Melissa Chemam has worked in radio since 2006, first as a guest cultural journalist and then as a reporter. Her first radio package was produced in Haiti, then she worked intensely in East and Central Africa, and more recently in Europe. When Melissa came to Bristol in 2015, she fell in love with its diversity, the creativity, kindness and openness of its citizens. Melissa has been to many parts of Bristol as a reporter, and is honoured to have participated in BCfm’s project to represent more of Bristol.
New local history community podcast
- ’12 Communities One Bristol’ podcast tells the stories of the people of Bristol
- MA Journalism students worked on podcast which received funding from UWE Bristol Fund
- Podcast begins on 17 September on BCfm community radio
A new podcast bringing to life the stories of the people and communities that make Bristol such a special and unique place is being launched next week, thanks to the support of UWE Bristol.
The 12 Communities One Bristol podcast by Bristol community radio station BCfm includes 12 episodes focused on a particular Bristol neighbourhood – Barton Hill, Knowle West, Lawrence Weston, Easton, Fishponds, Hartcliffe, St George, Hillfields, Southmead, Eastville, Stockwood and Avonmouth – and the stories of people from those communities.
UWE Bristol provided the initial pilot funding for the project through a Community Grant from the UWE Bristol Fund and nine of our MA Radio Journalism students, led by Dr Anne Harbin, Associate Head of Department for Broadcast and Journalism, researched, recorded and edited short audio pieces which form part of the new podcast.
Podcast presenter Marcus Smith said: “There are stories of an old man in Hartcliffe who eats snails and calls them wall-fish, funny tales from a female rugby team based in Avonmouth, plus hip-hop from Knowle West and conversations about bees in St George.”
“Many of these areas are often overlooked or stigmatised. So we have created something to change perceptions and share unique local stories. This new podcast is for Bristolians, to welcome newcomers and future generations.”
Cllr Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor of Bristol, added: “I’m delighted to see the launch of a local podcast that will shine a light on the lives of people from across Bristol’s diverse and vibrant communities. Each community has its own stories to tell, and I’m looking forward to hearing about the uniqueness of each community and the things that tie us together as a city.”
Dr Harbin said: “I am so proud of the work our students did to help kick start this project. Some really interesting storytelling giving a real insight into Bristol’s communities.”
Alongside BCfm and UWE Bristol, the podcast is made in partnership with Bristol Museums, Bristol Archives, UWE Bristol and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
12 Communities One Bristol will be available from Thursday 17 September on BCfm Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and all mainstream podcast providers.
