Co-hosted by third year Radio & Audio student Megan Murphy, the ‘Little Red Live’ series has been curated in collaboration with Little Red Arts –  a grassroots centre and hub for Luton’s artists, creatives and performers. The weekly show airs every Tuesday between 10am and noon, with each episode featuring a special guest hand-picked from the Little Red Arts community.

Megan, a Radio LaB Student Station Manager, is currently completing her studies with the School of Culture & Communications and presenting the radio show from her home in Jersey. Having returned home in October 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, she says continuing to present and manage the station during lockdown has allowed her to stay connected to Bedfordshire and her peers, despite being over 250 miles apart. She said:

"It’s really nice to retain a connection to the local area, through collaborating with Little Red Arts and communicating with local artists.

"Presenting from home has admittedly been a struggle at times – especially having to create a quiet zone in a very busy household! But, having adjusted, I’m really enjoying the challenge and novelty of being able to present from home."

Due to presenting the new show remotely, Megan has not met her co-host, professional radio presenter Shemiza Rashid, in person yet. Despite this, the two have developed an on-air chemistry that is essential to new show and remote radio format. She continued:

"Shemiza and I get up to such mischief on the show and have such a laugh – we even have similar music taste, so presenting with her has been one of my favourite aspects of this show.

"Until presenting Little Red Live, I didn’t have much presenting experience. However, she made me instantly comfortable and we gel perfectly on air – now I can’t wait for each show.

"Opportunities for a career in radio and journalism are few and far between in Jersey, but this show has confirmed it is something I’d love to do in the future."

Co-host Shemiza Rashid, who also works as a teacher, an activist and a theatre maker, says presenting and producing with Megan on Radio LaB is a real pleasure. She said:

"I’m in my third year of working with Radio LaB and I love it – it allows me to tap into my quirky side and share my eclectic music taste. Megan is a natural and is great fun to present alongside – she is definitely a future radio star!

"It boggles my mind that Megan is in Jersey and I am in Luton but we have made it happen with minimal technical glitches.

"With my background in arts and the community I see the value of art to our wellbeing and mental health. Luton has a growing and inspiring arts and culture scene and this show allows us to put a spotlight on that.

"With the pandemic ensuing, it feels even more important that we give hope and respite to our listeners and collaborating with Little Red Arts seemed like the perfect opportunity to provide that lift that we are all in need of."

Airing since mid-January, all instalments of Little Red Live are available to play-back via the Listen Again function. The next instalment airs on Tuesday 16^th February. Special guests so far have included textile artist Mary Hearne, actor Aaron Spendelow and actor and producer Adey Akinrinade.

Details on courses and opportunities with the School of Culture & Communications can also be found online. For more information about how to get involved with Radio LaB, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/departments/culture-and-communications/facilities/radio-lab