Demo Factor
#SRACon
The origins of Demo Factor start back in 2008 when the Student Radio Conference was hosted by 1449am URB, at Bath University. Back then it was called “Demo Idol”, it was a small and humble stage with just a few tables, and 5 industry judges, Chris North, Neil Sloan, Vicki Blight, Rob Watson, Sam Gregory. They patiently listened to any demos that were given in via CD and they gave feedback. At the end of the session the judges announced a prize of an overnight show on Galaxy FM for the best demo. The first winner was Ben Burrell who currently presents on Absolute Radio.
In 2009 the same 5 judges evolved the idea and became “Demo Factor” for the first time at the Student Radio Conference in Leeds. A host was introduced, Adam Catterall was able to both stand up for the person who’s demo was being critiqued and also push the judges to provide examples and reasonings for their decisions. One of the original Judges, Vicki Blight took over hosting duties in 2015 and in 2017 our first winner, Ben Burrell jumped into the hosting shoes. In 2023 presenters Emil Franchi and Sophie K lead the evening in Exeter.
Judges and Guest Judges from across the industry have since joined Head Judge Chris North and the team along the way, including Adele Roberts, Aled Haydn-Jones, Amy Voce, Calum Macdonald, Fiona Hanlon, Greg James, Jocelin Stainer, Jordan North, Julie Cullen, Lucy Winter, Mike Cass, Pandora Christie, Paul Sylvester, Pippa Taylor.
Demo Factor has appeared at Bath (2008), Leeds (2009), Nottingham (2010), Hatfield (2011), Bradford (2012), 2013 we took a gap-year, Newcastle (2014), Exeter (2015), Cardiff (2016), Leicester (2017) and Norwich (2018), Swansea (2019), Virtual DF At Home (2020 & 2021), Newcastle (2022), Exeter (2023) with many smaller ‘spin-offs’ and Demo Factor Xtra’s along the way at various conferences and training days up and down the country.
Demo Factor at Leeds Students' Union 2024
We welcomed Capital presenter, herself a student radio alumnus, Aimee Vivian as a judge this year along with returning judges, Calum Macdonald (Breakfast Presenter, Times Radio), Paul Sylvester (Content Director, Absolute Radio), Aled Haydn-Jones (Head of Radio 1) and Head Judge, Chris North (Talent Manager, North Media Talent).
DEMO FACTOR 2024 - GOLDEN BUZZED with the JUDGES
The Best Demo of the Night went to Lauren Redfern who wowed all the judges and audience with her natural and warm personality.
Lauren Redfern speaks to Sam & Danni after being chosen as Best Demo of the Night!
Judges meet Lauren Redfern (Winner 2024) [L-R] Paul, Aimee, Chris, Lauren, Calum, Aled
DF Exec Producers, Rob Watson & Chris North with SRA Production and Events Officers, Emma Bradshaw & Ben Swift - Leeds 2024
Demo Factor made a return to the University of Exeter in the Spring of 2023, (it's first time being back in 2015).
DEMO FACTOR - STAGE READY 2023 - Lemon Grove @ Uni of Exeter
For the first time it was hosted by two presenters, Sophie K and Emil Franchi.
2023 Hosts: Sophie K & Emil Franchi
(L-R) Chris, Pandora, Paul, Aled & Calum
Hosts, Judges and Golden Buzzed 2023
Since being crowned best demo of the night and ‘winner’ of 2023’s Demo Factor, Chris Howard has presented over that years Christmas daytimes and a month of Friday Early Breakfast early 2024 for BBC Radio 1.
Here's Chris's winning demo:
ALED GOES INTRODUCES HIMSELF TO GOLDEN BUZZED CHRIS HOWARD (2023 WINNER)
www.northmediatalent.com/talent/chris-howard/
DEMO FACTOR 2023
Christian Sayers, 2022 Winner comes to meet the judges.
2008 first time Demo Factor winner and now Absolute Radio presenter, Ben Burrell, returned for his fifth time to host the stage and keep the judges in check. That panel was made up of Julie Cullen (BBC 5Live), Pandora (Heart), Aled Haydn-Jones (BBC Radio 1), Paul Sylvester (Absolute Radio) and returning head judge, Chris North (North Media Talent).
Being back in one space, listening to the demos in front of each other and to hear live and in person feedback was exhilarating for all. Most of the delegates had never seen the show live but they came and uploaded their demos. It’s fair to say the room was a mixture of nerves and anticipation, and that was just from the Judges!
(L-R) Paul Sylvester, Pandora, Ben Burrell (Host), Chris North, Julie Cullen, Aled Haydn-Jones
Martha Owen, Scratch Radio (Paul),
Imogen Brewer, Fly Live (Aled),
Christian Sayers, Insanity Radio (Pandora),
Astrid MacQuillin, LSR, Leeds Student Radio (Julie)
William King, URY, University Radio York (Chris, who controversially retro-buzzed)
It was Christian Sayers from Insanity Radio (Royal Holloway) who however was chosen by the judges as the best demo of the night and winner of the 2022 Demo Factor.
Demo Factor Winner 2022, Christian Sayers with Judges & Host
Demo Factor 2022 @ NSR, Newcastle University
