Alyson Duffy is a fourth year Communications and Media Studies, originally from Halifax. She currently hosts a show called Bench Warmers on Tuesday afternoons with co-host Kwabena Oduro. She originally started at CKCU doing the program On The Sidelines in her second year with her friend Courtney Trim because we wanted to shed light on topics in sports that don’t get talked about. Courtney and her even did commentary and play-by-play live on CKCU of both a Women’s basketball game and a Women’s hockey game from the Raven’s Nest and Icehouse respectively. Still sticking with the original mandate on the new program, Alyson and Kwabena continue to discuss sports that are not covered by mainstream platforms, while also discussing topics such as pay equality and female sports leagues that don’t receive the same coverage.
Alyson found out about Radio Carleton at the Fall orientation for students and came looking to gain experience in radio as being a broadcaster is something she wants to pursue as a career, and thinks CKCU is important and realistic way to gain experience in the broadcasting industry. “It is a very unique opportunity to gain hands on experience in multiple ways at a radio station. For those who are like Kwabena and I, it allows us to grow our skills that we can apply to the work force. CKCU allows us to meet others in the radio industry and to learn from which is crucial in our personal skill development.”
Alyson credits CKCU in helping her achieve a love for radio. “Growing up I thought I wanted to be on TV but with the experience in radio I have grown to love it and want to pursue a career in radio.” She thinks the most valuable aspect of CKCU is that it allows students like herself and many others with all kinds of different interests and backgrounds to gain a practical interest in radio and community media. “CKCU allows connections and meaningful friendships among volunteers and staff. It is an amazing community that I’m proud to be a part of.”
Aside from radio and her studies, Alyson enjoys coaching hockey, playing ultimate frisbee and ball hockey, reading biographies, hiking and surfing. You can hear Bench Warmers every Tuesday from 3-4PM or listen back to the archive here: https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/498/info.html. You can also revisit the Alyson & Courtney calling the Carleton Ravens Women’s Basketball team vs. the Ottawa University Gee Gees: https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/512/34989.html