A new industry-standard radio and podcast studio at Leeds Trinity University’s main campus in Horsforth has been opened by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen.
Based in the Centre for Journalism, the studio replicates those used by leading radio stations and podcast production companies.
It will allow students to develop their skills in a space equipped with the modern kit and technologies they’ll operate when employed in the field.
Leigh Purves, course leader for Broadcast and Digital Journalism, said: “Our new radio and podcast studio will enable us to further improve our journalism offering, which is already the number one in the UK in the Guardian University Guide.
“It will allow students to gain important experience of producing high-quality broadcasts and content in a facility that mirrors those used by the very best in the profession.”
The Lord Mayor officially opened the studio on Monday 3 November, before hosting a Q&A session with journalism students, where he discussed his career, public affairs and the importance of holding power to account.
Councillor Cohen said: “Those involved in education will know that when young people have got the right equipment and the right support around them, they’re able to bring the absolute best of themselves.
“It’s absolutely clear that the studio, and the whole setup around the department, is geared towards ensuring that students at Leeds Trinity are getting access to the very best that the industry has to offer.
“Journalism at Leeds Trinity is a great course, and it’s superb to see the work that’s being done. The city is incredibly proud of the work that Leeds Trinity does, not just in the area of journalism and media, but in terms of contributing to the city in its wider sense.”
Designed to be industry compatible, the BBC will use the new studio on Tuesday 11 November to broadcast an episode of the Radio 4 PM show as part of Journalism and Media Week 2025. Presented by Evan Davis, also well-known for hosting Dragons’ Den, the episode will focus on Higher Education and incorporate interviews with several of the University’s students.
Taking place from Monday 10 to Thursday 13 November, Journalism and Media Week provides students with a valuable opportunity to learn from a range of experienced media professionals.
This year’s programme includes a dedicated ‘BBC Day’, with talks led by Reeta Chakrabarti, newsreader and correspondent for BBC News, Richard Frediani and Megan Bramall, editor and assistant editor of BBC Breakfast, Ellie Brennan, presenter on BBC Radio 2, and Jonathan Buchan, the BBC Radio Leeds sports editor. To see the full line-up, visit the full Journalism and Media Week webpage.
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Love to see local commecrical and student radio bein’ championed at my Alumini! Leeds Trinity was for me an excellent Uiversity with even better work abroad placements & internships across Europe & the rest of the world,
Hard act to follow after Mayor Abigail who was a brillaint Leeds City Council Mayor/Chairperson, but ive been impressed so far.
Mayor Dan is doing a lot of good work on being a busy and active advocate for Leeds Civic life, Economic projects, and Charity/LUFC ambassador events alongside broader duties interacting and engaging with and encouraging the public to get more involved in local civic life and local politics in Fab Leeds.
I like how he’s fairly balanced too when I watch Full Council Meetings, let’s everyone talk and keeps the discussions as high quality as possible. Despite the regular comedians in the LCC chamber we all enjoy hearing witty niche local politics jokes from, I gotta say that Leeds City Council tends to have better discussions than some other Councils further south who don’t tend to work as collegial and with professional cross party focus as we do in Leeds.
Keep up the good work Dan! Leeds is lucky to have a diligent born and raised Yorkshireman as this years City Council Mayor/Chairperson.
They should work with Global and LBC Wireless at the excellent industry expert tier radio studio.
Richer returns than with a Communist State Broadcaster, Commercial radio is more interesting and has better æffect on improving this world and economic prosperity. Plus offers opportunities for local firms to advertise their Business with radio, you can’t do that with a State Broadcaster.
Great to see our local mayor and Leeds City Council’s Chair showcasing Leeds Trinity University’s top class facilities and benefit brought to the city and wider Yorkshire through the education and expertise provided at LTU. Life-changing place which helped me work abroad and get into national politics.