Owen Arands, News Presenter on Hits Radio.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we catch up with Owen Arands, News Presenter on Hits Radio.

Owen says: ‘After leaving Winstanley College in 2017, I went on to study Journalism at the University of Leeds. During my time there, I completed work placements at Radio City in Liverpool and Hits Radio in Manchester—experiences that helped me break into the industry and build valuable connections.

Since then, I’ve worked in a variety of roles at Bauer Media, including as Chief Reporter for the North West. I’ve had the opportunity to cover major stories such as the Eurovision Song Contest, the trial of Lucy Letby, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Currently, I present hourly news bulletins on Hits Radio Manchester and Liverpool during the afternoons, reaching nearly half a million listeners. Along the way, I’ve interviewed Prime Ministers Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, celebrities like Olly Murs and Stevie Wonder, and sports stars including Jamie Carragher and Keely Hodgkinson.

Winstanley College played a huge role in sparking my passion for radio and media. The college offered access to state-of-the-art equipment, inspiring and supportive tutors, and a creative environment where I met like-minded friends for life. It was the perfect place to explore my interests and gain the confidence to pursue a career in journalism.

If you're passionate about storytelling and want to work in media, start building your experience early—whether it's volunteering at your local station, writing for a blog, or creating your own content. Be curious, ask questions, and never underestimate the power of networking. The industry is competitive, but persistence and authenticity go a long way.’