Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette

We’re always looking training up the next generation of radio presenters, either for our own programmes or for progression to other radio stations – bigger, but of course, not better!

Our first new presenter, Chyna Rose, worked with all of our daytime presenters recently, including Drive’s Jo Bailey, who made her co-host by the end of the week.

Chyna is currently studying at the University of Essex and has had placements with the BBC and ITV. However we kept her busy on air – her first interview, set up by morninig host Michelle Ward, was with Martin Bright, who has worked for over 30 years in journalism on national newspapers including The Observer, The New Statesman and the Jewish Chronicle.

On her last day, it was International Women In Music Day, and Jo and Chyna shared experiences on air as female musicians from different generations and discussed the obstacles women face in the industry.

We’re hoping to get more of Chyna and other new presenters on air later this year – if community radio is something that interests you, you can always get in touch with me at paul@phoenixfm.com and we’ll see what we can do …