Meet Jade

Describe your current role

As a radio producer on the Breakfast show at KISS, I’m responsible for overseeing the content we deliver to our listeners. My day typically starts at 5AM and ends at
1PM, where I prepare for the show by conducting research and brainstorming creative ideas. During the show, I manage the live studio environment, support our high-profile presenters, and ensure we maintain the quality of content our listeners expect.

After the show, my role expands to running all of our interviews, which includes researching guests, attending screenings, previewing new music, and crafting personalised questions for our presenters in true KISS style. Every day brings something new—whether it’s editing pre-recorded interviews for broadcast, collaborating with our social media team on cross-platform strategies, engaging with listeners for major projects, working with sponsors and advertising teams on creative briefs, or supporting wider events like the BRIT Awards red carpet.

It’s a dynamic and fast-paced job that evolves with the ever-changing landscape of media consumption in the UK. I’m lucky to work with a team that stays ahead of the curve and in tune with what’s next.

What did you enjoy the most about studying at Newcastle?

I was extremely happy with my choice of degree at Newcastle. The broad range of module options allowed me to gain a well-rounded understanding of music, beyond the specific focus of my degree. The staff were exceptional, each bringing their own unique approach while maintaining a shared passion for their subject.

They took the time to understand our individual backgrounds and interests, offering personalised recommendations that made our learning experience feel more tailored to our own passions.

I was challenged in areas I didn’t expect to excel in, but with excellent support, such as instrumental tuition, I was able to thrive. Looking back, I take great pride in the knowledge and skills I gained during my degree. As I approached my final year, I received invaluable guidance in selecting my final project, and I still enjoy reflecting on the topic of my dissertation today.

In what ways did your music degree at Newcastle prepare you for your current role?

My degree at Newcastle was instrumental in preparing me for my career in radio production. One of the most valuable aspects was learning how to operate a music studio as an engineer/producer, which directly translated to my work in a radio production studio.

The skills I gained in editing music for electronic composition allowed for a quicker learning curve when it came to editing audio for radio, an essential part of my current role.

Additionally, the diverse group of people I met during my degree strengthened my social skills, which are essential in the collaborative, fast-paced media environment.

Working alongside classmates from varied backgrounds helped me navigate the highly social scene in media, which is key when interacting with talent, guests, and teams. The course also allowed me to build a solid foundation of music knowledge, which was crucial when I started freelancing and working on music-specific radio production projects.