Alyssa
Presenters Name
Alyssa Thomas
Show Title / Genre
Community Link Show
Interests & Hobbies
I am very keen on social sciences so take a huge interest in: literature; politics; economics; psychology and sociology. I enjoy reading up on the subjects mentioned and developing my understanding of society and how individuals work. I think it’s extremely important to be as well read, open-minded and understanding as possible and increasing your knowledge does this.
I am also interested in culture, travelling and foreign languages. I will hopefully be undertaking a course studying Arabic in the autumn.
Musical Background / History
My musical history in terms of what I listen to is varied and rather than aligning myself with one genre of music my taste is diverse.
One of my main regrets about music is that although I enjoy listening to it, I am unable to play a musical instrument. In the future I would like to learn to play the piano, as it is an instrument that has always appealed to me.
When it comes to radio shows, music is much more of a hobby for me and as a radio presenter I find myself drawn to the talk radio format. I enjoy discussing current affairs and encouraging people to participate and debate issues that they are passionate about. As a result, I can often be found on air, chairing debates or interviewing.
How did you get involved in GFM?
I wanted to get involved in voluntary work with a media angle and GFM was the perfect choice. I had wanted to do voluntary work for a long time, both as a way of contributing to the community and developing my own skills as an individual and that is how I arrived at GFM.
The opportunities for personal development as a volunteer are vast: learning to read, record and produce the news; preparing and conducting interviews; media training; vox pops; using radio equipment: to possibly presenting and having your own show. You’re guaranteed to learn something new.
Achievements
I have a Law degree, which after three years of studying has to be called an achievement!
In terms of GFM, I went from reading the news to taking over Carol’s slot on the Community Link Show; my most notable interview so far being with Richard Graham the current MP for Gloucester.
I also have an internship with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) where I am a media assistant intern in the Oxfam South West Campaigns Office.
I have also secured myself another presenter slot on community radio in a different city, where I present once a week.
Musical Aspirations
n five years time, I would like to be a broadcast journalist working as a foreign correspondent for the news channel Al Jazeera. I am extremely interested in the Middle East and find it fascinating in terms of culture, religion and politics.
I would also like to work for the BBC, a corporation that is both the largest and most renowned broadcasting organisation in the world.
Finally, I would like to work for Channel Four as its flagship news programme is of an immensely high calibre. Similarly, to work as a research journalist for the programme ‘Dispatches’ would be incredible.
Most influential tracks
The S.O.S Band – Just be Good to Me
Icon of Coil – Shelter
Jah Mali – El Shaddai
Message to GFM Community
It’s a privilege being a presenter; receiving your texts, comments and phone calls and hearing your thoughts and opinions about the topics we discuss. Your input makes the station what it is. Without the community GFM wouldn’t exist and the voice of the community would be lost. Keep supporting GFM in any way you can, we truly appreciate it.
