When I moved to Peterborough, I had never really thought about being on the radio before.
As a representative of Trent International Student Association (TISA), part of my responsibility was to host a radio programme on Trent Radio. I was nervous and excited as I didn’t really know what to expect.
The idea of “making radio” seemed like a big deal, and a huge responsibility for a student who didn’t have any experience in the world of audio production or broadcasting.
The first time I arrived at Trent Radio, I came across a group of students and community members eating their lunch in the kitchen. They were involved in an engaging conversation about something that seemed very exciting and important.
They all stopped to welcome me to Trent Radio, introduced themselves, and even offered me a cup of coffee (or tea). They wanted to know who I was, and what I was doing at Trent Radio. They were interested in me, and I instantly knew that I had entered a place where there was a collection of people who were passionate about one another, about their community, and about making radio.
After completing a two-hour training session with the general manager and programme director, I was apparently ready for my first radio broadcast. I was still nervous, but they assured me that I would be fine, and that if I needed any help, all I had to do was ask.
I finished my first programme, without too many pauses and confusions (there sure are a lot of knobs, buttons, and faders on the console), which lasted for one hour. I played music that I enjoyed listening to and promoted important TISA events and updates.
The experience gave me the opportunity to learn about audio and radio production, while at the same time promoting a student group that provides services to me, and to many of my friends and classmates. I walked out of the studio feeling important, and like I had just done something that could make a difference.
Trent Radio is a resource that has not only provided me with new experiences and the opportunity to gain new skills, but also with a useful tool TISA can use as a community building resource (both in the kitchen with coffee, and over the airwaves). It is an effective medium for disseminating important information to students and community members all over Peterborough.
There are many other things you can do at Trent Radio besides just having a radio show. Did you know that all full-time undergraduate students at Trent are members of Trent Radio and have access to their facilities and services? Same goes for all student groups and student-run organizations.
As the current production manager’s assistant, I will be helping to organize and deliver a Community Radio Workshop Session on Thursday, Feb. 20, for student groups and clubs from Trent University. This session will be a full day, educational- and workshop-based session outlining the services and facilities available at Trent Radio to help promote your club or group’s mission and mandate.
Workshop topics will include strengthening interview skills, preparing effective Public Service Announcements for broadcast, an introduction to digital audio editing, and a chance for participants to meet with staff and volunteers from Trent Radio.
I sincerely hope that you will take this opportunity to discover what Trent Radio has to offer. It has been an amazing experience for me, an excellent resource for TISA, and one of the highlights in my university experience.
This year’s Community Radio Workshop Session will take place on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Trent Radio House (715 George Street N). Registration is required, and there is a $20 fee to participate. For more information about this opportunity or to register, contact me at Mauriciointeriano@trentu.ca, or drop by Trent Radio and have a coffee with us.