Student radio has long been a feature of the University experience, by providing an opportunity for both young media hopefuls, such as myself, and those who just love radio students are provided with the unique opportunity to express their passions in the safety of the student bubble. After the decline of the previous student radio station Storm FM, students Zoe Abrams and Penny Holdings, proposed the creation of a brand new campus radio. Since October 2001 the station has been operating for thirteen years, providing the latest music, entertainment and news, organised by students for students. From segments such as ‘Politigals’ on a Friday morning, to interviewing the various acts that walk through Manchester, Fuse FM has it.
As the former Head of Music from 2016-2017, Sophie Nebesniak had been given no small task. Trying to organise students can be difficult at times not to mention her other responsibilities as Head of Music such as posting interview slots for a multitude of artists to creating her own music event held in Manchester called Fuse Live.
I met Sophie in a quiet, independent café we sat in the back room where, aptly, there was a mini stage with music and lighting equipment complete with a lone tambourine. The main thing about Fuse FM is that its completely student run, allowing free reign on topics “theres no discrimination and everyone can do what they want”. The fact that it is wholly student run also means that it relies on the commitment of people who have genuinely found something they enjoy. This also means that those involved have a personal attachment to it. Sophie expressed much the same when discussing Fuse Live, a music event she created herself “Fuse Live is me… its my child”. The purpose of Fuse Live is to showcase three local independent artists in one venue, with the aim of advertising the talent of local student bands to a new audience. The shows have been consistently successful, highlighting the amount of effort and enthusiasm by the student community in supporting local acts.
Certainly it is clear just how important student radio is to the student community and not just by informing the campus on updates in the worlds of music, entertainment and news. Fuse FM has become the stage for which political discussion and debate has taken place “people voice their opinions on air” allowing for the widening of discussion.
Student radio has also provided a helping hand to those who are unsure of their professional future as it aids in allowing students discover their strengths and weakness. Sophie also highlights that “doing student radio is important in building confidence” something which every career requires.
When asked about how her experience at Fuse FM will help her in the future, Sophie thought for a moment, “being in charge makes you realise how much work actually goes into every task and how much work each individual does”. Sophie’s experiences at Fuse FM will last her a lifetime “it gives people a springboard to do other things”.
Before she left I was curious to ask how she felt about her time in student radio, “The day I leave Fuse FM is going to be the worst day of my life” this is very much the case for many students who have worked on student radio. But all is not lost as there is an alumni group in the works for people that have left University but still want to be involved.
This is ultimately indicative of just how important and, more importantly, fun it is to be part of Fuse FM.
eleanor margaret 