First Skype lecture for Hastings

Published in January 2012

Students of FdA Broadcast Media at the University’s Hastings campus benefited from the first rule of media in January. With the costs of visiting lectures demanding lateral thinking, level four students found an alternative way to invite TV development executive, producer and author, Nicola Lees, using Skype in what may be a University of Brighton first.

Lecturer, Gilly Smith used her own webcam in the Hastings lecture theatre to open a window into the world of TV development. “Broadcast Media and Radio students have always been inspired by a variety of guest speakers on the course,” said Smith. “We’ve had Jamie Oliver’s researchers, producers and radio presenters coming here to make connections and tell their stories. They always say nothing is impossible in TV and radio, and that as a researcher you have to find a way. So when we had to rethink the first year VL budget, we did!” 

The first Skype lecture lasted 45 minutes and went without a hitch. Students were able to see Nicola Lees’ at her own desk talking about her 17 years in factual TV development and to get advice on their ideas in a pitch surgery.  Student, Rose Swan wants to work in TV production; “The Skype lecture worked really well. I thought it was really inspiring to see how Nicola had got so far in her career by thinking outside the box. I am definitely going to take on board everything she said!” Chloe Rebbeck was inspired by new pathways into the industry. “I think this lecture made me realise there are other options in how to get into this industry instead of doing the whole being a runner then working your way up.

After the success of the first, Smith is lining up more Skype lectures. “The thing about Skype is that we can go into these people’s worlds instead of asking them to come to ours,” she said. “I’ve even asked Greg James at Radio 1.Maybe – if his producer agrees – our lecture will become part of his show. Anything is possible!”