Alex Burgess

BA Media Production: TV & Radio 2015

Spark’s youngest ever female drive time DJ is continuing to take over the airwaves as she has graduated this year. During her time at Sunderland Alex Burgess has held the title of the University radio station’s youngest female presenter, won Best Female in the Student Radio Awards, has presented professionally on Capital FM and managed several local bands.

Alex, from South Shields, started volunteering at the University of Sunderland’s student-run community radio station 107 Spark FM in 2012.  

“I'm still in contact with Capital, and looking at doing more shows there once I graduate, which is exciting,” said Alex. “In 2012 I started my own company - Lone Wolf Promotions - which was set up to promote bands in the North East, and organise gigs with local bands too.

"I've expanded Lone Wolf into management now too, and I'm managing three bands. It's a steep learning experience, but I'm loving it so far.” 

Spark FM has more than 100 volunteers, made up of students and young people from across Sunderland and is operated from the David Puttnam Media Centre.

In the last three years students from Arts Design & Media have kept the Faculty front page news in the region, as well as nationally and globally.

This year alone Spark FM has won international accolades, with Gold and Bronze awards at the New York International Festival. They have been consistent award winners in the last three years of I Love Student Radio Awards. Student from the Faculty have also been winners in the National Student Television Awards.

The wider Faculty has Internationally Excellent research in Music, Dance and Performing Arts, and World Leading research in Art and Design and Media.