Case studies - consultancy services
Project: BBA Media
Area: Ealing
Funding: £8,945 (2004-05) and £9,214 (2005-06)
Funding body: Living Learning Grant
In 2004-05, BBA Media ran a basic radio skills and development training programme for their first Living Learning project, which aimed to develop skills in radio production, media communications and basic ICT.
With their grant, BBA Media delivered a five week programme in which ten BAME beneficiaries (two women and eight men) were trained in the evenings, so as to fit in with beneficiaries' schedules. The training took place at Southall Community Alliance radio facilities and enabled learners to gain radio airtime with a short term license, with discussions on local and national issues, music and interview shows broadcast.
All beneficiaries gained a basic level certificate in radio skills and produced a 20 minute radio show reel to demonstrate their new skills. They were furthermore offered volunteer opportunites for a one month short term radio licensed station, and advice was given on further training by BBA's link organisation, Thames Valley Organisation.
For their second Living Learning project BBA Media delivered an intermediate radio skills training project. Working with the same ten beneficiaries, their previously learnt skills in radio were enhanced - providing certificates upon completion.
BBA hopes to build on the success of this project by attracting more funding in order to repeat the programme on a regular basis. They are hoping to have these courses accredited in the future. In late 2006, BBA also began to operate Westside Community Radio - a local station that will become an integral part of its training policy for existing beneficiaries and new volunteers.