News & Events

Comedian Phill Jupitus was at Bournemouth University to share his experiences of the media industry and give advice to students.

Phill – a comedian, presenter, actor and poet – is well known for his work on TV panel shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks and QI and as a breakfast DJ on BBC 6 Music.  where he worked with Jo Tyler, who is now a Lecturer in Radio Production at BU.

Phill spoke during an interactive event, where students from across BU’s Media School asked questions via email and social media, as well as in person – covering everything from his career ambitions and achievements to how technology is changing the industry.

Phill said: “The fact that you can get yourself out there and have control over what you put out there is positive.

“Anyone can get stuff out there now, people can make shows and build their careers off posting You Tube clips.

“I think podcasting is amazing. It’s a fantastic way – especially if you want to go into radio – of playing around with ideas and learning how to put things together.

He added, however, that: “the negative is that it’s a time of immense confusion…It’s an ever-changing world and I don’t envy you for having to deal with that.”

His advice for students wanting to go into the industry included remaining passionate about their area of interest, making good connections with commissioners and developing a thick skin.

“There’s an awful lot of luck involved but you do need to have a thick skin and immense determination,” he said.

“I think a lot of it is about developing relationships with the commissioners – just watch TV and have a look at what they want in terms of content.”

He added: “Keep on top of the industry – if you want to be in it, you have got to know it. You have to be a bit of a nerd about whatever it is you’re going into.

“The people that you work for can see how much you genuinely care about an idea.”

Jo Tyler, a Lecturer in Radio Production at BU, has worked with Phill on a number of projects, and used to produce his breakfast show on BBC 6 Music.

She said: “Having worked with Phill over some parts of his broad career, it is a pleasure to have him in person to speak directly to students about cross platform working and the future of a career in media.

“We used a more interactive Q & A format to allow students to lead the event. Phill has in many ways become a media mentor for BU, providing professional advice linked to producing, childrens’ TV, music, radio and poetry.”

BIRST – the online radio station run by BU’s MA Radio Production students – will feature a programme about the Q & A with an exclusive interview with Phill and recordings of his performance as a special guest at the Freeway Poets event at The Winchester Pub.

To find out more, visit the BIRST website.