STUDENTS at Aberdeen Business School will today re-launch their own radio station to inform and entertain their peers at university.
Rascal Radio broadcasts today for the first time with a daily average airtime of four hours.
Hannah Smith and Liam Watt, third-year corporate communication and publishing with journalism students at ABS at The Robert Gordon University, were tasked with revamping the existing radio station as part of their third-year placement, and they decided a massive overhaul was needed to generate more interest among fellow students.
Formerly known as Radio Space, shows were being broadcast for only four hours a week and the state-of-the-art facility was relatively unknown among students, so a drastic overhaul was required to raise awareness.
Originally tasked with creating a website for the existing radio station, the pair decided to take on the challenge of re-branding the station completely, and Rascal Radio was born.
The pair worked hard to drum up support and talent for the station and have had a surge of interest from fellow students. With a new schedule and presenters, the future of Rascal Radio seems bright.
Hannah said: “The team is working hard to make the most of the facility we are so lucky to have. The placement has been a great opportunity to work on such an interesting project where we can see the results of our hard work.
“We want to make Rascal Radio the most successful student radio station in Scotland.”
The new Rascal Radio line-up hopes to have something for everyone and includes new presenter Catriona Leigh, whose show is a place for local talent to showcase their music; The Half Hour Bizarre show with David Wood; The Frazzie B show, and the Girlie Hour with Hannah Smith and Amy Gold.
Hannah said: “I had never had any desire to present a show but, after learning the ropes and working so hard to re-launch the station, it’s fair to say I have a newfound love of radio.”
In order to make the station successful, a pool of talent is required.
Liam said: “Some people think that radio is just about the presenters, but we need graphic designers, web assistants and researchers. Rascal Radio is open to any student who wants to be part of the team.”
The placement experience at ABS allows students to put theory into practice and gives them a taste of life after university.
Hannah said: “Being in a working environment has put things into perspective. Once I finish my time at university, I feel confident I can use what I have learned and that it will be of some benefit to a future employer.
“I’m so happy I ended up at ABS for my placement. My work doesn’t have to stop now my placement is over, and I can carry on with it and continue seeing improvements.”
Students can access Rascal Radio online as well as in the atrium and other areas at Aberdeen Business School.
