How the student enterprise programme helped me re-launch my radio career

MA student Noha Mohamed reflects on her journey of launching two radio stations within nine months and the support she got from the SOAS Enterprise Programme. 

I moved to London last September to pursue a master’s degree at SOAS, knowing it would give my radio career a boost. What I did not expect, however, is how soon that would happen. Through my participation in the SOAS Enterprise Programme, I was given the guidance I needed to follow through on my dreams.

Radio silence

Having had experience in radio before moving to the UK, I knew I wanted to get involved in SOAS Radio. Additionally, I had set out my vision on restarting my radio show in the form of a 24/7 online radio station that serves the SWANA/Arab diaspora.

I moved to London last September to pursue a master’s degree at SOAS, knowing it would give my radio career a boost. What I did not expect, however, is how soon that would happen.

I messaged SOAS Radio prior to my arrival to London, later to find out that they were no longer operational. I was faced with radio silence from both SOAS Radio and my own radio show that was no longer on the air.

I view radio as a medium to connect. I had a vision for my own radio station; I wanted it to become an avenue for a more accurate representation of SWANA and a voice to validate our hybrid identities and for belonging.

Resuming a radio dream

In term 1, I saw a callout for applications to the Enterprise Programme in SOAS’s newsletters and on Moodle. Thinking the odds were against me, being a 31-year-old and a previous business owner, I applied despite my hesitations. To my happy surprise, I got accepted as one of 18 participants out of 150 applicants. This was an opportunity I needed to make the most of.

Over the course of six months, the Enterprise Programme provided my cohort with a systemic and professional approach to starting a business. From strategy to marketing to company registration, I was provided the tools to create a full business plan for my radio station, Falafel Frequencies.

As someone who previously struggled to find mentors, I found it especially invaluable to be paired with a highly knowledgeable mentor who can help me throughout my entire journey.

Empowered by the Programme, I set out to re-establish SOAS Radio and get the students’ voices back on the air. In a span of five months, I grew the SOAS Radio team to more than 14 members. We are currently in the final stages of planning and are ready to launch in the Spring/Summer.

Simultaneously, Falafel Frequencies soft-launched in February and is building its roster of programmes. I am planning for a hard launch in September once my studies are concluded.

Paying it forward

After establishing two radio stations within nine months, my main goal is not only providing voice, but also paying the mentorship that I was afforded forward to my communities. 

One of SOAS Radio’s pillars is to create the next generation of broadcasters who can take over the station once the current team graduates. Similarly, at Falafel Frequencies, it is of prime importance to me to share my nine years of experience with the SWANA community. I cannot wait to help create a community of broadcasters who are able to connect with the community in this niche.

My advice?

Knock on all doors and see which ones open. Often, if you’re a hard worker with a strong belief in your vision, you’ll be surprised by how many opportunities and supporters are out there for you.