The Radio Academy has opened applications for its mentoring program, RAMP, for 2024. RAMP is open to people at mid-level in their audio careers. Broadcast Bionics is the primary sponsor.
This is the mentoring program’s third year, and applications are open to people working in all disciplines of audio or radio, including production, presentation, journalism, technology, craft, commercial, brand and support roles. Applications close on Sunday, Nov. 26.
There are 20 places available on the program. A panel of Radio Academy trustees will shortlist the applicants, with interviews to follow. Successful applicants will be carefully matched with a mentor based on their specific situation and goals. Applicants must have at least five years of experience working in audio.
A personal and professional development partnership
The Radio Academy will host an online event on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 12.30 p.m. to 1.15 p.m. BST to hear from previous RAMP participants and meet the organizers, Radio Academy Managing Director Aradhna Tayal Leach and new RAMP Lead Natasha Maw, a former radio producer who has worked in commercial radio and the BBC. Maw is the Program Director of Leadership Development at Bayes Business School and works with several organizations to develop leadership capability. She will facilitate leadership training and skills development on RAMP.
We’re thrilled to support RAMP, which helps unlock creativity and talent in ambitious radio and audio professionals through a truly unique mentoring program
Dan McQuillin, managing director at Broadcast Bionics
The Radio Academy said, “Mentoring is a personal and professional development partnership, which helps to build confidence for participants to take charge of and advance their own careers, in the short, mid- and long-terms. At a point when many people face barriers to progression in their professional careers, RAMP aims to open access to industry leaders, expertise and support, addressing personal challenges and advancing equity in the industry.”
Previous mentors include:
- Rebecca Frank, content director at KISS Network
- Dixi Stewart, managing director at SandStone Global
- Adam Uytman, creator network development director at Acast
- Ryan Newman, head of music editorial and major label business partnerships for the U.K. and Ireland for Apple Music
- Bernard Achampong, co-founder of Unedited Productions
- Lorna Clarke, the BBC’s director of music
- Mohit Bakaya, the BBC’s director of speech
- Scott Taunton, EVP, president of broadcasting for News UK
- Jez Nelson, EVP, co-head of global podcasts for Sony Music Entertainment
- Steve Taylor, creative commercial director for Bauer Media
Empowering broadcasters
The scheme runs from February to July 2024 and includes dedicated, confidential one-to-one mentoring sessions, facilitated peer-to-peer development, leadership training workshops, networking events and ongoing support from the RAMP Lead and Radio Academy team. Participants will also have the opportunity to build a lasting, supportive peer network through facilitated action learning sets and networking events.
Leach said, “There is a wealth of diverse careers in audio, but often professionals reach a point in their journey when they feel stuck — unsure or unsuccessful in advancing to the next position. Mentoring and guided support help to open up different paths and gain the confidence and knowledge to take the next steps.”
Dan McQuillin, managing director at Broadcast Bionics, said, “Empowering broadcasters to make the most compelling, creative content is at the core of everything we do at Broadcast Bionics. For this reason, we’re thrilled to support RAMP, which helps unlock creativity and talent in ambitious radio and audio professionals through a truly unique mentoring program.”
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