I have to say I think I’m still half asleep this morning so bare with me!
I said yesterday about Starting my ‘TO’ Training at my local Hospital Radio Station. This basically means that I can broadcast alone (once fully trained), as well as just co-present on air. But as hospital radio isn’t very well known, I thought I’d explain exactly what Hospital Radio is. As well as; what it’s used for, what my role is and how I’ve come to be a part of such an amazing team.
My Experience
I first started looking at joining after knowing for a while that I wanted to go into Broadcast Journalism - Particularly radio and TV broadcasting. Some time in January, I think it was originally my Mum’s idea along the lines of “Have you ever thought about doing hospital radio?”
She knew that there was such a thing, but asides from that we weren’t sure what it would involve, other than knowing it must offer great experience.
From there I filled out an online application form and got a phone call for a short interview within the week. My first impressions were amazing... A little cottage on the edge of the hospital sight awaited me and at first I thought, “It can’t be here, surely?” but it was!
Everyone was so friendly and constructively told me what the job would involve, letting me decide whether I could hold to the commitment. Which of course I said I could!
Then I got shown around the largest records library I’d ever seen. Complete with CD’s, LP’s, Singles and Minidiscs, many of which kindly donated. Being the music lover that I am, I was in heaven! Then I got shown the two studios in which we broadcast from. This is where I thought for about the tenth time “Yes. This is where I want to be”.
The one point that was made clearest to me is that IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PATIENTS. It all may be very well and good to enjoy the presenting, learning, communicating etc... And you should, but we are a Charity organisation and primarily we work for the comfort of the patients. I completely agreed and thought it was a wonderful organisation. Having had a long-term health condition my self, I know how isolating being in doors with very little or no human contact can be. I know how much music helps, it seems to transport the listener anywhere, just for a few minutes and to be honest I think that’s quite magical.
After many necessary checks (DBS, occupational health etc...) I started in the April of this year.
For a few hours every Saturday and Monday, I now collect requests then go back and source the records, compile the order in which they are played and co-present a show. At times it could be seen as hard work as you don’t seem to stop, but I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I love it. I’ve made so many amazing and inspiring people already and I would definitely recommend doing voluntary work of any description. Provided you can stick to the commitment, of course.
What is Hospital Radio and when did it start? *
It is a form of broadcasting for the sole use of in-patients in hospital. The earliest Hospital Radio station started in Washington, America in May 1919. The first in the UK was in York County Hospital, England in 1925. These original broadcasts’ consisted many of church services and sports commentaries.
I hope if anything, this has taught you a little more than you knew before about Hospital Radio and perhaps even inspired you to do something out of your comfort zone?
Anyway, as in the usual fashion, I will now proceed in picking today’s song :D...
Rod Stewart Maggie May
I love Rod Stewart’s voice. It’s just so deep and husky that you can’t help focus all your attention on it when his music’s playing. Once again picked purely on the basis of my love for the song. Although it does always remind me of summer, the kind of baking hot days when all the windows are down in the car, just driving and singing (with other weirdos obviously! :D ). My parent’s were actually fortunate enough to see him live a couple of years ago and plainly stated that he was amazing.
Enjoy and I’ll write soon!
Molly x
*Information Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital_radio
No comments:
Post a Comment