From October 2021 onwards I undertook some placement work with Pontypridd RFC. I have always said throughout that when I graduate I would like to work as a written journalist rather than work for a clubs media team but I thought this would be a beneficial opportunity to get some further placement hours and experience something different to make myself more employable. The opportunity came about through Pontypridd RFC’s link with the University of South Wales. Head of media at the club Geraint Thomas was keen for one or two students to come on board and help the club. Myself and Zacharie Johnson-Pillion obliged and a meeting was arranged.
During my placement at Pontypridd RFC I was given the opportunity to host my own radio show – The Ponty Rugby Show on GTFM. This was a new experience and something completely out of my comfort zone. It was a daunting prospect but I realised having the chance to host my own radio show was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.
From hosting my own radio show I learnt how the broadcast industry works and got to improve my interviewing skills. This was a great way to increase my confidence and throughout my time hosting the radio show I think the shows improved week on week. When I began the show I would come up with around six or seven questions to try and make it a 10/15minute show but it soon become apparent that this was no where near long enough. To combat that this I began coming up with around 12 questions per show and subsequently the shows become far longer.
I received positive feedback from GTFM station manager Terry Mann and I really enjoyed being given this opportunity. I feel as if this placement improved me as a journalist as I learnt how to write strong questions and improved as an interviewer.
AWC SPORT 