Rebecca Steers represented NLive Radio at an Inspiring the Future event helping primary pupils discover careers in local media.
NLive Radio Station Manager Rebecca Steers joined local media professionals at the inaugural Inspiring the Future of Local Media showcase at Washacre Primary Academy in Bolton, speaking to young people about the role of local radio and the opportunities it can create.
Rebecca, who is also a Director of the UK Community Radio Network, joined journalists, editors, reporters, photographers and broadcasters from across the North West who volunteered their time to introduce pupils to the people behind the stories, programmes and content they see and hear every day.
Rebecca Steers, Station Manager of NLive Radio, said: “It was fantastic to see young people excited by local media, and by how many are already aware of local radio. Local radio gives people the chance to tell stories from their own communities, learn practical media skills and discover how broadcasting can connect people. I would love to see NLive Radio as the local station for Northampton have the opportunity to engage with local schools, and I call on them to reach out to us.”
The event formed part of a pilot delivered by Inspiring the Future as part of the Government’s Discover Creative Careers programme, with funding provided by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the News Media Association (NMA).
The launch comes shortly after the Alan Milburn Review highlighted the UK’s one million young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and renewed calls for more meaningful encounters with employers and insights into the world of work.
Starting early matters. Children’s ideas about future jobs and opportunities begin to form from primary school age, making access to a wide range of role models and experiences particularly important.
Research shows that:
- Children’s aspirations are influenced by the people they meet.
- Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds often have access to fewer role models and experiences.
- Exposure to a wider range of people and jobs helps challenge stereotypes.
- Ideas about future jobs can become established long before young people leave school.
It is hoped the pilot will encourage more people working across local media to volunteer in schools across the North West, helping children discover new possibilities and ensuring that talent and ambition are not limited by background.
Charlotte Thurston, Director of Programmes at Inspiring the Future, said: “This pilot brings to life the simple idea that you can’t be what you can’t see. Activities like this one at Washacre are so important because they give children the chance to meet real people from their local community and see first-hand the wide range of roles behind the stories they encounter every day. We’ve been delighted by the response from the local media sector, with so many professionals already giving their time so generously and engaging so enthusiastically with young people. The impact is clear – children leave these experiences more confident, more informed, and better able to imagine themselves in future careers they may never have previously considered. We are looking forward to bringing the pilot to more schools in the North West in the coming months.”
Rebecca appeared alongside representatives from across local media, including, Richard Duggan, Regional Editor NW – Newsquest, Paul Sinker, Director of Communications – News Media Association, Kelly Foran, Reporter – BBC North West
Andrew Simpson, Freelance Journalist, Ed Walker, Editor – Blog Preston, and Katie Warrior, Senior Policy Advisor Press Policy Media and International – DCMS
