Catherine spends her birthday on air

A RADIO production student from the Warrington Campus of the University of Chester was selected from hundreds to produce a programme on BBC Radio Manchester.
Catherine Warren, applied to be a part of the “Over to You” project in which up to 100 non-journalist volunteers “take over” the airwaves for a week. Those selected were given the chance to present, report, produce or create digital content.
She was plucked from hundreds of applicants through an interview process at Media City in Salford.  During a training session she was told she would be producing radio presenter Mike Sweeney’s three hour programme  on her 20th Birthday.
Catherine said: “It was absolutely amazing. I was shell-shocked throughout the whole show that I was even there!  I really got involved.
“I love radio. It’s a huge passion of mine. I like the technical side of things. The whole team at BBC Radio Manchester were amazing and so supportive throughout the process.”
Programme leader for Radio Production at the university Michelle Ponting, said: “Cat is a fantastic student.  When she told me she had applied she was convinced she didn’t have a chance. How wrong she was! When I listened to the programme it was great to hear her get a name check.
“At the end of the programme Mike got her on air and asked her how old she was. It was only then he discovered it was her birthday.
“What a great way to spend your birthday, doing something you love and want a career in.”