Amongst Newcastle Student Radio’s variety of specialist music programming, there is also a community of culture and talk-shows. Branching out beyond the world of music, one of NSR’s most esteemed culture-based shows is ‘girls on film’. Talking about toxic masculinity every week, the show has constantly invited its listeners to “rethink all the stories we’ve absorbed”, as co-host Emily, described.
When I asked her about what inspired the creation of the show, she explained that “film and other media influenced our perceptions and understanding of people growing up”, recognising that it was time to challenge that. “It’s interesting to see the small details about male vulnerability and portrayals that we’ve missed” she discussed while reflecting on what the show has taught her so far. ‘girls on film’ is about to enter its second year of being on air, and as Emily went on to describe, “The biggest lesson has been about how to think more critically about film and gender.” Sometimes the show's premise can be uncomfortable, having to evaluate the ugliest depiction of toxic masculinity, however, the show still continues to stand out on air. When I asked Emily what she thinks makes the show stand out, she pinpointed “We make our criticisms fun, relevant, and unapologetically ours…”
Last year, the show's hosting pair received Newcastle Student Radio’s ‘Presenter(s) of The Year’ award, and almost 8 months on, Emily reflected on the dynamic of the pair. “I think that hosting has really helped us grow both personally and creatively…”. Tuning into the show, you’ll clearly hear “an atmosphere that cannot be replicated” between two friends that aren’t afraid to challenge each other, and continue to have fun: “We don’t just act as co-hosts who read notes to each other." There are on air interactions between the two that nobody can hear, but continue to pursue the energy in the studio.
After having such a successful first year, the show has colourful hopes for the year ahead. Emily summarised some of the duo's hopes: “I think one of the most important things is to continue having fun.” It’s clear that the dynamic duo of hosts is at the centre of the show's driving force; “Having a radio show with one of your best friends is one of the most enjoyable things at University…” Emily concluded.
‘girls on film’ is the creation of the real world experiences of women, but the show has yet to let the unpleasant nature of its premise stop the co-hosts from freely dissecting the world of toxic masculinity. Beyond that, the show is also the creation of the raw friendship between two people, developing as friends and hosts live on air. the show is the creation of the raw friendship between the hosts, developing both on and off the air.