URY’s Artistic Airwaves…
All things arty isn’t exactly what you would associate with a student radio station. Mention student broadcasting to me, and I instantly think of all the cheesy crap polluting the airwaves. If I wanted intelligent discussion or performances of plays, I would have put radio 4 on. This, however, seems to be all changing as University Radio York introduces a breath of fresh literary air to its programmes.
Those of you who listen to URY may have already had the good fortune to hear the new radio show for all things literary. Broadcast on Sundays at 3.30pm, it’s the perfect antidote to a heavy Saturday night. On the first show, the eminent novelist Sally Vickers, a Booker Prize nominee, was interviewed by Nichi Hodgson –the main force behind the show. As producer, writer and all round one-woman phenomenon, Nichi has created a fantastic new outlet for the arts on a campus which is increasingly involving itself in local events and the promotion of literary projects.
Becky Turner is Author Liaison Officer, bringing in the big name stars to interview each week. They’re hoping to hold an irreverent interview with Allan Davies when he comes to York later this year. Other features include the weekly ‘name the novel’ competition, where the lucky winner receives two complimentary tickets to a drama barn production on campus. There’s also the oh-so-useful ‘Bluffers Guide to Classic Novels’. A public service in itself for those of us who feel the need to look more intelligent than we are when doing the pub quiz, or simply want to appear awake for once in a seminar.
There’s a great team working on the show which hopes to go on to present plays and record documentaries on the arts. It is perhaps a precursor to an impending overhaul at the station where they might cease playing cheesy pop and start broadcasting what us students actually want to listen to.
The Facts…
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