BBC bosses meet Teesside students

Key industry partners from BBC North visited Teesside University to meet students from the School of Design, Culture & the Arts.

Alice Webb, Director of BBC North and BBC Children’s, and Adrian Mills, General Manager, BBC North, visited the University to speak to students studying journalism, film and television.

During their visit, Alice offered advice to students who aspire to work for the BBC.

She told them: 'There will always be space at the BBC for people who can tell stories. It is important that you know what original stories you can tell and how to tell them on digital platforms. Think about what will grab the attention of the BBC.'

Thirty students attended the event which took place in the University Boardroom in The Curve.

The BBC and MediaCityUK is now the fastest growing digital hub in Europe. In 2011, Alice oversaw the successful relocation of major BBC departments including Sport, Children's and 5 live to Salford.

The move to the state-of-the-art site was the biggest move out of London in the BBC's history. This led to the development of MediaCityUK as an internationally important media hub.

BBC North is now the BBC's second biggest creative hub, the biggest news centre outside London, home to five of the BBC's flagship digital products and base to some of the biggest BBC brands. Around 35,000 hours of output a year across TV, Radio and the Red Button are now made in the North, with 3,000 BBC staff based in Salford.

After meeting staff from the School of Design, Culture and the Arts, Adrian recommended that students be realistic about their expectations, telling them: 'Most students start by doing work placements or fulfilling junior roles. It is unlikely that you would be immediately given the opportunity to direct a film without any previous broadcast experience.'

Mark Handscomb, Senior Lecturer in Online Journalism, said: 'Visits such as this help to forge partnerships with industry experts as well as engaging students aiming to embark on careers in the media. It's clear that the future of journalism is digital. Stories are increasingly consumed via mobile devices. Having ideas about how short form content might be shareable online will help students stand out in front of employers like the BBC.

'Alice is interested in innovation and attracting new, fresh and diverse voices to the airwaves and her visit helps to inspire students as they progress towards industry.'

He added: 'Visits such as this also help to create a talent pipeline into BBC North. A growing number of our graduates are employed by different parts of the BBC in the North East but there are many more opportunities in MediaCityUK.

'My hope this that this will encourage students to participate in the mentoring opportunities organised by the School of Design, Culture & the Arts and follow the success of previous students who have started their broadcasting careers with the BBC.'

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