Years of media talent at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have been celebrated, as Demon Media marked its 21st birthday in style.
The resident media group at De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) welcomed professionals from the industry to host a full day of masterclasses and networking sessions, ahead of a celebratory bash marking the landmark anniversary.
Of those industry professionals, Demon Media welcomed returning alumni who have graduated from DMU’s range of media based courses including Media Production BSc (Hons) and Journalism (NTCJ accredited) BA (Hons).
The media group consists of four strands which have developed over the years to form part of what is now widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading student-led media organisations. The strands consist of DemonFM, Demon TV, The Demon Magazine (formerly a newspaper) and an online rolling news platform; Demon Online.
Vice President Media and Communications at DSU and Media Production graduate; Mike Mayes said: “I think it’s great that we’re celebrating the whole of Demon Media rather than just Demon FM alone.
“Since the creation of DemonFM 21 years ago, Demon Media has become one of the most recognisable and well-respected names in student media across the nation.
“We should all be very proud of where we have come as an organisation and it only seems right to celebrate all of it.”
The 21st birthday comes just days after it was announced that DemonFM would host the Student Radio Association (SRA) Conference for the second time in five years having held the national event back in 2013.
DemonFM, one of only a few student radio stations lucky enough to hold a community broadcasting license, was formed thanks to passion shown by DMU students including History graduate Chris North who today owns his own organisation NorthMediaTalent, representing some of the UK’s hottest media talent, including Suzi Perry and Steve Lamacq
The event open to all students, brought people together to not only celebrate Demon’s existence, but to also educate students about how they can get into the industry.
Guest speakers included: alumni and Global Radio Producer David Murphy, Radio 1 presenter Jordan North and Dean Russell, CEO of Epifiny Consulting Digital Transformation Strategy Consultancy.
Ella Griffith; a DMU Journalism graduate, former DemonFM Head of News and current Broadcast Journalist at Global Radio said: “Demon Media has given so many people such invaluable experiences and I know I definitely wouldn’t be doing what I am now without it.
“It’s such an inclusive community of likeminded passionate people and despite graduating two years ago, I still feel very much part of it.
“Demon Media gave me a place to do what I wanted to do, which was radio. We were allowed to be creative, try things out and develop our skills.”
Tom Williams a DMU Media (Joint Honours) BA (Hons) graduate, former Vice President Media and Communications at DSU and Demon FM Station Manager, now works as an Account Manager at Smooth Radio East Midlands. He said: “When I started at DMU, my plan was to become a teacher, but that was until I got involved in Demon FM.
“The opportunity it gives its members to learn in a safe and supportive environment encourages creativity, professionalism and engagement.
“The thrill of lifting the faders and speaking to a real-life audience got me hooked on radio and I’ve not looked back since. Thanks to Demon I have been able to accelerate my career and have been provided with opportunities not offered to others my age.”
Posted on Tuesday 22 November 2016