Radio Tyneside is a charity and primarily a hospital radio station that promotes wellbeing of patients. The move is necessary, as its current building on Claremont Road has become too outdated to accommodate the station’s needs. For NUSU, the partnership felt like a natural fit. Graham Hattam, Deputy CEO of Commercial and Operations at NUSU, says:
"We are always looking to partner with other charities to better the student experience"
“We are always looking to partner with other charities to better the student experience. Both organisations complement each other very well. Hosting Radio Tyneside brings a real-world community presence into the student environment.”
Moving into the SU building not only secures the future of the station–which will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year–but also opens up new opportunities for Student Media volunteers. The decision aligns with the Union’s wider goals and vision in many ways: strengthening community links, providing diverse opportunities for students, and also generating an income to further support the SU financially.
There will be opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration
With Newcastle Student Radio (NSR) in the same building, people have questioned how the two stations will co-exist. Dave Nicholson, chairman of Radio Tyneside, shares NUSU’s vision: “The two stations will remain separate entities”. However, there will be opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration, joint events, networking, technical skill training, and even cross promotions, where appropriate.
While NSR is entirely student-led and primarily focused on student life, Radio Tyneside remains committed to serving hospital patients, with an emphasis on their listeners’ comfort. Nicholson affirms: “At Radio Tyneside, you’re broadcasting for an audience, not for your own pleasure”.
Nonetheless, he told The Courier that the station is looking to expand its offers, and is looking to host a local news bulletin and a sports programme–and they’re actively looking for suitable student volunteers to help make this happen.
This relocation marks an exciting new chapter for a radio station that comes with a proud legacy. It brings invaluable opportunities for anyone looking to get more involved in campus media.
Radio Tyneside relies on its volunteers, and everyone at Newcastle University is encouraged to support this award-winning station. Recently being named “Station of the Year” at the National Hospital Radio Awards.
Previous volunteers at Radio Tyneside have gone on to achieve successes: notably Max Fosh and Emil Franchi, both Newcastle University alumni.