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| What
do people think about us? |
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TEL: 01282
452 451 EMAIL: studio@theradiosurgery.co.uk
Some comments from just a small sample of
the many people using The Radio
Surgery each
year for our radio presenter training
courses, digital editing workshops and demo production service. Just
scroll down to see more
testimonials.
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Madeleine Darbyshire - Yarm
2012 |
Thank you David
and Steve for
such a fantastic
day! I
didn't expect to
be spending over
10 hours in the
studio, but
every minute was
worthwhile.
David is a great
teacher, with
masses of
experience and
the advice he
gives is
absolutely
invaluable.
Steve's guidance
and
encouragement
meant I came
away with a demo
that I'm really
proud of.
Plus,
it's great to be
able to refer to
the book of
notes and
practise with
the jingles you
sent me whenever
I like.
With the
knowledge and
confidence the
day gave me, I'm
excited about
where I could
end up in the
next few years!
Note:
Madeleine
attended our
one-to-one radio
presenter
training day and
decided to book
the 'up-grade'
option.
Her training
therefore took
place in the
production
studio of
2BR/The Bee,
rather than our
home-based
studio.
Madeleine is now
intending to
apply for a
place on a MA in
Radio course,
based in the
north-east.
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Rob Corbett -
Toronto, Canada
2012 |
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I'm a producer with
the Canadian
Broadcasting
Corporation national
radio news service
in Toronto (writing
here in a personal
capacity).
I'm frequently back
in the UK to see my
family. I
don't use Adobe
Audition 3.0 at
work, but thought
I'd buy it to help
with projects where
I occasionally
produce material,
from home, for
National Public
Radio in the USA,
BBC World Service
and BBC national
networks.
So, during a visit
to the UK, I went to
see the guys at The
Radio Surgery, for
some Audition
training.
Steve - the trainer
- was superb and I'm
now confident on
Audition.
David could not have
been kinder, or more
welcoming.
Highly recommended
if you need to know
Audition.
Thanks guys.
Note:
Despite many
years in Canada,
Rob still hasn't
lost his British
accent!
Always hold on
to your biggest
asset is what we
say!
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Gargi Kaur
- London
2012 |
Once you have
decided that you
want to get
training as a
radio presenter,
the next thing
you worry about
(because, as we
know, there is a
recession on) is
the cost of
training.
I decided to
research trainers up
and down the
country and I
talked to them
all. I am
London based and
chose David,
because he was
the nicest,
really
experienced,
offered demo
production, feedback
on my radio
voice and free
post training
advice. He
delivered 200%
and a lot more.
David spent lots
of time with me
and took things
at a good pace.
There is a lot
to take in.
But, when you
get the chance
to practise, he
will repeat
things as many
times as you
want... so you
DO get it.
I have now used
the training to
set up a
business with an
animator, to
produce short
videos for kids
and another
working with
women... instead
of doing radio
immediately.
I shouldn't say
this, but I felt
when I was doing
my research,
some other
trainers seemed
quite happy to
take my money
and kick me out
of the door
after the
allocated time.
Regardless about
whether I needed
more time.
You will never
get this with
The Radio
Surgery!
Note: We
like to be
flexible and
offered to split
the training
over two days,
at no extra
cost. This
allowed Gargi to
travel from
London and have
some training on
her arrival day.
After a pleasant
stay in local
accommodation,
Gargi resumed
training the
next morning,
before heading
back to London
in the
afternoon.
If this option
would work
better for you,
just ask us.
It won't cost
you a penny
more!
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Ron Jones -
Wolverhampton
2011 |
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If you are serious
about becoming a
radio presenter, you
could not do better
than spend a day at
The Radio Surgery.
You will get loads
of invaluable tips
and plenty of
hands-on experience.
What David doesn't
know about radio
presentation simply
isn't worth knowing!
If you go for the
top package you will
also get the best
possible demo from
your day's work,
produced by Steve,
who is a genius when
he gets mixing!
Note:
Initially, Ron
had just set his
sights on a
specific online
radio station
for his very
first radio
work.
Having heard his
showreel demo,
he has been
inspired to also
look into
possible
community radio
work, as a foot
on the ladder.
Ron has a great
voice and
hopefully he
will soon be on
air with a
station!
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| Martin Reynolds -
Cheshire
2011
I attended one of your radio
presenting courses some years
ago now. You suggested
that I work in community radio.
Following on from a stint at
Flame Christian and Community
Radio, in Birkenhead, I featured
as a trialist for The Cat, here
in Nantwich. I am
delighted to say that I have
been presenting two hours of
eclectic music each week for the
past year. Being
ambitious, I have today applied
for work experience at BBC Radio
Stoke. I wanted to thank
you for your professional help
and advice and to let you know
that all your hard work has born
fruit. |
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Craig Davis - Stockport
2011 |
I have an aim to
be a presenter on an on-line community radio
station, which will hopefully launch later this
year.
Working with The
Radio Surgery put me at ease throughout the
whole day. It was also great that you
passed on your technical knowledge of the Myriad
and AutoTracks systems. Your
down-to-earth, but very insightful, manner has
definitely inspired me to continue.
Note: A
pharmacist by
profession,
Craig is now
using our
training notes
at home:
practicing with
the sample
script reads and
creating his own ideas
for good,
relevant, show
'links'.
Practise now
should ensure
that his show
gets off to a
cracking start
later in the
year!
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John Corbett - Accrington
2011 |
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Hi David.
Thursday was an absolutely
fantastic day on your radio
training programme.
From the minute I arrived
you put me at ease, till the
time I left you. I learnt so
much in the time I was
there.
At one point in the day I
thought I was banging my
head against a wall.
But, you talked me through
everything in such detail
that by the end I think I
knew what to say and when to
say it.
If there is anybody out
there thinking they would
like to 'do' radio then I
would recommend your course
to them.
Thank you.
Note: John has been DJing
for 14 years and wanted to know
if radio was another area that
he could turn his hand to.
DJ skills and radio presentation
skills are very different - but
John adapted to this well and now has a
demo to help him get his first
foot in the door!
May 2011 - John has called us to
say that after submitting his
demo, he's been taken on board
by Bolton FM. Well done!
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Joe Forrester - 91.8 Hayes FM
2011 |
I approached The Radio
Surgery after having created a few demos myself,
which I was unhappy with. I was worried
that no-one would ever get to hear my work as I
wouldn't have a good enough demo to showcase.
Plus, all the options I explored for getting
some professional help with it seemed extremely
expensive. It was at this point that I
found The Radio Surgery.
Not only were they very
reasonably priced, but they produced two demos
for me and didn't charge any extra. They
were also extremely helpful in terms of
explaining the process and keeping me updated
about what was going on. In addition,
Steve Joy's advice about what should and should
not be included left me with a set of demos that
I'm extremely happy with. Demos that I
would have been unable to produce myself.
The turnaround time was
also only a few days, despite the fact they were
making two demos and I'd sent around 2 hours of
material!
I'd recommend The Radio
Surgery to any presenter who wants a slick,
professional demo that still showcases their
unique style.
Joe Forrester -
Breakfast
Presenter
91.8 Hayes FM (www.hayesfm.org)
Note: Joe
co-presents 91.8
Hayes FM's
breakfast show
with Harry Seal.
We wish them
both well!
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| Simon Bower -
Sheffield
2010
The course was great... so much to learn.
Getting my hands on a 'real' studio made things so much clearer and easier
to understand. As did working with radio station 'sweepers' etc.
The nine hours went by so quickly and listening to the radio on the journey
home, I could appreciate how shows are constructed and critically
analyse the presenter's style and links. I have already practised my
own links and I can see they have improved already. I look forward to
returning and making a demo in a few weeks.
Note: Simon
has a lot of experience in appearing on radio and TV, when called to discuss
his specialist subject. However, he had no experience of actually
presenting his own radio show. He has a great voice and has already
been offered a trial show on a BBC local radio station. |
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Kate White - Chorley
2010 |
The Radio Demo
Day was great.
David let me
practise
beforehand, to
get used to the
Myriad system
again. I
was made to feel
welcome and
really enjoyed
myself. The
final product,
edited and mixed
by Steve Joy, is
very
professional and
I received it
within only a
couple of days!
A great
experience and I
would definitely
recommend The
Radio Surgery's
services.
Note: It was
a return visit
for Kate,
following her
one-to-one
training with us
last year.
After getting
some community
radio
broadcasting
experience under
her belt, she
came back to
record a demo
and sounded
excellent!
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Kevin Healey -
Staffordshire Adults
Autistic Society
2010 |
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A very interesting and
informative day! It
opened my eyes to what goes
on behind the scenes.
I shall take the skills
learnt on the day and
transfer them to benefit
both the charity and the
service users. I would
most certainly recommend
this course.
Note: Kevin is chairman of SAAS. The charity is
hoping to launch its own
Internet
radio station later this year.
Kevin came along to learn the
skills that make a great
broadcaster and in turn a great
radio station! We wish the
society well with their funding
bid. Check them out at
www.saas.uk.com
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Stephen Rochefort - Leek
2010 |
A very good day!
I got out of it,
everything that
I wanted to.
Ideal for anyone
who wants to
improve their
radio
broadcasting
skills and a
great starting
point for those
people who have
little, or no,
radio
experience.
The voice
training and
general
presentation
tips were great.
Note: Stephen broadcasts on
Moorlands Radio, under his
'stage' name. He was
particularly interested in
knowing more about the Myriad
system, as the station will be
adopting the playout system
later in the year.
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Anne Parker -
Poulton-le-Fylde
2010 |
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I found the radio training
course to be fascinating.
There seems to be nothing
that David doesn't know
about local commercial radio
and his passion for best
practice in the industry is
clear to see. The day was
very well structured and
packed with information.
David is keen to give you as
much as you want to know and
can absorb. He runs the
sessions with great
professionalism and
enthusiasm. I would heartily
recommend this experience to
anyone, there is much to be
learned!
Note: Anne runs her own
training business, specialising
in management and customer
service skills. With no
radio experience, Anne certainly
found the day interesting and is
now looking to use her radio
skills for podcasting on her
website
www.anneparker.co.uk
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Steve Burnett - Midlothian
2010 |
Thoroughly
enjoyed it!
I took away a
lot of learning
points from the
course, which
will hopefully
make me a better
radio presenter.
Link content and
speed of
delivery were
key points for
me. It was
also very
interesting to
see an
alternative
playout system,
to the one that
I currently use.
Note: Steve has worked at
Black Diamond FM for three
years, having been introduced to
the world of radio by a friend.
He's now keen to use the new
skills within his shows on the
radio station. Later, he
hopes to use our Radio Show
Appraisal service.
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Keith Gunson - Liverpool
2010 |
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I found it extremely useful.
The most fun I've had in
years! I've always
wanted to do this since aged
14, but lost my way a bit.
Having been advised to take
some training, for the
band's pirate radio show,
it's proved invaluable.
If you want to get your foot
on the ladder, get into
hospital, or community
radio. Just do it!
I would definitely recommend
it!
Note: Keith is a member of
the Liverpool based band
Caroline 199. The band,
along with Radio London, present
a multi-media show, which traces
the history of 1960s pirate
radio. The band themselves
have appeared over 80 times at
the world famous Cavern Club!
Check out their website at
www.caroline199.co.uk
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Muhammad Naveed Iqbal -
Sheffield
2009 |
The one-to-one
radio presenter
course was a
great
experience!
All my questions
were answered.
Usually, before
I asked them!
A very well
structured
course and being
one-to-one, it
was geared to my
own ability.
I sent the
sample links to
my brother and
he didn't
realise that it
was me!
Definitely, the
credit
goes to you,
David, for
that! In
addition, the
training has
enabled me to
broadcast a show
on BCR 103.1 FM!
Note: Muhammad has just completed
a Masters in Banking and
Finance. He is now looking to
work full-time within banking or
commerce. But, like many
of us, radio is in his blood and
he wishes to pursue some
part-time, or voluntary, radio
work. With this mind, he
has been actively looking at
hospital and community radio
stations in his immediate and
surrounding area... with
success!
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David and Graham Collins - Ellesmere Port
2009 |
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(From Graham) Many
thanks for your patience and
time. The day was
fantastic. Having done
some hospital radio work, I
wanted to look at the
computer playout system and
hear about the latest
thoughts and policies of the
radio industry. Plus,
at the same time, get my
son, David, trained up with
the skills of being a good
radio presenter. He's
already involved with
Internet radio, but wants to
progress further. The
day got us both much more
focused and in control.
Note: The 'one-to-one' radio
training course can be delivered
to a maximum of two clients at a
time. Whilst it is
technically no longer
one-to-one, we do incorporate
individual coaching, recordings
and appraisals. The day
is, of course, longer. We
offer this two person option at
a special price of just £300 (no
VAT). Just £150 per
client.
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Kate White - Chorley
2009 |
I really enjoyed
the course and
have learnt a
lot from it.
David was great
and answered all
my questions,
before I asked
them!
Working on show
content was very
useful and the
Myriad playout
system was so
easy
to use. I
would recommend
the training
course to anyone
who wants to get
work in radio,
or brush up
their current
skills.
Great lunch by
the way! I
can't wait to do
my demo!
Note: As part of a
local radio
station's
'Street Team',
Kate has got the
radio bug!
She's now
practicing the
skills and will
be back to
record her
demo!
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Rhiannon Dawson -
Perth
2009
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I found the course really useful and
particularly enjoyed practicing the
weather and travel scripts.
The training was conducted in a
professional manner and it was very
interesting to use the Myriad
playout system and learn some of its
abilities.
Note: Aged 15, Rhiannon landed a
programme on Ross FM - a
temporary radio project, run by
MFR. More recently, she
has been given help and advice
by Heartland FM and is keen to
get back behind the microphone,
with current radio industry
skills. |
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Nigel Cotton -
Alderley Edge
2009 |
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A very informative course
and good fun! The time
really flew. As
someone with no radio
experience, this training
course provided me with my
first great steps into the
world of radio!
Note: An accountant by trade,
Nigel also has a thriving DJ
business. He is now
looking to practise the skills
he learnt from the course and
get on the air. Be it
voluntary, or paid. Down
the line, Nigel will be taking
up one of our two radio demo
options.
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Isabelle Lawrence - London
2009 |
I learnt so much
more than I
imagined.
The guidance is
priceless.
Even if you have
some radio
experience, The
Radio Surgery
course helps you
with vital key
skills and
allows you to
work on your own
ideas for show
content.
But, they will
also advise you
if they think
your ideas are
not quite right.
I am
really pleased
with the demo
mix and also the
comments that
Steve made. Thanks very
much. I
will definitely
stay in touch!
Note: Isabelle
spent two days
with us.
The first being
our one-to-one
radio presenter
course and the
following day
recording her
radio demo. Isabelle needed
a demo quickly
and sounded
great. We
wish her well!
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Oliver Kester -
London
2009 |
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A good overall technical
tour of what you need to
know as a radio presenter.
Also, how to present a radio
show, using current radio
industry skills. A
very useful day!
Note: Oliver's background is film
and television, but he is soon to
work in far-east radio.
Whilst in Britain, he braved
'The Day of The Great Snow'
and travelled from London and
back, in one day, to come on the
one-to-one radio presenter
course. Leaving Euston at
05:47, he had over eight hours
of training and was back in
London by midnight.
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Tony Catanzaro ('The Jazz
Tourist') - Diverse FM Luton
2009 |
David (tutor)
has a wealth of
knowledge, which
is clearly
demonstrated in
the professional
manner in which
he easily
communicates his
vast knowledge &
experience of
the radio &
broadcasting
industry. The
day enabled me
to ask questions
on the many
facets of radio,
from the use of
the broadcasting
management
control system
(Myriad),
through to
keeping
listeners
interested in
one’s programme.
Having been
involved in
radio for some
time the
opportunity to
improve on one’s
skills is
unlimited. The
Radio Surgery
significantly
added to my
knowledge in
both theoretical
and practical
terms, with many
hints and tips.
The whole day
was very
rewarding,
culminating with
much advice on
possible
progression
routes. I
would like to
thank The Radio
Surgery for a
great learning
experience.
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Liam Hincks -
Wirral
2009 My experience at The Radio Surgery has not
only opened my eyes to the world of radio,
but also taught me a great deal out how I
can progress, and the work needed to do so.
With the friendly service and tutoring, I
would recommend this course to anyone who is
keen to progress in radio.
Note: At 18, Liam
is soon to leave
college and
gearing up for
university.
Although he
isn't looking to
pursue a
full-time career
in radio (at
this stage!), he
is wanting to
get his foot on
the ladder.
He was advised
to contact The
Radio Surgery by
a member of
Juice FM.
So, a big thanks
to them!
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Adam Lewis - 103.6 FM Tameside
Radio
2009 |
Very impressed!
David (my tutor)
provided me with
the confidence
and expertise to
go on and
construct my own
radio show;
links, voice
control (e.g.
script reading),
interviewing
etc, in a
professional and
structured
manner. I
would definitely
recommend The
Radio Surgery to
anyone with an
interest in
getting into
radio, but who
has no previous
experience.
Likewise, those
people with
industry
experience, but
looking to
improve their
skill sets and
delivery.
Note: Adam is
studying to
become a doctor
and also runs
his own DJ
business.
He's now a part
of the 103.6 FM
Tameside Radio
team and in line
for some on-air
work.
Many people hold
down a full-time
career and work
in radio on a
paid part-time,
or voluntary,
basis.
Certainly, a CV
that says you
are a radio
presenter, tells
potential
employees that
you have good
communication
skills and
personality.
It could well
make your CV
stand out from
the rest and
land you that
all important
first interview!
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Bill Clark -
Barrow-in-Furness
I would just like to thank you very much for your radio training course. Not only did I find it very informative and useful, but I found you also to be a very friendly tutor who went out of his way to help me as much as possible. If at any time someone approaches me and wants to learn about radio presentation, then I will certainly recommend you.
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Antony Payne -
Bournemouth
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Hi! I don't suppose you remember me all that well? I attended The Radio Surgery course
last year. Just to let you know that I have just been given my first full time gig, presenting on Fire 107.6. Thanks for all your help during the course. |
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Shahzad Tabassum -
2BR
A very worthwhile course. It far exceeded my expectations! I soon moved onto presenting with RSLs and then full-time commercial radio. |
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Maritza Duncan -
Glasgow |
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The Radio Surgery one day presentation course gave me practical experience and additional skills in radio presentation. This course is a great introduction for anyone considering a career in radio presentation.
Note: Maritza is
now a regular
presenter on
Sunny Govan
Radio and has
interviewed a
host of well
known names! |
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| Dave Taylor - Cheshire
This is to let you know that I'm now working for Cheshire FM... ...I'd like to thank you for all your help during my day with you and I would recommend anyone who's interested in a career in radio presenting to do the course. |
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Nik Gardner - Manchester
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Having always had a real passion for
radio, but with no experience in
radio whatsoever, The Radio Surgery
was perfect in giving me the
platform to take my passion
further. The whole day was an
absolute pleasure and gave me a
fantastic understanding of radio
presenting and what path and
guidance I need to take to be
successful. The time flew by and I
would really recommend this course
to anyone with a natural passion and
desire to work within radio. |
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Cal Sarwar -
Falkirk |
I just want to thank you for
a great day. The course
was thoroughly enjoyable,
well set out and easy to
follow. Your no pressure
approach was very refreshing
to see and experience.
I learned a lot in such a
short time and I believe
that it will be invaluable
for years to come.
Also, just to let you know that Awaz FM, in Glasgow, have
offered me the breakfast
show!
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Rotem Talmar - Lancaster |
As someone with no
radio experience, I
found your course a
good in-sight into
what is looked for
by today's radio
stations. The day taught me
new skills and was a
great experience.
Good fun!
I never realised how
many buttons you had
to press, as well as
talk!
Note: Rotem has a
degree in Sports
Studies and English
Literature under her
belt and is looking
at sports radio
work. We easily
adapted the course,
to include sports
bulletin scripts,
together with a
sports bulletin
'bed', donated by
one of our nearby
local radio
stations.
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Martin Reynolds -
Cheshire |
This one day course is pretty unique and
with the tutor having had a hand in setting up 2BR, in East Lancashire,
he is in a good position to give advice on the latest broadcasting
techniques. I found the day very positive and learned a lot.
The tutor gave honest feedback... very important. I have now
been taken on, as a trainee, by Flame Christian Community Radio, and I
am very happy there. Thanks a million!
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Sarah Groarke - Cheshire
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A
comprehensive introduction to both the technical and stylistic aspects
of radio presentation. An excellent day's course, with clear and
constructive advice, geared towards my individual requirements. Highly
recommended.
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Tony
Thomas - Chorley FM
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The course was very informative
and a good in-sight into the radio
industry. It has most definitely helped
me to head in the right direction
and to understand the various skills
required to become a successful
radio presenter. A day very well
spent! |
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George Halsall ('Triple H') -
Southport Community Radio |
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Anyone considering a Restricted
Service Licence (RSL) should
make The Radio Surgery their
first port of call. The
knowledge you receive is
invaluable. Show prep and the
operation of the playout system
were just some of the areas
where I picked up valuable
skills.
Note: We spent a very pleasant 11
hours with George. Not just
working through the radio
presenter course, but discussing
the radio industry in depth.
When we say, our time is yours,
we really mean it! We don't hit
5pm and say, "that's it, go home
now"! It's what makes us stand
out from other UK radio training
providers. Think of us as a
well equipped, friendly, B&B, as
opposed to a large, formal,
hotel! |
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