Radio Production Networking Conference

The very first Radio Production In The North Networking Conference took place at the Lowry last week jointly organized by Ashley Byrne of Made In Manchester and Northwest Vision and Media. Hosted by former BBC North West political editor Jim Hancock, it brought together the top people in UK radio production.

Over 150 people attended the event which comprised of aspiring students, producers, execs, writers and leaders of radio production companies from across the North alongside Radio 1, Radio 2, 5Live, Cbeebies and the Guardian Media Group.

“The Radio Production in the North Networking Conference will hopefully be the first of many. It really did help to put radio production on the map here in the North. Everyone’s very excited and fired up about radio and its prospects and potential given the arrival of MediaCityUK.”
Ashley Byrne, Creative Director, Made in Manchester/Made in Yorkshire.

It showcased some of the very best programming from the Independent Radio Production Companies in the Northwest and Yorkshire, including Smooth Operations, Glass Mirror Productions, Crosslab, Pennine Productions, Soundscape Productions, All Out Productions, Made in Manchester, OutLoud Media and Woolyback Productions.

New controller of Radio 2, Bob Shennan, launched the station’s spring search for ideas for the very first time outside London while the Guardian Media Group’s Group Programme Director for Radio, John Simons, talked through GMG’s growth in the radio sector over the past 10 years and why they launched their very own ‘Indie Fund’ in 2007. This has now been put on hold but they are committed to reinstating it once the economic downturn has passed.

“This was a great initiative which highlighted the wealth of independent production companies based in the North of England “
John Simons, Group Programme Director, GMG

Meanwhile, BBC 5Live’s Commissioning Editor, Jonathan Wall, and Head Of Development, Rhian Roberts, revealed their hopes and dreams for the move to MediaCityUK and how they will be looking for talent and skills from right across the North.

"It was a great opportunity to share all the thoughts and vision we have for MediaCityUK in Salford. I am determined to do my bit to ensure not just Manchester but the north of England gets great benefit from this project so to hear opinions and meet so many people across the region who care passionately about the broadcasting industry was invaluable. All of us who are privileged enough to be leading this project want it to be a 2 way process. That's why major set piece days like this are not just enjoyable but essential" Jonathan Wall, 5Live Commissioning Editor