Guest Blog by Michelle Durant CCR
Chelmsford Community Radio started in 2013 and we gained our FM license nearly 5 years ago. We are proud of the wonderful platform that has evolved over all this time and how it benefits local people of all ages. Hopefully many of you will have taken part in a show or project of ours already.
Many of our younger volunteer presenters have gone on to work for high profile media companies like Global and the BBC. We work hard to help them build experience and skills but also enjoy signposting opportunities that they might benefit from.
One of our youngest presenters at the moment is 13-year-old Daisy. Daisy is currently a co-presenter on the Friday Drive at 5 show but also a Champion Latin and Ballroom Dancer. Daisy has built up so much confidence since joining us 18 months ago. Her passion for dance provided a great starting point in building up her interview techniques – talking to some of the Strictly Come Dancing pros about their experience touring shows and dealing with mental health.
Her interviews to date have attracted a lot of attention. She was invited to speak to a Pilot from the Red Arrows after a member of their PR team heard some of her work. Then for International Women’s Day, Daisy spoke to the wonderful Sarah Greene about her career and being an Ambassador for the Target Ovarian Cancer charity. You may have also heard Daisy on last year’s Ecocasts talking to members of the public and local businesses as part of Essex Book Festival’s Manifesto for Essex Eco-Cast Episode 1 by Chelmsford Community Radio | Eco-Cast Episode 2 by Chelmsford Community Radio |
We were absolutely delighted when Daisy got through to the Regional rounds of this year’s BBC Young Reporter competition. Although she wasn’t picked as their ultimate winner, she was asked to take part in a project for BBC “Own It” – interviewing broadcaster Hugh Woozencroft. To see Daisy’s videos head over to watch here.
Chelmsford Community Radio (CCR) is a not for profit CIC and broadcasts on 104.4FM in the Chelmsford area as well as online. We are always keen to support work going on locally and open to new ideas so please contact us if you have an idea or want to share some news on the radio!
Michelle Durant michelle.durant@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
