Jordan North returns to his roots to open University of Sunderland’s new radio studio

BBC Radio 1 presenter Jordan North has gone back to where it all began for him, as he cut the ribbon to the University of Sunderland’s new state of the art Spark studio.

Jordan, a former Spark presenter and University graduate, officially opened Studio 5 at the David Puttnam Media Centre on Sir Tom Cowie Campus, St Peter’s, this morning.

Speaking on Spark Jordan said: “If this studio was here when I was a student, I would never have left.

“I mean, I never left when I was here, I was here all the time, doing every hour God sends but this is a state of the art, proper radio studio and I’m really proud and very honoured to be here and be asked to open it today. It’s fantastic, it really is.”

Jordan, 31, admits he will always have a special place in his heart for Spark: “I love the place and I love the people and I’ve got a lot of time for Spark and try to give some of my time now to the university and to the station,” he said.

“The thing I learnt the most was you’ve got to try new things. I literally did every show, I did a music show, I did a talk show, I did a Sunday afternoon show and then I started doing entertainment radio and that’s when I learnt about the presenter that I wanted to be.”

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Communication at the University of Sunderland, recently shortlisted as University of the Year, in this year’s THE – Times Higher Education – annual awards, said: “Jordan is a great ambassador for the University and a shining example of how far talent, hard work and making the most of great opportunities can take you.

“I’m proud the University of Sunderland is such an important part of Jordan’s story. It’s fantastic to have him back in the Spark studio where his journey began.”

Richard Berry, Senior Lecturer in Radio at the University of Sunderland, added: “Jordan was a big part of Spark back in the days when we had a tiny office and had to juggle studio use around classes, so to welcome him back as a Radio 1 presenter to show him such a vibrant and modern studio is fantastic.

“Everyone who has seen the studio has been genuinely excited about using it and I can’t think of anyone better to come and cut the ribbon than Jordan. He’s not only a big supporter of the University but he’s a great example of how Spark can help students achieve their dreams.”

?NEW STUDIO ALERT!?

Studio 5 glow up has been completed and officially opened by Former Spark Presenter now Radio 1 Presenter @jordannorth1!

Thank you Jordan for returning to your 2nd happy place and we can’t wait for everyone to hear our programmes from the new studio soon! pic.twitter.com/bxgho6FFy3

— Spark (@SparkSunderland) September 23, 2021