Hundreds of people joined the audience as the BBC’s flagship news and current affairs radio programme was broadcast live from Nottingham Trent University this morning.
Radio 4’s Today programme, hosted by presenter Justin Webb, anchored sections of the show from NTU’s Newton building from 6-9am.
He was joined by sports presenter Gary Richardson and live guests included Nottingham Forest’s European Cup winning captain John McGovern, Vice Chancellor for the university Edward Peck and NTU’s student’s union president Bradley Fox.
NTSU President Bradley Fox
The programme touched on issues in Nottingham such as student safety and crime as well as a pre-recorded interview with newly-elected Ashfield conservative MP Lee Anderson on how he would better his area.
Vice Chancellor Edward Peck said: “I think it’s just a fantastic recognition of the institution being able to showcase the university and all our work.
“We invite friends, stakeholders, students to share in the experience, we can talk about our relationship with the community – it’s just a great opportunity to showcase the institution.”
Justin Webb, Vice Chancellor Edward Peck and Richard Arm
Justin Webb explained why the Today programme was aired at different universities across the country.
He said: “The editor Sarah Sands was very keen that we interact with students as they are potential listeners now and long term listeners as well and we need to talk about what students are thinking.
“Also now with half of young people going to university they’re a very important group in the country. It’s also about universities as a political thing, they’re so important and it’s one of the growth areas in the economy.”
The programme also spoke to Dr. Richard Arm, of the school of art and design at NTU.
He showed the presenter and audience a synthetic ‘body’ which is used to help educate in emergency medical treatments.
Justin Webb, being shown the mannequin live on air, said during the recording: “My goodness just looking at him straight up, the man is lying flat on his back…it’s extraordinary and actually rather horrifying what you’ve managed to replicate!”
Dr. Arm said: “It’s made completely by a UK manufacturer and the essence of the mannequin is to provide an immersive training experience for pre-surgical hospital caregivers.
“Being able to practice on a mannequin like this means the chances of survival in a real life situation will increase…so it’s great to be able to talk about it today.”
Students from the university also attended the recording.
James Hall, in his second year at NTU studying history, said: “I was just interested to see how it’s all made and its good to be able to put a name to the face of the newsreader I think that’s pretty cool and I was just generally interested.”
By Eve Watson