SOME of the most influential figures in British radio will discuss the future of broadcasting in a debate being held next week.

The Radio Academy discussion, held at Sunderland University, will feature Helen Boaden, who recently announced her resignation as BBC’s director of radio.

Ms Boaden, who began her career as a reporter in Stockton on Radio Tees, has held the most powerful position in British radio since 2013, having previously been in charge of BBC News for seven years.

On Monday, January 16, she will speak at the Media Centre, Sir Tom Cowie Campus starting at 6.15pm when she will be in conversation with Wendy Pilmer, former head of the BBC in the North East and Cumbria.

Richard Berry, Senior Lecturer in Radio at Sunderland University, said: “When we were asked if we’d like to host this event for the Academy we jumped at the chance.

“We’ve previously hosted other senior BBC leaders like Peter Salmon and Ben Cooper and we know that our students have found those experiences to be really beneficial”.

Admission to the talk is free, but places should be reserved in advance from eventbrite.co.uk