Erewash Sound partners up with food-tech firm to launch competition for schools

Erewash Sound has partnered with a local business to launch a competition to develop communication and writing skills within schools as well as to perhaps discover and nurture new broadcasting talent, with listeners being given the opportunity to have a say on the outcome.

Having launched on FM on 6th March 2010, Erewash Sound has gone on to become hugely proud of its talent and successes, particularly through its accredited training academy which has ultimately led to a number of members going on from proving their credentials by broadcasting on the radio station to earning themselves roles in national and local BBC radio and television.  In total, almost 30 people have so far developed their careers and left for roles in the media industry. 

Now, Erewash Sound has teamed up with renowned Draycott-based food technology company Millitec Food Systems to launch ‘Millitec Media Starz’, an exciting initiative for all Key Stage 2 schools across Erewash and the surrounding areas to create a 10-minute radio show and enjoy some fame and fortune.

Participating schools will have access to comprehensive online tutorials and guidelines. Students can submit voice notes to propose their radio show ideas, which can focus on any topic related to food.  The top 10 proposals will be selected for production and broadcast. Industry professionals will visit the selected schools to collaborate with students and staff, providing hands-on experience in radio production.

The chosen shows will be broadcast on Erewash Sound.  Additionally, students will have the opportunity to visit the studio and discuss live on air how they developed and brought their ideas to life.

Prizes

• Overall Winner: Judged and voted for by listeners, the winning school will receive £1,000 in cash funding.
• Judge Awarded Prizes: Two additional prizes of £500 each for Best Idea and Best Performance.  

Schools can choose to spend the prize money on any creative endeavours they wish to support.

Millitec Media Starz is the brainchild of Richard Ledger, Managing Director of Millitec, who shared his inspiration: “When I was a kid, I spent days in my room building my own radio transmitter to get on air. This is a great chance for kids to have fun, learn new skills, and actually get broadcast on the airwaves. We’re all really looking forward to hearing their ideas and working with these talented kids to get the programmes made.”

Jeff Martin, Radio Station Manager at Erewash Sound, said: “We are very proud to be collaborating with Millitec in bringing this unique competition to local schools. Radio has been my passion since I was a child and to be able to give this opportunity to new generations and see what ideas they come up with is incredible.”

Schools in and around the Erewash area of Derbyshire who wish to register an interest can visit mediastarz.co.uk.  The deadline for entries is 6th December 2024.