Radio and TV presenter Iain Lee shared some of his top tips for success in radio with students from BU’s Radio Production courses.
The presenter, whose shows included RI:SE, and The 11 O’Clock Show, as well as regular radio slots on XFM, LBC and Absolute Radio, came to BU to be interviewed by students from the MA Radio Production course, as well as tour the University’s Talbot Campus.
Iain talked about his experiences working in both commercial radio and at the BBC, where he was a presenter on the BBC Three Counties radio show, as well as his new show at Talk Radio.
Speaking about the differences between radio and television, Iain said: “It’s as if they are talking to you in well-produced radio, it’s just more intimate. For me, a breakfast show on radio and a breakfast show on TV are completely different. Radio is about juggling the complexities of life with appealing content.
“But radio nowadays is not just about one person speaking in a studio. We’re engaging new audiences over twitter and periscope too. Listeners like to see the machinery of radio.”
Interviewer, MA Radio Production student and BU’s Bournemouth Internet Radio Station (BIRst) Station Manager, Kieren Thomson asked Iain about generating topics for conversation, which saw Iain run through some of amusing favourites, including myths and lies told to children.
Kieren said: “It was good to have a recognised face from radio in the studio with us. It was great to experience some wisdom from the outside, a figure whose success people can recognise. Iain’s time with us was informal in all the best ways.
“I think we can take inspiration from Iain’s path. He’s an inspiration to people wanting to do radio.”
Radio Production Lecturer at BU, Jo Tyler, who organised the interview, said: “I was contacted by a BA (Hons) Radio Production Alumni who said that we must get Iain in to speak to some of our students. I knew of Iain’s work, and knew that he would give a perspective on presenting that students would want to hear.
“Iain’s a passionate radio animal and radiophile. He’s a really useful commodity, whose passion really came across to students.”
Iain added: “I’m deeply envious of the facilities that BU students have here, it’s incredible. The students were keen, knowledgeable, and passionate, although I think I might have just talked myself out of a job in speaking to the next generation of presenters. I really hope they got something out of our interview!”
Iain’s interview will be broadcast on BIRst on Wednesday 25 May. For more information, or to listen, please visit http://www.birst.co.uk/.
