Partying At Proud

Tonight's events started off with the Smoke Radio meeting which was interesting to say the least.
The issues that were covered included the current problems stopping us from using the studios on Thursdays and Fridays which is a bit of a bugger, making sure shows get recorded, and putting in "more energy" into the shows themselves.

They also explained the reasoning for the recent changes such as the on and off air branding, the playlist and so on but I didn't really think the reasons were justifiable.

My main objection is the fact that all the records from the G list were omitted since last Autumn which is ridiculous as a lot of students appreciate older tracks as well as the latest releases.

Especially with those on campus who are big fans of acts such as The Smiths, The Cure, New Order etc.

Phil Harris was definitely the most outspoken which didn't go down well with Sophie C although he did have a few fair points and it was rather funny to be honest.

The Dumpster Punk boys had a few things to say with regards to not being allowed to swear on air, although a bigger issue was libel, as we've been told to be very careful to avoid getting into the same sort of problems that Burn FM in Birmingham did last year, when two of their presenters got into big trouble for libelling Des O'Connor's daughter.

This resulted in the station and the students union being fined and got into big trouble with the Student Radio Association, although it was a bigger problem because they were an FM station as well.
However we've been told to be careful with regards to anything libellous as the Listen Again feature will be introduced pretty soon.

The good news is that there will be another 24 hour Broadcast in March, and a Summer Send Off as always. They also mentioned that they would start looking for potential comittee members for 2009/2010 although Lottie mentioned that she would not have any arse licking.
Her words, not mine, but I hope that remains the case.

After the meeting I went with Chris and Phil to see Stoobs pulling the pints at the Undercroft and it looks like things are going well events wise as Phil's arranged a "Big Phat Party" for February the 2nd just two days after Sarah's birthday do, and Jim Chappety-Chapman wants me to spin the soul for another night later in the month.

It should be good times and we'll put the fun back into Uni once again.

On a lower note it appears that Adam & Zo's transfer to Tuesdays may not be easy as it seems as both shows are live that night including Sam's dance show.

I'm hoping that this won't result in an early departure but it can be a bugger to pre-rec shows and if they do end up leaving, I may see if I can move the show an hour earlier as I'll probably get bored up in the radio rooms on my own at that time of evening.

Alternatively I could just spend my Wednesdays in the flat until 8pm rather than be up in M-Block although Lottie was grateful that I'd recorded all of yesterday's shows.

It's just rather tough times with regards to schedule changes and studio availabilty which is beyond our control.

I headed off to Camden and the Proud Gallery where Joey was holding his Big Sur night.
There were a few old faces as well including Chris Jones, Lucy Tate and even Ricky turned up but I was rather disapointed that he didn't really acknowledge my presence.

Maybe he wasn't too happy about my joke about him stealing a Sony Award.

However I really couldn't imagine him saying what Lottie said in today's meeting with regards to getting the programming position at the station.
That would be like me saying that I'm Andrew Lloyd Webber's biggest fan.

It was a good night however with the bands and other acts being top notch with the best part being Rosie And The Goldbug, and poet Mr G.

I also chatted to Chris and Lucy where Chris revealed he's now working for Will McDonald who used to be on TFI Friday. Unsuprisingly he hates it when everyone starts saying "Wiiiiiiiill!" at him.

And on that note, one of the other punters at Proud was noneother than Chris Evans himself who I met and he's a really lovely fella. He even introduced me as well as Joe to one of his mates when they turned up.

Definitely worth the visit overall and good to catch up with a few old faces.

I made it back to Northwick Park at 11:30pm and headed up to Area where quite a lot of people were there including most of the first years and second years from radio. Even Nick SD was present which was amusing in places.

Stewart was wearing his famous light up t-shirt as brought from IWOOT.com and Chris and Phil H were also there too.

As planned we started singing random songs to the rather noisy beats such as "YMCA", "It Must Be Love" and "It's Raining Men". I decided to head back at this point, not least because it's Chris's 21st birthday do tomorrow and it would be best if I paced myself.
Not to mention that I'm pretty skint, but not to the point of me being poor this semester.

Good night.