A set of North East twins with a shared passion for Eurovision are following the dreams broadcasting live from the competition in Sweden.
James Rowe started his podcast about the song contest, The Euro Trip, while studying at uni and it is now the world’s leading independent Eurovision podcast.
Alongside brother Callum, both 27, the pair are heading to Malmo in Sweden to cover this years contest for the podcast.
Both are massive Eurovision fans and wanted to take their passion for pop – and journalism – to Sweden for the final on Saturday (May 11).
The twins, from Cramlington, Northumberland both studied at Sunderland University, with Callum set to graduate from his journalism degree this summer and James having completed his degree in Media Production in 2022.
“Being in Malmö means I have the chance to work closely with artists, songwriters, members of international broadcasting delegations and other industry professionals to help cement myself as a trusted member of the worlds of journalism and Eurovision,” Callum said.
“When I graduate this summer having this trip to Sweden on my CV as a real-world example of working as a journalist will be a huge selling point as I take my first steps into my career.”
Alongside brother James, Callum produces weekly episodes of their podcast.
He added: “Each episode is listened to by more than 1,000 people. During Eurovision week last year, we made daily episodes which saw our episode listenership more than double.”
James now works as a freelance audio producer for BBC Sport, Radio Newcastle and Hits Radio North East, formerly Metro Radio and TFM, but he is still committed to working alongside his brother on their Eurovision podcast.
“The podcast is something I am hugely proud of,” James said. “I still use it as a calling card and it stands front and centre on my CV.
“Callum and I have become a trusted name within the Eurovision media space, often appearing on outlets such as BBC News as experts on the contest.”
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The twins were able to secure funding from the Sunderland Uni to help fund their trip. Through it’s ‘Futures Fund’, which gives students up to £2,500, they have been able to afford the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Alistair Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Journalism said: "I’m delighted we’ve been able to help Callum and James with this opportunity. They are Eurovision experts and have developed an extraordinary specialism in Eurovision reporting.
"I’ve taught Callum for three years now and he has produced consistently excellent work, on a range of subjects, not just pop music or Eurovision. Since graduating, James has further honed his skills in the industry. They make a formidable team."
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