BEN
NORRIS
Presenter and Producer
EXPERIENCE
Enthusiastic and hard working, I bring motivation and a smile to every role I fill.
I'm always looking for a new challenge to develop my skillset further.
Network Producer, Hits Radio Network
2022 - present
Responsible for launching and building the most listened to shows on the Hits Radio Network. Working with talent across the daytime schedule, both in the studio and across the country via codec and pre show meetings.
I shape the dynamic and entertaining content that cuts through in listeners’ busy lives while balancing in S&P delivery. I work across the content and the technical structure of the shows including everything from building show format, to delivering split content across the network, as well as being involved in special projects such as the arena tour HITS LIVE as well as on bespoke programmes for the network.
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Upon joining I launched the massively successful Tom Green and Hattie Pearson Daytime shows, growing our RAJAR to 1.7 million weekly listeners each, relaunched the new Cash Register, the UK’s Largest commercial radio competition - giving away nearly £7 million in its first year.
Freelance Radio Presenter and Producer
2021 - present
Taking my skills to multiple clients, I have presented a number of high quality radio shows across the country. Working through the pandemic and as the world re-opened I presented from my home studio and in client stations, using my knowledge and skills to work through any issues.
First hired to cover the breakfast show for Fire Radio, I have since built a professional and reliable working relationship with Bauer Media, becoming a go to freelance presenter for the Hits Radio Network. Hired to cover Hits Radio Drive across Bournemouth and Poole.
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Adapting to each stations technology has seen me improve my skills on a number of playout systems including; Zeta and Zeta2go, Myriad and Myraid Anywhere, Dira and Open Media.
Senior Content Creator - Audio & Podcasts
2021 - 2022
Leading the development of the charity's podcast network, I worked closely with all functions of the charity to create and produce captivating and engaging series and shows. From supporter aimed series telling the origin story of the charity and its culture, to shows staring the children the charity directly supports.
I also explored other content creation opportunities including filming and editing video content for social media channels and the Overwatch community, and worked closely with the supporter engagement team to develop opportunities to engage digitally through primary channels such as; social media, email, PR, influencers and SEO Content.
SENIOR CONTENT PRODUCER / DRIVE TIME PRESENTER
2015 - 2021
Getting 33,000 people home weekly on West Norfolk's most listened to commercial station - sometimes I wake them up too and cover Norfolk's number one breakfast show.
Having supported the station in a freelance capacity I've progressed from day time to drive show which curated a 58% increase in listeners year on year. Delivering energetic and engaging live radio daily including guests, breaking news and travel.
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As senior content producer I create audio packages and promotions both for the station and commercial partners and work with clients to deliver digital/video output. I also represent the station as the face of many events.
OUTSIDE BROADCAST PRODUCER
2015
Contracted for UKRD’s largest commercial radio station, Eagle Radio, two week outside broadcast (known as the ‘Love Tour’). Responsibilities included transportation and set up at client events and briefing the on air team. I worked with phone lines and Internet secured connections to provide a safe and effective broadcast link. I was the sole director, filmmaker and editor of a short film that documented the entire two weeks work, including the Surrey Youth Games and the UK’s National Armed Forces Day event in Stoke Park, Guildford.
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In the years since I have aided in a number of Outside Broadcasts, including those that I have presented like the KLFM Young Hero Awards. At these events I helped in the technical and physical kit set up and operation.
FREELANCE FILMMAKER
2015 - Present
Contracts have included:
Shooting and editing a docu-film of UKRD Eagle Radio's two-week outside broadcast tour;
A 2.30 min promotional film of the delivery of donated children’s Christmas presents to flood victims in Cumbria. This production was filmed, edited and distributed in one day, receiving three and a half thousand views in its first week online.
Promotional films for King’s Lynn Young Heroes Awards. For four years I attended the event, filmed, edited and distributed the film in one day. The first year received two thousand two hundred views in its first week online.
A self directed, shot and edited short film. I assembled crew, gear and chaired production meetings leading up to the shoot day. After I edited and distributed the film myself.
A number of shorts written, filmed, and produced by myself.
COMMERCIAL BROADCAST EVENTS TEAM
2012-2014
Position filled alongside full time education. I was a member of the promotions team deployed to public events to market both the commercial radio station and client brands. As the face of the station I would meet and greet members of the public / upsell the brand and/or client brand. Other responsibilities included the set up and down of outside broadcast equipment efficiently.
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Testament to my confidence in this role I progressed to producing an entire outside broadcast (OB) show, manning the master control room, ensuring the OB stayed live, answered call-ins from listeners and put them on air with the presenters. It gave me the confidence to work under pressure, as I was solely responsible for fixing any emergency problems.
FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
2013-2014
Alongside full-time education I supported Rebel Heart Photography in King's Lynn, attending several wedding shoots. As the secondary photographer, my key task was to capture natural, candid images of the bridal party. I was also given the task of assisting the setup of a small photo booth and the camera equipment at various wedding receptions. I then solely organised guests and photographed them in the booth for the duration of the receptions.
EVENT HOST AND PUBLIC SPEAKING
2019 - Present
Confidently engages and captures a room. I have hosted a number of community and charitable events in the West Norfolk local community through my connection with the local radio station.
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Most significantly I led the team organising West Norfolk's Local Hero awards 2020. This involved hiring and setting up a venue, the town hall, liaising with local businesses and sponsors, managing an order of service for the event, contacting guests and nominees and hosting the live event on stage to a crowd of over 700. I was a key figure on the judging panel, and a key contact for attendees.
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I have have hosted the stage at the local Festival Too a number of years in a row. Speaking to over 12,000 festival goers and working with A list celebrity acts. I have also been the face of smaller local community events such as Mayors Galas, Christmas light switch ons and charity fundraiser nights.
SKILLS
Radio Automation
Photography
Videography
Audio Editing
Visual Editing
Public Speaking
Live Broadcast
Social Media & Marketing
Strong Communication
Leadership
Team Work
Knowledge of split technology
Delivering live split links
SOFTWARE
RCS, Zetta & G-Selector
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Audition
Burli
Adobe Photoshop
Final Cut Pro X
Myriad Playout
Dira!
Open Media
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INTERESTS
Drones
Books
Film
Gym
Motorbike
Van Life Roadtrips
Crafts
D&D
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BEN NORRIS BROADCAST BEST BITS
OTHER
EDUCATION
A-Level
Performing Arts Double Distinction (AA)
Media Studies (B)
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GCSE
• Rock School (A)
• Photography (B)
• English Literature (B)
• English Language (C)
• Double Award Science (CC)
• Maths (C)
• Double Award Information Technology (CC)
• Drama (D)
VOLUNTEER WORK
BBC Radio 1
Runner at BBC R1 Academy, The Open in Norwich. Duties included: organising workshops, Q&A sessions and open events; acting as guide to audience members; escort for musicians and R1 presenters; general runner for Greg James’ live, on location show.
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Hospital Radio, King's Lynn
Volunteer presenter and producer. Duties and skills included: producing and presenting an evening show; visiting patients and staff for content; appreciating the needs and patience required to talk to elderly, confused patients on the frailty units to very young patients on the children’s ward.
CONTACT
I'm always keen to work with new people and brands. If you'd like to discuss any opportunity to collaborate please do not hesitate to contact me.