Jessica Blackburn
About Me.
Hi! My name is Jessica Blackburn and I'm a student journalist studying at the University of Salford. My interests lie mainly in politics and the environment, but I've also reported on subjects from fitness to art!
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When I'm not in the newsroom at university, I can usually be found in the television gallery. I act as Station Manager for the University's TV station, Quays News. This means I keep an eye on all of the shows Quays hosts, as well as keeping in touch with the National Student Television Association (NaSTA).
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I have a keen interest in working in the technical side of broadcasting. I love working on all the roles, but I most often act as PA as I have a particular love for the drab aesthetics of iNEWS. I act as PA on a number of student shows, including our long running talkshow 'Salford Weekly'.
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I also present radio! For the past two years a friend and I have held our radio show 'Soundtrack Station' on the student radio station.
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Speaking of radio, I volunteer over at Bolton FM where do a bit of presenting and edit packages and interviews. I'm also a part of the Bolton FM Sports team where I report on local football. I not only edit the highlights reel, but I also act as producer. I oversee the weekly Saturday match commentary as well as make sure all the equipment is working!
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Check out my CV below, if you would like to learn more about me!
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My experience
Oct 2022 - present
Bolton FM volunteer
I volunteer at leats twice a week at Bolton FM. One day a week I am a broadcast assistant - editing packages and interviews and occasionally presenting on-air. Another day a week I act as assistant producer for Bolton FM's local football commentary. I not only advise presenters and write scripts but also keep in touch with our commentators on the field and supervise the equipment.
2021 - present
Media training
I have completed multiple media training sessions for various clients while at University. These involved me using broadcast level equipment and communicating with clients in a professional manner. The experience helped me to understand what working in a professional environment is like.
2021 - present
Student radio and television
I currently produce and co-host 'Soundtrack Station' for the student radio station 'Shock Radio'. During this time I have learnt to use broadcast level programs such as Zetta and use my time effectively on-air. I also act as production assistant for for 'Salford Weekly' on QuaysNews. This has taught me how to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
2020 - present
Broadcast Journalism
University of Salford
I am currently studying for a BA in Broadcast Journalism. Most of my time at University is spent in newsdays where we recreate a working, digital-first newsroom. These newsdays have taught me the importance of working in a team but also when to make decisions myself.