation, and diversity. In 33 years, I’ve done many jobs including presenter, journalist, network producer, bulletin reader, and manager. Now working in BBC training, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge through
development and events. I still work on air in BBC local radio, and recently started voicetrack presentation on national radio, getting the buzz and passion from making radio. I’ve extensive experience as a charity trustee. I’d bring this knowledge to the board as it fulfils its duties and obligations.
Mike Newman
As VP, Content & Production for Audioboom, I work with some of the biggest shows in podcasting and liaise regularly with key platforms like Apple, Spotify and Amazon - I can couple my extensive knowledge of this still emerging sector with my 20 years of experience in commercial radio, to offer the Academy a deep understanding of where our industry has been and where it might be headed. As a former employee of The Radio Academy, I understand not only the importance of the work it does, but also the time and effort required to do it and as a Trustee I would be particularly focused on ensuring all corners of the audio industry understand that the Academy is for them.
Perminder Khatkar
I got my foot into radio over three decades ago by writing a critique to the then-station manager of my local BBC radio station, on the lack of diversity in programmes and questioning why there were no people like me working for the BBC. I was lucky – my letter got answered and a door opened, but this is an ongoing issue which the industry still needs to tackle. I have significant experience in leading production teams, developing editorial strategy and creating award winning content. Now, as a freelance journalist and audio producer I am currently working with Indies making podcasts, documentaries, and features for the BBC. As a trustee I would like to help support more diverse and grassroot programme makers and support the next generation of audio producers.
Peter McVerry
The Academy wants to enhance Board knowledge in specific areas, a number of which I match. One is devolved nations representation - from my Belfast base, I’d be honoured. Another is equality, diversity and inclusion - I’ve been involved in Wireless projects including launching Pride Vibes in Ireland, plus Black History Month and Disability Diversity Network. I’ve a personal interest in Neurodiversity, serving as Trustee for a social enterprise supporting people with autism. I've been Station Director at U105 for 14 years and as Chair of the Academy in Northern Ireland for six years, I’ve made a dormant region more active plus sat on the Festival Committee in 2022, and will again in 2023.
Stevie Middleton
I love bringing creative people together to make great things happen and I’d love to bring this skill to the Radio Academy as a trustee. I’ve worked in audio for more than 25 years - starting as a DJ, producer, record label owner and A&R consultant - before moving to commercial radio (Beat 106/XFM/ Bauer) as a presenter/producer. For the last decade I’ve been at the BBC. Right now I’m Assistant Commissioner for podcasts at 5 Live and BBC Sounds, based in Glasgow. I’d also use this opportunity to amplify the voices of those in the industry outside London.
Tony Patti
Throughout my extensive career I have consistently helped radio stations and organisations to achieve a winning strategy helping them to deal with music scheduling rotations, creative content, broadcast programming principles, financial consulting, training and revise start up projects and most recently helping various organisation to launch and market podcasts which includes everything from conception, script writing, recording and editing. I am a multi-lingual, multi-award winning UK and International broadcaster and station head and have led the launch, definition and roll out of fit for purpose cutting edge audience and programme strategy for 15 radio stations nationally & internationally.
Victoria Easton-Riley
I have worked in the radio industry for over 25 years with experience across commercial, BBC, independent, sport , music, speech and visualised radio. With a career starting off as a Producer at GMG, I went on to work across various national brands including producing the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw. Since leaving the BBC, I have taken up the position of Content Director for Bauer Scotland which include heritage brands such as Clyde 1 & Forth 1 as well as our Greatest Hits Network. In 2022 I was honoured to be awarded Fellowship of the Radio Academy. I hope to use my experience and passion to help develop the next wave of emerging talent through the industry.