Leeds Trinity’s Journalism and Media Week kicked off day two with Jess Bayley, James Deighton and Jonny Buchan from Radio Leeds. The panel, hosted by Darren Harper, tackled students pressing questions about life at a regional news branch of the UK’s biggest broadcaster.
Jonny Buchan, BBC Leeds sports editor, studied Broadcast Journalism at the University of Leeds. He told students how a two week stint at Yorkshire Radio laid the groundwork for his career. With sights set on the broadcasting powerhouse, he took a gamble: “At that time the only way to get in at the BBC was to go freelance.” But it paid off and he landed a gig at Radio Sheffield, spending 5 years there before securing the Sports Editor position at Radio Leeds.
Jess Bayley, Radio Leeds’ Journalism coordinator and Leeds Trinity Alumni spoke about her path into the BBC. With the Covid-19 pandemic rendering placements virtual – Radio Leeds was her first in-person role. During her time at university, sport had not been her central focus but after a phone call with Buchan she was reassured that she could: “Come in and give it a try.”
A common theme across the panel was taking opportunities as they arise, illness, holidays and people leaving present an opening to give things a try, Bayley said: “You know very quickly if you like it or you don’t.”
James Deighton, Rugby League presenter, commentator and producer who had recently celebrated 30 years at the BBC recalled how a cover position on the production side led to a full time role when a proposal gone wrong left an empty post at Radio Leeds: “she pulled out a ring and proposed to someone else!”
The panel spoke about the benefits of regional news within a national broadcasting company, noting that smaller scale projects can be used to trial content, the local Leeds United coverage was used on the BBC Sport website and app, its success meant that the format was rolled out across all other Premier League teams. Buchan said: “they’ve seen the benefit of using the expertise we have locally […] we can provide the analysis and that insight that a national journalist might not be able to do.”
Jess Bayley agreed, focusing on the benefits of locality to maintain relevance and ensure the facts: “If you’re there you’ve got more chance of getting it right.”
On a personal level, the multi-generational reach of local radio shows its strengths. Older people, especially the bereaved, lean on the radio, hearing a familiar voice can bring comfort for people that might otherwise be isolated. Bayley shared the story of a caller who had listened to Radio Leeds every day since his wife died showing how invaluable local radio is, especially for a broadcasting giant such as the BBC.