51Âþ»­

A group of 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) students are bringing a breath of ‘Fresh Air’ to the BBC by taking over the airwaves each week and gaining priceless work experience.

DAFYDD BRIDIE MAIN

Dafydd and Bridie take a selfie in the BBC Leicester studios

Dafydd Evans and Bridie Gibbs, Alice Arnold and Léonie Mayer, Natasha Threadgold and Abi Sandler and solo presenter Jacob Graham, are appearing on BBC Leicester each week as part of the organisation’s tie-up with 51Âþ»­ student radio station called ‘Fresh Air’.

Dafydd was instrumental in setting up the partnership and appears each Monday night with co-presenter Bridie.

He said the opportunity to work with the BBC’s local station has been an experience not to be missed as he looks to forge a future career in broadcasting.

The student added: “This experience is giving me just that - experience! We’re learning a lot about the professional media workplace, as well as having the chance to improve on our broadcasting skills.

“I’m personally looking into careers in broadcasting - be it TV or radio. Having this opportunity is priceless!” 

Bridie, who is in her third year studying a , said: “As I am in my third year, this has come at a crucial time. It's definitely made my mind up on what career I want to pursue so I'm tailoring my dissertation towards radio drama and my placements in radio and music. 

“In terms of the future, it's coming all too quickly for me. I'll be looking for internships and jobs come 2019 so making myself useful to the BBC is a priority. The fact we've both got our foot in the door is amazing and I owe Daf big time for it!”

Going live on the BBC for the first time was quite an experience for the duo. 

Dafydd said: “I have to admit it has felt like a bit of a rush preparing for each show. Bridie and I have presented together countless times before, but when you know you’re on the BBC everything changes in your mind.

“It’s been really exciting but the main challenge has been just to be us and make sure we have fun - that’s what the BBC wanted!”

Bridie added: “The first broadcast was crazy! We were so nervous but so excited and we were just loving every second!

“I hope this opportunity with BBC Leicester continues and other aspiring radio presenters can also get their shot at hosting 'Fresh Air'.

“It's changed my life for the better and I'm learning so much in such a small space of time which is so valuable.”

DAFYDD BRIDIE BBC

The partnership between Demon FM and BBC Radio Leicester came about when Dafydd emailed the station, based a short walk away in the city centre’s Jubilee Square, asking for work experience.

Dafydd said: “When I got a reply I was surprised. Then when they asked me for a demo of my on-air presenting they came back again with really positive comments.

“More emailing back and forth happened. We talked about what this new show idea was that BBC Leicester wanted and I encouraged the inclusion of more presenters than just myself.”

Kamlesh Purohit, Deputy Managing Editor for BBC Radio Leicester, said: “Our new evening programmes (Fresh Air) are all about reaching sections of the community that we should serve better - and young audiences are an important part of that challenge, after all they are our future listeners.

“And so we are delighted to partner with Demon FM for this exciting venture, and young talented presenters like Dafydd, Bridie and the others are one way we can bridge the gap.

“It's been great to hear them on our airwaves. They are literally a breath of 'fresh air'. I hope the experience of presenting on a BBC radio station is the catalyst for some of these young people to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in broadcasting.”

If you didn't catch the show, it can be found on BBC Sounds. Download the app and search for 'Fresh Air'.