Interview with Adeel Akhtar

I interviewed the star of Chris Morris's new controversial film, Four Lions. The film is a comedy about suicide bombers in Sheffield, and has recieved mixed reviews. I spoke to actor Adeel Akhtar, who plays Faizal in the film, about working with Morris, the controversial topic it takes on and the problems facing a british asian actor.

To listen to the interview click here. 

Election frenzy takes over the students of Manchester

The students of manchester blew any accusations of apathy out of the water last week, as over 400 people crowded into the Student's Union bar on Oxford Road to watch the results of the 2010 General Election, with hundreds more queuing to get inside - something never before seen at UMSU. Watch my report for Fuse FM on the events of May 6th.

Virgin Voters - Make Your First Time Count

Laura Williams, Campaigns Officer for UMSU talks about the Union's current campaign, 'Virgin Voters' which is encouraging students to get out and vote in the 2010 General Elections on May 6th.

To listen to the interview click here.

General Election Candidate Interviews

Following the interview with Lucy Powell, Labour PPC for Manchester Withington, I conducted interviews with other candidates for both the Withington constituency and Manchester Central after they had taken part in the UMSU hustings. The candidates were:

John Leech - Liberal Democrat candidate for Withington
Chris Green - Conservative Candidate for Withington
Gayle O'Donovan - Green Party candidate for Manchester Central and Local candidate for Hulme.

Watch the videos below.

Eddie Izzard and Lucy Powell, Labour PPC.

I interviewed the Labour PPC for Manchester Withington, Lucy Powell, in the run up to the 2010 Elections. And she just happened to be campaigning with comedian, Eddie Izzard. See the video of the interview below.

More interviews with Manchester Withington Party Candidates will follow soon.

Why I Love Science

I remember my first appearance on TV. It was almost 5 years ago at a Red Nose Rally event at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. We had to build little rockets filled with some chemical or other, which when lit would create a small explosion and shoot it into the air. I remember being interviewed by BBC South Today and saying lots of twaddle like 'science is really fun and can be quite interesting.' In reality, at the time, I couldn't have disagreed more. I had just begun studying for my A-Levels, and had purposefully avoided anything involving Maths or Science. There wasn't anything about either which struck me as interesting, and I certainly did not find it fun. I just wanted to get on the telly.

Five years later though and I have a completely different outlook on the world of atoms, quarks and gravity. This is thanks mainly to two people. The first is T, who studied physics for his undergraduate. As our relationship has grown, so has my fascination and admiration for his mind. I feel stupid compared to him, but I don't mind. I find that, having not been subjected to ruthlessly memorising the boring parts of physics - that I am like a wide-eyed child again, hearing about the fun stuff, the outstanding stuff, the stuff that simply blows my mind. How the sun was formed, that all the billions of stars we see are the same size as our sun, that when we touch things, we don't actually 'touch' them - we are merely feeling the effects of electro-static force. I could even name you some constellations in the sky.

As if the BBC were in tune with my new found fascination with science, Wonders of the Solar System has started on BBC 2. Presented by the captivating Professor Brian Cox, a physicist based at my very own University of Manchester, a researcher on the Large Hadron Collider, and the keyboard player in 90's band D:Ream. Things, it would seem, really did get better for Brian Cox. Now, whether you care about the solar system or not, it would have been very hard to miss this compelling TV series the past few weeks, or Brian Cox for that matter. A quick glance at twitter on a sunday will tell you that, or the fact that in the space of a week Cox has appeared on Radio 2 and the hugely popular Friday Night with Jonathon Ross - despite being relatively unknown. An amazing feat for a nerdy scientist.

So why is wonders so, wonderful? A lot of it is down to Cox - he has an amazing way of making the most complex theories understandable for any mind. But, for me, the most striking thing about him, is the childish fascination he still has for physics, despite having studied the topic for almost 20 years. You can hear in his giggles that the Universe simply amazes him. He explains theories by relating them to everyday objects, that are more manageable for our inferior brains. Explaining the heat loss of planet in episode 4 for example, by relating it to a cup of tea. In the very first episode Cox conducts a simple experiment to measure the energy of the sun. On discovering that the answer is an astonishing 400 million, million, million, million watts, he grins at the camera and states "and that's why I love physics." Well Brian, that is why the nation, loves you.

But it is not just about the charisma of the rock star physicist. Cox explains it well, but it is the topic itself that is, if you excuse the pun, the shining star. Where we came from is a question that has baffled and gripped the minds of civilisation almost from the very moment we came into existence. Religions sought to find the answer soon after that. But it is science, physics, that has in my opinion, come the closest. Physics, governed by the rules of mathematics, and yet it is so - magical. Wonders of the Solar System has brought the importance of this discipline, and how it can help us answer that unanswerable question, into the public and political arena. The programme has sparked articles from the likes of Suzanne Moore, as well as political debate as Cox tries to make science a key election issue.

I admit, I will never grasp the complicated equations, or truly understand quarks, but that does not mean the Universe cannot amaze me. The fact that we know so much about something so unfathomably big, is an achievement we as the human race should be very proud of. Yes there are flaws, or one big flaw if you think that we still don't know what 'dark matter' is yet we know it makes up 90% or so of our Universe, but to send a satellite into space and capture an ice-volcano erupting from Titan, now that, is a wonder.

Fuse FM Live Election Broadcast

As the 2010 UMSU election results were announced, myself and the rest of the fuse team were reporting it live, on Fuse FM and on Fuse TV. Here is a video summarising what happened.

Protests Break Out at Manchester University's Students' Union

Protests between Israeli and Palestinian supporters broke out at Manchester University's Student Union this week, in reaction to the decision to allow the Deputy Ambassador of Israel speak in the union building.

The Ambassador ended up cancelling the talk amid security fears, but anger over allowing it to happen in the first place was still rife. Action Palestine began a peaceful protest, claiming the decision contravened the 'Gaza Crisis' policy that was passed last year.

Things took a an unexpected turn when Israeli supportes turned up claiming that the policy was an attack on freedom of speech.

Fuse News were on the scene.

Students Evacuated From Rooms Due To Gas Leak

Over a thousands students were evacuated from their rooms earlier this week, following a gas leak in Whitworth Park.

The leak, which was discovered in the university owned halls of residence at 5 o'clock that evening, meant the whole gas supply had to be cut off from the park, leaving its 1100 residents without hot water or heating, with temperatures below zero. Students were asked to leave thier rooms and head to friend's flats or alternatively to University Place, where food had been provided. Fuse FM were first on the scene as students made their way to University Place with their sleeping bags.

Sophie Lancaster Article for Student Direct

Animated film shows last minutes of girl attacked in Manchester

A film depicting the murder of Sophie Lancaster, 20, was shown to a crowd of hundreds in Manchester last fortnight, in the hope of raising awareness of prejudice towards subcultures.

The two-minute-long animation, which shows Sophie and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, being kicked to death in a Lancashire park, was screened for the first time outside Manchester’s Urbis on what would have been Lancaster’s 23rd Birthday. The film was commissioned by make-up brand Illamasqua, and directed by the award winning French director Fursy Teyssier.

Lancaster and Maltby were attacked in August 2007, simply because of the way they looked. Both were ‘Goths’ and were approached by a gang of youths in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, before being kicked in the head, Lancaster suffering fatal injuries.

Maltby, a student in Manchester, went into a coma but came out of it two weeks later. During the trial, in which two teenage boys were found guilty of murder, the Judge said: “This was a terrible case which has shocked and outraged all who have heard about it. At least wild animals, when they hunt in packs, have a legitimate reason for so doing, to obtain food. You have none and your behaviour on that night degrades humanity itself.”

Sophie: Dark Angel brought in huge crowds, most of whom were Goths themselves. Despite it being freezing cold, the atmosphere was positive, with many of Lancaster’s friends and family present. After a speech from her mother, Sylvia Lancaster, the film was shown to a silent crowd. Most were moved to tears, as the animation shows Lancaster’s spirit breathing life into her boyfriend, an act of sacrifice for someone she loved.

James Reed, who had come to watch the film in support of its message said: “I think it’s something that kids definitely should watch, so that they understand that they should tolerate people that choose to be different.” He also describes his own experience of bullying; “Well, I’ve been called ‘mosher’ before and things like that. I do have some kids around where I live, and they don’t understand… some accept me, some don’t, but I choose not to give in to intimidation because this is who I am.”

Sophie: Dark Angel is now available to watch on youtube and will also be played during ad breaks on popular global music channel MTV. For more information about the work that Sylvia Lancaster is doing visit The S.o.p.h.i.e (Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere) Foundation Website at www.sophielancasterfoundation.com.

Featured in Student Direct: Mancunion 14/12/09

Film Showing Goth Murder Screened in Manchester

A film showing the murder of Sophie Lancaster, 20, was screened in Manchester on Thursday, with the hope that it will increase awareness of prejudice towards subcultures.

Sophie and her boyfriend were attacked in a Lancashire Park in August 2007, simply because of they way they dressed. Rob, a student at Manchester, survived the attack, however the repeated kicks to the head proved fatal for Sophie.

To raise awareness of the intolerance and hatred that is suffered by subcultures, make-up brand Illamasqua commissioned a two minute long animation portraying the horrific attack, in collaboration with acclaimed film director Fursy Teyssier.

Sophie: Dark Angel was launched in Manchester on a big screen outside the Urbis on Thursday, what would have been Sophie's 23rd Birthday. I went down to the screening to get some reactions from the crowd.

To listen to some of the Vox Pops, which were used on KEY 103 FM click the below link.

https://fusefm.co.uk/news/film-showing-goth-murder-screened-manchester

Joy Division Drummer on Manchester's Music Scene

Stephen Morris led a debate last week on Manchester's Music Scene: Past, Present and Future.

The Joy Division and New Order drummer was amongst other key figures of the city's clubbing fame, including owner of Sankeys Ross MacKenzie and ex Hacienda DJ Graeme Park.

Fuse reporter Sehrah Hussain and I caught up with one of the guests, as well as Stephen himself, after the debate, which happened at the prestigious Museum of Science and Industry.

To hear the interviews for Fuse FM click the link below

https://fusefm.co.uk/news/joy-division-drummer-manchesters-music-scene

National Rape Awareness Week Launched in Manchester

Greater Manchester Police launched Rape Awareness Week on Monday, with the aim to prevent sexual assault crimes over the Christmas period.

Students can often be at risk of sexual attacks, especially when making their way home after a night of heavy drinking. Police will be patrolling bars and clubs in popular student areas, including Fallowfield, in the coming weeks, as part of Operation Glaven.They want it to be made clear that they are not there to spoil student's fun, but to ensure their safety during this busy festive time of year.

I spoke exclusively to Detective Sergeant Sarah-Jane Speakman of the Metropolitan Division, and PC Mike Seddon, on the issue of rape awareness, ahead of the campaign launch on Monday. I also went out onto Oxford Road to speak to some students about their own safety on the streets at night. For more information click here.

To listen to the interviews and vox pops click the link below.

https://fusefm.co.uk/news/gmp-take-lead-national-rape-awareness-week

Student Masterchef Competition

A 'Student Masterchef' competition took place last week, as part of Manchester City Councils' 'Love Food Hate Waste' campaign.

The contestants were all students from across Manchester with no previous culinary experience. They were given typical leftovers which they then had to turn into delicious dishes.

The competition aimed to highlight the importance of food wastage, particularly that in student households, and the effects it has on the economy, and on the environment.

Fuse FM reporter Hattie Pearson and myself went down to Manchester Metropolitan's Culinary Arts building to oversee the competiton taking place (and to sample some of the creations...if we were lucky) but Hattie ended up taking on a much bigger task as one of the contestants failed to turn up....

To listen the report, including interviews with the contestants, judges and acclaimed Professor of Culinary Arts Ian Ainscough, click the link below.

https://fusefm.co.uk/news/fuse-reporter-wins-student-masterchef

General Meeting

On the 21st October UMSU held its first General Meeting of the year.

General Meetings are where Students can go to vote in favour or against the motions that are put forward, and can often decide important union policy. However, these meeetings rarely reach quorum, which is a tiny 300 people; one percent of our student population. Myself and Fuse News reporter Phoebe Keane went out onto Oxford Road to ask students if they were going and why. To hear the responces we got click on the link below:

https://fusefm.co.uk/news/general-meeting-report

Community Fete

On the 8th October the University of Manchester's Student Union held a 'Community Fete' in which charities and community organisations could set up stalls encouraging students to take part in volunteering and charitable activities.

An interesting afternoon, with lots on offer, and an effective way of putting out the message that not only is volunteering in your local community fun, it also looks great on your CV. To hear the report I did for Fuse FM click on the link below:

https://fusefm.co.uk/podcasts/community-fete

Uni-Q comes to Manchester

On 16th October 2009, a new television programme called Uni Q came to film its first episode at the University of Manchester.

The show, run by the political production company Catch 21, was aimed at students and took a 'question time' format. It was to provide students from all over the UK with a new platform to engage in politics. For its first episode they had a mixed panel which consisted of, Hazel Blears, Labour MP for Salford and ex-Cabinet Minister, Douglas Murray, Neo-Conservative director of think tank 'Centre for Social Cohesion' and finally Conservative Councillor for Worsley and General Election hopeful, Ian Lindley.

An exciting event for the students of our University to get involved in, and certainly one I wasn't going to miss out on. I got in touch with Alex Sargent, Company director of Catch 21, and got permission to cover the event for Fuse FM. I also, rather ambitiously, got in touch with Hazel and Douglas, asking them for a interview post filming. To my astonishment, they agreed. To hear what all the panelists had to say, as well as audience members, click on the link below to listen to the report I made for the Fuse News Show.

https://fusefm.co.uk/news/uni-q-comes-manchester-university

Not enough hours in the day.

Despite the fact that the clocks went back, I am still desperately trying to find time to do things. Little things. Like upload my work onto this blog for a start.

I ran a workshop tonight. It was, I must admit, quite ambitious of me, but I thought it might help those in my news team that had never written for the radio before. It went well I thought - I think most got something out of it. Just did a few 'mind map' exercises on what makes good radio news, or vox pops etc. Lets see if it makes a difference to news that is produced!

Various reports I have done etc to come soon....ish.

Blog wha?

I must admit, for someone who considers themselves 'in-tune' with the ever-changing media, the fact that I have up until now never 'blogged' is a little disgraceful.

I think the reason I never have is because I never really understood it. However, on curious inspection to various peer's 'blogs' I have seen the potential for exposing some of my own work to the wolld wide web community.
Bascially - I am a (budding) broadcast journalist so will use this blog to post my reports etc, almost like an audio CV.
I hope anyone that listens to them likes them. Advise is welcomed.