AddThis SmartLayers

Former editor to help print journalists move to radio

A former regional daily editor is helping lanch a new training course to help print journalists move into radio.

Maria McGeoghan, left, editor of the Manchester Evening News from 2010-2012, made the move to radio after being seconded from her role as a BBC press officer to work on the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC 5 Live.

Now she is hoping to train other journalists in how to do the same after teaming up with Manchester-based independent radio production company Sparklab.

They are running an ‘Introduction to Radio Journalism’ course at Cheshire’s Cranage Hall over two days on Wednesday and Thursday 22-23 October.

The course will cover writing for radio, recording for radio, finding the right contributor, tips on editing and advice on how to start freelancing for BBC radio in Salford and London.

Maria, who spent 30 years in regional journalism said: “I’ve spent a lifetime worrying about every apostrophe but the first thing you learn is that writing for the spoken voice is totally different.

“I’ve always loved 5 live but knew nothing about how radio news was gathered and delivered until last year.

“The 5 live team were brilliant and I was soon confident enough to put together a two-hour outside broadcast from a Manchester centre treating people with young onset dementia.”

Sparklab was set up by Jo Meek and Mel Harris to cover factual and fiction audio production for all BBC networks. They also make audio for arts projects, museums, animation companies and audio publishers.

Said Jo: “We would love to hear from trained journalists who are looking to make the move from print to radio.

“A good news story is just that – whatever the medium – but radio treatment is totally different. Our combined experience will make this a really interesting and useful two days.”

The course will cost £495 per person including meals and accommodation but there is a discount to £435 for all places booked before September 18. For more information go to www.sparklabproductions.com or [email protected].

2 comments

You can follow all replies to this entry through the comments feed.