I won’t be the first person to say it, but saying “I’ve got a podcast” is basically 2019’s equivalent of saying “I’m in a band”. Well, a radio show is basically like that but a whole lot better.
Every 60 minutes during term time between the hours of 9am and midnight, a different set of students, some of them on their own, some in herds, squeeze their way into the NSR studio and take control. What happens in that hour is in their hands: they choose the music, the conversation, the comedy to make, the artist to mock, the band to celebrate, the song to shout about or the problem to try and solve, all while letting the students of Newcastle listen in with them.
NSR is an award-winning student radio station, the official sound of Newcastle University. Run by students for students, NSR has no boundaries and no real limits, and since we were first on air in 1998 we have run 24 hours a day seven days a week. NSR prides itself on its diversity and being manned completely by students means that whether you’re into grime or indie, comedy or sport, entertainment or news, NSR has got something for you!
NSR doesn’t stop at the studio door however; last year we showcased 10 student election debates, provided live punditry and commentary for a series of student fight nights, and completed a non-stop 24-hour charity show. On top of this, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing a ridiculous number of artists including Sam Fender, Jorja Smith, the Wombats, Wolf Alice, Scouting for Girls and countless others. We’ve held live sessions with more bands than you could shake a stick at, provided commentary for university sports events, and DJ’d at a multitude of events across campus.
It is the students that determine what NSR looks like and how it sounds
With an eclectic blend of entertainment, music, sport, news and more, it is students that determine what NSR looks like and how it sounds. If you’re looking to unlock your inner potential then why not get involved? At NSR we have a wide range of opportunities to learn the tricks of the radio trade, from hosting your own show to event organisation and live punditry. Whether its presenting, producing or behind the scenes roles you’re interested in, come and give us a go! You need no experience at all, you don’t even need to listen to radio. We welcome everyone of all abilities and backgrounds to come and join us and add something different to NSR.
Throughout the week we will be outside the Students’ Union providing the soundtrack to freshers’ week, along with some giveaways, so why not come and say hi? Or, if you want to see what we’re about, have a listen to our pres playlists, broadcasting live nightly throughout freshers’ week.Oh, and if you’re not convinced already, like all areas of student media, we’re not a society so we are completely 100% free to join.
James Johnson
Two years ago I arrived in Newcastle full of anticipation to kick-start the Journalism, Media and Culture degree I had been anticipating throughout sixth form life at school. Media, naturally, was something that I had always been keen to get involved, however, I never imagined being as intertwined in student media as I am now, a year and a half later.
My earliest recollection at freshers’ fair - at the time I was happy to place my name onto the NSR email register, though a the same time, I thought realistically that it wouldn’t likely come to much in the future.
In second year, I was proud to be involved on a weekly basis at the radio. Having been elected as joint deputy-Station Manager with the semi-decent Luke Oddie, we were lucky enough to be able to work along with a fantastic exec team to produce a full weekly schedule of diverse and creative radio shows.
Harry Parsons, Station Manager last year and all-round top bloke, was a constant guide throughout, second year introducing me to the Courier towards the end of first year. I am eternally grateful for his constant support, without which, I would not be writing this article today.
Student media has granted me opportunities that I never thought were possible
Today, along with a fantastic sports team, I now edit for the sports section of the paper on a weekly basis. This is something that I began in January 2019, so this will therefore be my first full year editing for the section, something which I have been looking forward to throughout summer.
Student media has not only opened my eyes to the processes to which media in the real world runs, but has additionally granted myself opportunities that I could never imagine would have been possible whilst at university. From interviewing members of the Harlem Globetrotters to commentating at St James’s Park, student media has granted myself that I will forever be grateful for.
Rory Ewart