Falmouth Comedy Writing graduate wins UK audio and radio awards
24 June 2025
2025 has been a big year for radio producer Jack Edwards, who has forged a career he loves and is taking it to new heights with the help of Falmouth’s online master’s in Comedy Writing. Graduating from the course this summer, Jack’s work as a writer and producer at Fix Radio has also received several awards at this year’s audio and radio industry awards (ARIAS).
We chatted to Jack about his innate love of comedy, his work at Fix Radio and how the master’s has empowered him to push his practice in bold new directions.
When did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in television and radio?
My obsession with radio started young. As a kid, I was convinced I was a master of disguise, constantly phoning into local radio stations with a repertoire of voices. Academically, school was a bit of a struggle. My school wasn't exactly a hub of media or performing arts, so I left with a B in PE and French, a C in science, and a gentle nudge towards apprenticeships because “further education wasn't for me”. I did an apprenticeship and bounced around working various manual jobs, and after one particularly brutal shift left me feeling utterly miserable, I called my dad. He gave me the best advice I’ve ever received: "Find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life”. Without a moment's hesitation, I knew that meant working in radio.
What made you decide to join Falmouth’s online Comedy Writing MA?
Despite my distinct lack of qualifications at school level, I got a place at college to do a National Diploma in media and was subsequently supported to go to university to study TV and radio production.
Making people laugh has always been an inherent part of me – I guess some people are just built that way. Growing up, my dad introduced me to a treasure trove of comedy, and I devoured it. I always had great ideas but never quite knew where to begin with them.
Working with Course Leader Simon Nicholls and Deputy Course Leader Andy Dillon has been fantastic; they've both inspired me to keep going and not be scared to try new things
Then, two years ago, I finally got a proper diagnosis of ADHD, which, looking back, explained so much about my school and home life – why I could never switch off, why I was prone to binge eating and drinking. So, I started medication and made some serious lifestyle changes: getting enough sleep and cutting back on the heavy weekend drinking. Suddenly, my already creative brain went into overdrive, and with hangover-free weekends, I had more time on my hands, so I started looking into doing a master's. I initially thought there's no way a guy without an English or Maths GCSE could do a master's. However, after discovering that a Comedy Writing MA actually existed, and better yet, it was online and could fit around my busy job, a meeting with Course Leader Simon Nicholls sealed the deal. It was a no-brainer.
How has your creative practice evolved during your time on the course?
It's definitely got a lot more structure now. Learning how to stress-test characters and stories has been a game-changer. And instead of getting frustrated when projects hit a snag, I've learned the invaluable lesson of stepping away, coming back with fresh eyes, and realising that you can always solve the problem.
Biggest highlight of your time studying with Falmouth?
Getting three grades over 70, one of which was for a critical essay – that's truly mind-blowing for me! And coming away with a First overall? I'm beyond proud. Plus, working with Simon and Deputy Course Leader Andy Dillon has been fantastic; they've both inspired me to keep going and not be scared to try new things, while always sticking to a plan.
Can you tell us about Fix Radio and how your roles there have evolved over the years?
I saw an opening for a brand-new London-only radio station back in 2017 aimed at the building and construction industry, and the ‘radio geek’ in me was instantly intrigued by the concept of a radio station for builders! I met the CEO, a young guy named Louis Timpany, who was setting the station up with Paul Chantler. Louis sold me his vision of making Fix Radio a national brand, and despite a lot of industry skepticism, I believed in it too. I instantly saw something special in Louis, and he must have seen something in me because he hired me as a broadcast assistant to help with the promo launch. Eight years later, I'm still with Fix Radio, now as their Daytime Executive Station Producer!
Fix Radio recently scooped lots of awards at the ARIAS including a Silver award for your show The Bald Builders Breakfast, beating BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio! How does it feel to get industry recognition?
When we started, there were only five of us crammed into a small office in Battersea. Now, we have nearly 60 full-time staff members and a host of freelancers. Obviously, the ARIAS wins for The Bald Builder Breakfast, a show I built and produced, and the Gold Sonic Branding award for the imaging (the sweepers and jingles that play between songs) I'm involved in writing, are massive points of pride. But winning Employee of the Year in 2024, voted for by all staff members, truly meant a lot to me too.
What are your ambitions for the future?
My journey at Fix Radio is far from over. In my current role, I'm really keen to nurture and mentor younger members of the team. I've also started demoing and introducing a new offering for Fix Radio called The Comedy Fix, where I'm working with an award-winning Australian comedian to write bespoke, targeted comedy sketches for our audience of tradespeople. What I have learnt over the course of my MA has been so helpful in making this happen. Next on my list is to launch my own audio production company. As a proficient audio editor and producer, I'd love to start bringing all my scripts and ideas to life!
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