Meet Your Colleagues - Paul Cromie

Here at SERC we are keen to promote internal colleagues to allow staff the opportunity to get to know each other and put a face to the name, particularly due to the size and scope of SERC.

This week’s “Meet your Colleagues” features Paul Cromie. Paul is a Station Manager for Bangor FM in the School of Performing and Creative Art here at SERC.

What does your role at SERC involve?  

I train our volunteers and students in broadcasting techniques – everything from operating a live radio desk to conducting interviews. I also work closely with our media lecturers to make sure our students have the opportunity to do live radio broadcasting – that’s something that can only be provided by SERC in Northern Ireland. My role also involves close co-operation with community groups, businesses and youth groups in North Down and beyond to help them promote what they do in the community, especially during these uncertain times.

Tell us a bit about your background?

I was a broadcast journalist and news producer at UTV and U105 for nearly 12 years. I was at U105 from it’s launch day in 2005 and as well as presenting and producing daily news bulletins, I also presented most of their big election programmes and even got to produce my own documentary. When I switched to the UTV newsroom, I was a reporter for a while but my main role was as a producer for UTV Live – a highly demanding role but I learned so much working with very experienced people.  

What 3 words best describe you?  

Face for radio.

What do you like to do outside of work? 

I love long hikes - I am usually found along coastal paths, beaches or mountains. I’m obviously doing less of that now, so when I’m not doing radio work at home, I am focusing on my Level 2 Counselling Skills coursework, which I am currently doing part-time at SERC.

If you could swap jobs for a day who would it be and why?  

The Prime Minister. Leave aside the politics – the current situation we find ourselves in provides a huge opportunity to make big, positive changes to our communities when we come through the pandemic. To be in charge of making people’s lives better after this crisis would be a huge challenge but an even better privilege.

List 3 items you would want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?  

A tent. A pen. A notebook.

What is your favourite film and why?  

The Music Box – Laurel and Hardy, 1932. The movie won the comic duo an Oscar – and it is much deserved. If you’ve ever tried to haul anything up a flight of steps, you need to watch this!

Where do you most want to travel, but have never been? 

Anywhere at the moment. I’m socially distanced, get me out of here!  

If you would like to partake in “Meet Your Colleagues” please contact Calum Donaldson (Marketing and Engagement Intern) at cdonaldson@serc.ac.uk for more details.