Jonny Chambers was first inspired to take up a career in radio age 13 on a school trip to the University of Sunderland’s student’s radio station – now, seven years later Jonny has graduated from that same university with a handful of awards, and experience as a professional radio presenter.
Jonny, 21, first visited the University on a school trip with Farringdon Community Academy in Year 8 and instantly fell in love with radio. He quickly became involved in 107 Spark FM, the university’s award-winning radio station, presenting his own show aged only 15.
This week Jonny, from Sunderland, joined thousands of other graduates at the Stadium of Light to pick up his degree in BA Media Production: TV and Radio, from the University of Sunderland’s Chancellor Steve Cram.
Starting out as a volunteer at Spark Jonny was soon appointed head of Events and then Head of Brand and Marketing, helping design the station’s branding.
In 2012 Jonny began his degree at the University, but never gave up his role with the radio station, eventually taking over the Drivetime slot.
He says: “My time at University has included filming a short film at HMP Durham in First Year, to a nomination for a Royal Television Society Award for our TV Studio production in my second year.”
In 2013 Jonny won the Student Radio Award for Best Male Presenter - an award which helped launch the career of BBC Radio 1's Greg James. Soon afterwards Jonny was given the opportunity to broadcast professionally, for Metro Radio.
Now the young broadcaster can be heard regularly on Metro Radio, TFM and CFM.
“The University's focus on extra-curricular enrichment outside of the classroom has without doubt assisted me in gaining the skills and 'airmiles' needed to make it in this incredibly difficult industry. The staff are incredibly well connected within the industry and my studies have always felt relevant and industry focussed.
“My experience of Sunderland has been exceptional.”