Thoughts on the Charles Parker Day

I have attended a number of Charles Parker Days throughout my career in the Radio Industry.  The first was many, many years ago at Westminster University.  The theme was the representation of Disabilities on the radio and a deep dive into the Body Blow piece.  Having grown up with a physically disabled mother, I was particularly curious about the approach to representation.  And it was this, that led me to attend the event.  It was here that I was struck with the magic of the Radio Ballads and the legacy of its named founder, Charles Parker.  I had been making audio docs for some time, but this day changed my listening, my approach, and the possibilities for crafting true stories in sound.  And for this, I am eternally grateful.  I think for the first time in my career (then around 14 years) I produced in favour of the contributor, not my own desires for the story.  And I cemented my commitment to use this medium to ensure voices of all kinds were heard, represented and celebrated on the radio.  The Radio Ballads showed me that I could embrace my musicality, artistry and sensibility in holding space for people to speak their truths and share their stories.  That day really did change my life and my professional practice.   

In 2019 one of my students, Sian Medford crafted a magical piece entitled 'A Young Sel in a Small Town' which was acknowledged as the Gold Prize winner.  This work encapsulated everything that this prize stands for.  Voices who are not heard or celebrated on the radio.  Sian's mother's story touched the hearts of everyone who heard it and it continues to, firmly implanted on BBC Sounds in perpetuity.  Sian's career in the professional industry began from this point on.  She was hunted down by production companies, invited to commissioning meetings where she boldly told Editors that people like her were still not given space in the radio world and they needed to do something about this.  She was eventually head hunted by an Indie based in Birmingham where she was born and has since returned to, to produce prime time shows on BBC Asian Network.  Sian regularly visits our students and shares the magic of creating this powerful story with Selina (A Young Sel) and continues to offer her wisdom and expertise as widely as she is able.  The prize shone a light on her that she so deeply deserved.  A true talent.   

In essence, The Charles Parker Days are a glorious experience, in celebration of the wonder of storytelling in the audio medium.  The wealth of speakers, contributors, programming and generosity from all who curate these events shines loudly.  I am so enthralled by them, I have re-designed the Audio Documentary module I teach at UWL such that the Charles Parker Prize is front and centre.  The learning requirements, narrative forms, commissioning expectations are now the model for learning and creation.  I hope that through this revisioning of the learning experience we will create space for more finalists to emerge.  And for more stories from people whose voices are often unheard on the airwaves, produced by people who are less likely to find their way into this industry, to be celebrated.   

Suzie Bowerman, June 2025
Senior Lecturer in Radio & Sound Design @ University of West London
Director @ Beneath the Blanket