BBC Radio 1 launches Annie Nightingale scholarship for female and non-binary DJs
A one-hour slot on the station will be given to winners
BBC Radio 1 have launched a new Annie Nightingale scholarship, supporting the next generation of female and non-binary DJs.
Named after one of the station’s most legendary DJs and broadcasters, The Annie Nightingale Presents Scholarship will support the groups who have been “historically underrepresented” in the dance music industry.
Discussing the new scheme, Nightingale said: “I was the first-ever female DJ on radio and am now the longest serving presenter of any gender.
“Ever since I began, I have wanted to help other young broadcasters passionate about music to achieve their dreams on the airwaves, and now we at Radio 1 are to put that on a proper footing.”
Nightingale herself will choose the recipients of the scholarship, with three winners being chosen each year, all of whom will be given a one-hour slot on Radio 1 on a Saturday night.
Radio 1 said that, with the scheme, it “aims to celebrate and elevate talented women and non-binary people in the electronic music scene by providing them with a national platform to showcase their taste and expertise”.
Station head Aled Haydn Jones added: “It feels incredibly fitting to have a female dance icon like Annie Nightingale being able to uplift new and exciting DJs to the national stage.
“This has always been very close to Annie’s heart, so we’re pleased to be able to give her this annual opportunity to celebrate the newest ones to watch, and we’re looking forward to hearing what they each bring to the show.”
The three inaugural recipients of the scholarship have been revealed along with the announcement – Peckham-based DJ Martha, Bristol-born, London-based LCY and Adelaide’s GODLANDS. All three will appear on Radio 1 this Saturday night (November 6).