Becoming a radio star

Greg Stubley is studying Sport Journalism BA(Hons) and has already started to shape his career after graduation.

“Studying Sport Journalism at the University of Brighton has been excellent for me getting work outside of my studies.

“Last summer, I approached my local paper – News Shopper – about doing a few pieces for them about the football team I support, Charlton Athletic.

“A few e-mails later and I was heading down to the south coast to cover a pre-season match against Portsmouth.

“On my first day, I was asked to tweet updates from the game and then after the match, I got to ask a few questions pitch side, to both the manager, Bob Peeters and a player, George Tucudean.

“It must have gone well because my editor asked me if I was interested in reporting on games throughout the season.

“While the work is voluntary, the experience I have gained from it has been incredible. I have had the opportunity to interview some of the best managers in the league including Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe and Ipswich’s Mick McCarthy, as well as a number of Charlton players. I covered an FA Cup match between Southampton and Crystal Palace which saw me rub shoulders with some of the finest journalists in the country and I was able to get some advice and experience from them.

“The best thing though came last October. BBC London approached me, on behalf of my editor, about taking part in a piece for their sport radio show on a Saturday. I took part in a debate alongside journalist, Phil Parry and former footballer, Bradley Allen, about some football topics, including the lack of black football coaches. The show was broadcasted live across London and has a number of people who listen to it.

“From doing my work for News Shopper, I have got to know a number of people, including some who work for Charlton Live, who are a group of volunteers who run a radio show for subscribers of “CAFC Player” which is run on behalf of Charlton Athletic themselves.

“I was asked in February, if I was interested in taking part in this service for their Friday night ‘preview show’. From taking part in that, I have picked up a lot of experience in working with radio and how to approach the show as well as what to say and what not to say.

“Following my appearances on the preview show, I was asked to take part in their slightly longer, Sunday show which is broadcasted live and encourages listeners to send in emails and texts. From general knowledge, I recognise that the show is very popular and it helps me to improve.

“None of these experiences would have happened in the same way, if it was not for me studying Sport Journalism at the University of Brighton. Hopefully, by rubbing shoulders with these journalists and footballers, I can eventually secure an exciting and enjoyable job in the industry after I graduate.”