Diary of a Presenter (2)

Dave - our Producer/Sound Engineer at work



• "Life hacks" learned - to help a swift start to the broadcast - 3

• Playlist songs thought of when put on the spot - 1 (...if you're really lucky!)

• Minutes overtime for a 1-minute trial "chat" slot - 4

It was day 2 of training for the Lifestyle:MK team with Secklow Sounds' technical chief, Mick Bannister (Mick also hosts "Plane Talking" which repeats tonight (Tuesday) at 11pm!...check him out here)

Dave got straight in with checking mic levels - and concluded that "excitable girls get gradually louder", as Gill and I were given a short "live chat" section in order to practice cueing.  

The most important element of the session was the speed at which the "turnaround" needs to happen.  Every show is cued right up to the second because presenters change over on the hour, and the next show needs to be ready to start so that you, our lovely listeners, can be sure you've got the right station.  This means each show team being aware of little things like the (silent) doorbell to allow the next show in, and making sure that our own show is structured to give as much time at the start and end to settle - while maintaining impact and interest for our audience. Not only that, but every show retains the Secklow Sounds identity on the hour (otherwise poor Mick has to do a lot of editing prior to sending out a recorded programme!)

Mick gave us a number of little pointers for an efficient start - I won't give away all his secrets, but suffice to say "drag and drop" of a singular structure is the way to go...so planning ahead is the key.  

We also recorded our promo - backed by a fantastic original jingle written specially for Lifestyle:MK by the marvelous Simon Gargrave - for more about Simon, click HERE .  He's created a lovely, jazzy sound - perfect for easy listening and Saturday chat!

Next week we are going to have a go at a mini show - so if you fancy tuning in, please do at 8.30pm on Tuesday September 1st when Gill and I will be having a "Girls' Night In"...but gents, don't despair because Dave will be there with a "Man Cave" section.

...and of course we took a few cheeky camera pics:

Audrey and Gill get down to some girl talk

30 minute "Girls' Night in with Lifestyle:MK" Tuesday Sept 1st 8.30pm


Lifestyle MK begins on Saturday October 3rd, 12noon - 2pm on Secklow Sounds, Community Radio for Milton Keynes - live the moment with us!

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