I work for the BBC within the Religion and Ethics Radio department and absolutely love my job. I get to combine my faith and my love of Christian music and feel very lucky; most of the time I don’t even feel like I’m working.
I first did work experience with the BBC straight after university, and as I had studied Religion and Theology and have sung in St Mary’s Choir since the age of 8, I soon realised that it was definitely where I wanted to work. Highlights have included working on the Pope’s Hyde Park Vigil, Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge and the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
I am currently producing The Sunday Hour on BBC Radio 2, which is a Christian music show with a range of hymns, gospel and contemporary Christian music presented by the Revd Kate Bottley.
I really enjoy choosing themes and all the music, and working with the presenter to record the show. I can use my theological and musical knowledge to make a programme that shares the Christian faith with people in an accessible way, whether they’re Christian or not. It’s on at 6 am on Sundays, which is pretty early, but do have a listen if you’re up before church, or listen later on iPlayer. It has definitely changed my perception of different expressions of worship and has shown me that it’s possible to combine traditions (I even sneak the odd anthem in when I can!)
Throughout Advent we’re exploring the theme of light and the symbolism surrounding the Advent candles, and will feature an interview with our very own Sasha Johnson Manning about The Manchester Carols. On Christmas Day between 6 and 8 am there will be a two-hour Gospel show and then Kate will present Good Morning Sunday between 8 and 10 am.
Miriam Williamson