A recent article in The Guardian highlighted that with the syndication of so many commercial stations it’s becoming more and more difficult for aspiring DJs to get broadcasting experience and work their way into the radio industry, increasingly it’s a case of if you want to get involved in radio you have to be driven by a passion to do it. This is what radio is to me, more than just any ordinary interest or pastime, radio has become almost a compulsion. It’s this love for radio that has driven me to become manager of local community and student radio station CSR.

It didn’t start like this however; a little over two years ago now I had just moved to Canterbury as a fresher, ready to begin a combined honours degree in Film, Radio and Television with Media & Cultural Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. I guess my situation was much like anyone else’s; I knew I had a massive interest in media, but beyond that I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. This all began to change when, influenced by both my interest in media and also an overall love for music I decided to get involved in CSR. It wasn’t all plain sailing at first, being on the outside not quite knowing how to get involved or who to contact, for a while I made little progress. I stuck with it though and although it started slowly, I began to get progressively more involved.

The real breakthrough came when driven by my determination I decided to run for a position on the committee, to my surprise and delight I was successful, soon I’d begin as Head of Music for CSR and have plenty of opportunity to impact on the running of the station and also gain the opportunity to DJ. I was glad my determination had stayed with me; in effect it was this that led to gaining all the opportunities that came my way. This completely changed everything, I soon gained an enormous appreciation and a growing passion for CSR and radio in general which ultimately led to me becoming station manager.

Now in my final year of University, there’s a bit more pressure and a lot of work, but I’ve had some amazing opportunities and experiences which I wouldn’t have achieved without being involved in CSR. Not only have I gained some great experience but I’ve also met and worked with some fantastic people along the way and made great friends too. The highlights however have to be, being part of the team that delivered the coverage for Lounge On The Farm Festival 2009 and being project manager for 2010, attending the Student Radio Awards two years in a row, 2009 and 2010, and getting to meet one of my biggest inspirations, Steve Lamacq. But most importantly winning a Student Radio Award in October has to be one of my proudest and most fulfilling moments.

As a final year student I will be sad to leave CSR at the end of this academic year but I am excited by what the future holds both for myself and the next influx of talent that will continue to move the station forward. I guess the point I’ve been trying to make here is that with CSR the community and students have a unique opportunity to gain industry standard experience, discover a new passion, open up a host of new opportunities or generally just get involved in something really fun and exciting so what are you waiting for?

To become a member or find out more about CSR check out the website – www.csrfm.com or email me at manager@csrfm.com

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