Birmingham based creative arts company PUNCH have announced the launch of their new local radio station, BASS FM. BASS FM will be run by, and for, young people.
Punch is marking the eighth anniversary of their annual BASS festival with the launch of a groundbreaking new local radio initiative. BASS FM will broadcast citywide throughout month of June, bringing some of the Birmingham’s best emerging DJs to the airwaves for the first time. Aspiring young broadcasters will be able to try out for their own slot on BASS FM at a special event held at the Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) in April.
BASS FM will be broadcasting for four weeks, going live on the 2nd of June in the runup to Punch’s BASS festival. The BASS Festival is the UK’s only month long celebration of Black music, and one of Birmingham’s most significant independent festivals. Highlights of the BASS festival will be broadcast on the station, including the nationwide ‘Soul Acoustic’ tour, and an Amy Whitehouse tribute event.
First time broadcasters will be able to try out for their own slot on BASS FM at a free handson taster day, being held at BOA in the city centre. On the 27th of April industry professionals including BBC’s Janine Kempadoo and Ryan Newman and Choice FM’s Jade Avia will be working alongside talented hopefuls to help them refine their skills. Those successful will go on to an intensive four week training course.
BASS FM’s development manager Ray Paul is a veteran of twenty years in the radio industry. He says;
The buzz around BASS FM shows that radio is still relevant to young people’s lives. We aren’t just training DJ’s and presenters; BASS FM will have places for young researchers, producers and technicians as well. BASS FM offers an opportunity for young people to be mentored by the best in the business, and in a safe, legal environment.
Join industry professionals including the BBC’s Janine Kempadoo and Choice FM’s Jade Avia at the Bootcamp taster day where you can pick up new skills and show off your own in areas of:
PRODUCTION –Taking care of what goes on air, managing the DJ’s and generating & developing ideas.
MUSIC SELECTION – the decision makers of what music gets played, the musical trend spotter and helps to break through new artists
PRESENTING –The “Voice” that brings the ideas to life by taking contol of the show and deals with on air issues.
RESEARCH –Researchers are the backbone to every show by generating ideas and compiling facts and figures and interesting aspects for the show.
TECHNICAL –make the final sound appear on air and ensuring it sounds great. They also ensure that a simple message can capture the imagination and become interesting on radio.
You be learning from the best in the business on the day and trained at industry level. From the taster day Twenty young participants will be shortlisted to participate in the structured eight-week learning programme of hands-on training and work opportunities across May – June 2013.
You will not only gain invaluable experience of working on a real radio station in Birmingham but also arts award accreditation and transferable skills to equip you for your future careers.
For more information on BASS FM, or to sign up for the taster day, contact Waqar Azam on 0121 224 7440 waqar@punchrecords.co.uk @punchrecords @BASSFMBHAM
