Free Word 701
gairrhydd Cardiff’s Student Weekly
THE JOKERS BACK FILM take a pledge with Nicholson
MEATY TOPIC FEATURES take on capitalism with the McLibel trial
Monday 15 October 2001
SNOOKER LOOPY GAMES try and find any merit in a snooker sim
INSIDE: YOUR FREE 7-DAY TV GUIDE AND COMPLETE CARDIFF LISTINGS
XPRESS JOY AT NOMINATIONS XPress Radio gain record number of nominations at Radio One’s Student Radio Awards By Kathryn Burden CARDIFF’S OFFICIAL STUDENT radio station, Xpress Radio, has gained an outstanding eight nominations for this year’s Radio One Student Radio Awards. The awards are the highlight of the student radio calendar, with only the very best of student radio talent across the country reaching the shortlist. For the first time, the nominations were announced simultaneously at six ‘It’s A Scream’ venues in Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool and London. Xpress Radio was nominated for Student Radio Station of the Year and New Media Innovation with individual Xpress reporters being nominated for the following categories: Laura Sykes and Lydia Spooner for Best Female, Jamie Dunbar for Best Male, Nick Simon and Jamie Dunbar for Best Newcomer and Gareth Griffiths for Best Specialist Music Programme with Dance Nation. Station manager Emma Gait-Carr
was delighted by the nominations, particularly the entry for Student Radio Station of the Year. She said, ‘It reflects the effort and dedication put in by everyone on the team, and how fruitful the training scheme we introduced last year has been. The Radio Station of the Year award is the most coveted and the most desirable award for any student station to win.’ She added, ‘It is fantastic to see student stations being recognised by the industry. It has been Rowland Hill’s vision to prove Xpress Radio’s credibility and potential, and it is now becoming a reality. My heart-felt thanks go out to him for giving Xpress Radio such a good start to the year.’ The awards, hosted on November 9 at the Alexandra Palace in London, received over 300 entries from a total of 38 member stations of the Student Radio Association. Out of the 17 entries that Xpress Radio submitted, eight were chosen for the final nominations after several stages of judging by the controllers of such stations as Radio One and Kiss FM.
Xpress Radio’s nearest rival with five nominations is Nottingham University. Nick Simon, nominated for best
newcomer, said, ‘It is very exciting. I tried not to expect a nomination but I was hopeful.’ When asked how he felt being up against fellow presenter Jamie Dunbar he responded, ‘Jamie and I are used to competing with each other. In the Gair Rhydd and XPress media awards last year we were up against each other and he won. Now it is my turn to level! Seriously though, it is great to have two nominations in one category, especially when there were so many entries.’ Jamie Dunbar echoed these sentiments, ‘It is a great opportunity for both of us. Just being nominated is fantastic and if one of us wins then it is all the better for Xpress Radio.’ Aaron Scullion, Chair of the Student Radio Association said, ‘The sheer number of entries for this year’s awards is testament to both the size of UK student radio and to the wealth of
talent working within it. I don’t envy the judges who have to choose between them. There will be a lot of tension and excitement on the night.’ The awards are in association with ‘It’s A Scream’; the national network of student focused pubs and clubs. Brand manager at ‘It’s A Scream’, Chris Moulson, said, ‘There is so much great student talent out there and we are very proud that we continue to be involved in an event that both recognises and encourages that talent.’ It is hopeful that some of the winners may be fortunate enough to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious predecessors like Kevin Hughes, now of BBC Radio Wales, and Alison Hume, presenter on Kiss 100. Xpress Radio will begin broadcasting across Cardiff on November 2 on 106.8 fm.
XPress team: Jamie Dunbar, Emma-Gait Carr, Lydia Spooner, Laura Sykes and Nick Simon with Kevin Hughes from Radio One
Security warning as female assaulted by James Bladon FEMALE STUDENTS are being warned to be extra vigilant following a terrifying ordeal for a young woman on Senghenydd Road. The woman, who is a student at Cardiff University was attacked as she walked home from Jive Hive in the early hours of Thursday morning.
At around 12.30 am, after crossing the footbridge from Park Place to SenghenyddRoad and making her way in to Ruthin Gardens she was approached by a stranger. The man grabbed her from behind, and attempted to remove her clothing. The attacker fled when he was disturbed when another group of people approached. Police are appealing for any information
in tracing the man, who is described as being pale skinned, in his early 20’s around, 5’7” tall, of a thin build, cleanly shaven and wearing a gold sleeper in his left ear. On the night of the incident he was wearing a baggy white t-shirt, with a logo on the left side and dark baggy jeans or trousers. Anyone who may have information on the attack is asked to contact either
University Security Operations Manager, Tony Lewis, or Cardiff Police CID on (02920) 20222111. In the wake of the incident Mr Lewis said ‘I would advise any female students to avoid walking home alone in the dark, and suggest that friends to look out for one another.’ He added, ‘Any female student finding themself alone on Park Place should not hesitate to come to the Security Centre.’
STUDENTS SUBJECT TO SAVAGE ATTACK IN CATHAYS – PAGE 3