Schools given a chance to win up to £1k through radio station and food-tech firm partnership

Erewash Sound has partnered with a local business to launch a competition to develop communication and writing skills within schools as well as to perhaps discover and nurture new broadcasting talent, with listeners being given the opportunity to have a say on the outcome.

Having launched on FM on 6th March 2010, Cotmanhay (Ilkeston)-based Erewash Sound has gone on to become hugely proud of its talent and successes, particularly through its accredited training academy which has ultimately led to a number of members going on from proving their credentials by broadcasting on the radio station to earning themselves roles in national and local BBC radio and television as well as regional commercial radio.  In total, almost 30 people have so far developed their careers and left for roles in the media industry. 

Now, Erewash Sound has teamed up with renowned Draycott-based food technology company Millitec Food Systems to launch ‘Millitec Media Starz’, an exciting initiative for all Key Stage 2 schools across Erewash and Derby City to create a 15-minute radio show and enjoy some fame and fortune.  

The first step is for students to submit voice notes to propose their radio show ideas, which can focus on any topic related to food.  The top 10 proposals will be selected for production and broadcast. Industry professionals will visit the selected schools to collaborate with students and staff, providing hands-on experience in radio production. Participating schools will have access to comprehensive online tutorials and guidelines.

Listeners across the borough will then vote for their favourite when the ten shows are broadcast in the New Year. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to visit the studio and discuss live on air how they developed and brought their ideas to life.

The overall winning school will receive £1,000 in cash funding whilst judges will also award two additional prizes of £500 for the ‘Best Idea’ and ‘Best Performance’.  Schools can choose to spend the prize money on any creative endeavours they wish to support.

Millitec Media Starz is the brainchild of Richard Ledger, Managing Director of Millitec, who shared his inspiration: “When I was a kid, I spent days in my room building my own radio transmitter to get on air. This is a great chance for kids to have fun, learn new skills, and actually get broadcast on the airwaves. We’re all really looking forward to hearing their ideas and working with these talented kids to get the programmes made.” 

Jeff Martin, Radio Station Manager at Erewash Sound, said: “Topics could include healthy eating, favourite treats and recipes – anything to do with food. Children in Years five and six will need to describe how they will want their full 15-minute show to work but are invited to let their imaginations run riot.” 

“We are very proud to be collaborating with Millitec in bringing this unique competition to local schools. Radio has been my passion since I was a child and to be able to give this opportunity to new generations and see what ideas they come up with is incredible.”

Erewash Borough Council leader Councillor James Dawson said: “Erewash Sound is increasingly becoming a must-listen for local people thanks to the fantastic work it does in our borough. We are sure this competition will appeal to many local youngsters – and we look forward to listening to the shows they come up with.”

A new report by the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England says that in order to prepare young people for their future, oracy should be the fourth “R” of education – equal to reading, writing and arithmetic. Oracy means articulating ideas, developing understanding and engaging with others through speaking, listening and communication. Polling conducted on behalf of the Commission found that over 80% of business leaders and parents support more time being spent on the development of young people’s oracy skills at school. The Commission calls for the new government to integrate speaking, listening and communication into every subject across the curriculum, as well as in extra-curricular activities.

Schools from around Erewash or from Derby City who wish to register an interest can visit mediastarz.co.uk or call 01332 320400.

The deadline for entries is Friday 6th December. Winners will be announced on Monday 31st March 2025.