Coventry University London Campus (CULC) BA Global Business Management students participated in a field trip to the BBC Broadcasting House in London, for the first time in CULC history. With over 8000 staff, the BBC Broadcasting House is recognised as having the largest news floor in Europe. Officially opened by The Queen in 2013, the new Headquarters is home to the BBC’s News, Radio, Television and Online services, and is one of the most advanced digital broadcast and production centres in the world.
CU students enjoyed an entertaining and informative guided tour of the Broadcasting House, visiting the balcony over the newsroom, One Show studio, radio theatre and the Art Deco lobby of the old building. Students commented that it was astonishing to see the old part of the building working so well with the new one.
During their visit students experienced first-hand how the BBC operates and how breaking news stories are broadcasted to over 200 countries, in over 100 languages, all in the same building. After the tour the students had the opportunity to get creative when they made their own radio and TV shows. Students also learned how the BBC has influenced consumer behaviour and public opinion over the years. This was particularly relevant to their academic development, as they are currently studying the influence of media in psychosocial development.
This visit provided students with the opportunity to reflect on how the BBC truly represents the nations, regions and diverse community they serve. Feedback on the visit was overwhelmingly positive which reiterated the importance of field trips and external visits in learning, sharing a social experience and providing students with an opportunity to engage with external businesses.