Meet the Sparkies taking over BBC Radio 1 this Christmas

Published on 18, December, 2024

Graduates from the University of Sunderland have secured their spot to shine on the annual BBC Radio 1 Christmas Takeover 2024.

Created in 2019, the initiative by BBC Radio 1 gives 27 new presenters and DJs the chance of a lifetime to broadcast on the station, showcasing and supporting the next generation of talent.

Megan Percival and Jordan Blyth, who both studied at the University of Sunderland and volunteered at the University’s community radio station Spark, will now have the chance to showcase their talent on one of the biggest stages of radio.

Airing between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, Megan will be presenting the Eurovision playlist, and Jordan will be on Radio 1’s Rock Show.

Megan, who studied Radio, Audio and Podcasting at the University, said: “To be selected as part of Radio 1's Christmas Presenter Takeover is an honour for me.

“I'm absolutely buzzing to have the chance to represent the mighty Kingdom of Fife and my beloved University of Sunderland but mostly sharing the pure Euphoria of Eurovision.

“Can't wait to bring you some of my all-time favourite songs from the contest which all deserve your 12 points.”

Earlier this year, Megan won big at the Student Radio Awards receiving gold and silver for Best Specialist Music Programming, gold for Best Entertainment Programming and bronze for the Kevin Greening Award for Creativity.

Jordan, who studied MA Radio, said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic. I feel like it’s one of those opportunities I’ve been building up to for nearly a decade and now I’ve got the chance to go on BBC Radio 1 to do the show that means the most to me. For me, that was the icing on the cake.”

Since graduating from the University, Jordan went on to become a freelance presenter, reporter and producer at BBC Radio Tees.

Jordan added: “I wouldn’t be where I am now without Spark, it gave all the foundation skills that are fundamental to breaking into the media industry and getting behind a mic.”

Spark community volunteer Daryl Jenkins Dixon will also get a chance to shine on Radio 1’s Indie show as part of the Takeover.

Dr Richard Berry, Spark Station Manager and Lecturer at the University, said: “The annual Radio 1 takeover is a fantastic opportunity for new presenters to showcase their talents.

“It's now becoming not only a tradition in the industry but something that our students actively work towards.

“I'm sure all three of the volunteers who are taking to the air this year will not only learn a lot but also create some really entertaining radio. This is definitely a Merry Christmas for these current and former Sparkies.”

If you are interested in studying Radio, Audio and Podcasting at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.

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