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Arshia Riaz
Arshia joined BBC WM after a spell of working for stations across the Midlands and has now been working at the BBC for over five years.
She is currently the producer of the Midlands Masala show on BBC WM. The show is presented by BBC Midlands Today reporter Satnam Rana. It's a great spicy mix of all things Asian across the Midlands. Arshia says:
"The show aims to showcase real stories about issues that really matter and play the best in Asian music. We also have exclusive, live acoustic sessions in our BBC studios-performed by both established and unsigned music artists."
Presenting work
Arshia is the regular stand in presenter for the show so at times can fluctuate between being a producer and presenter.
"I love having the opportunity to both present and produce the show. I remember listening to the radio ever since I was a youngster and hearing some of the legends that I am now working with. I guess the key to getting the job done is to remain grounded."
When Arshia is not busy at work she can be seen hosting events across the UK. She has already been signed up to host on the main stage for Diwali 2009.
Over the years she has taken on a variety of roles - including Presenter, Producer, Broadcast Journalist, Celebrity Booker and much more. She has over the years worked with a whole host of celebrities everybody from Ricky Gervais to boxer Amir Khan. As a producer she has looked after programmes including the Les Ross show, Janice Long and Danny Kelly's Afternoon show.
Passion
Arshia went to Birmingham City University and gained a degree in Media and Communication. She later qualified as a journalist and then trained with the BBC as a Broadcast Journalist. Her love of journalism began after she took part in an internship working at CNN studios in London.
"It was a real eye opening experience. I remember booking in guests for the business international show and working with some real high profile names, the experience was fantastic."
She has been a media junkie since she can remember. Prior to the BBC Arshia worked in various commercial radio stations and also had the opportunity to experience life being in the spotlight when she was crowned Miss Asia UK 2002.
"I remember being interviewed in the old Pebblemill studios by BBC WM's Daz Hale about my win. Little did I know that a year later I would soon be part of the presenting line-up on the very station I had been interviewed on. How spooky."
Her passions include broadcasting community stories and she is hoping that by airing these stories on radio, tv and online, she can create a positive relationship with the media and community.
"I love helping to nurture talent and every day I meet people who help me tap into that creativity and help it to flourish. All they need is a platform and I am in a position to offer that to them."
When Arshia is not working she says she is a complete shopaholic:
"Fashion plays a huge part in my life and I have over 50 pairs of shoes. I love attending fashion shows and am very girly. I like creating my own outfits and enjoy working with luxury fabrics and embellishment."
Mentoring
Amongst her daily job Arshia is currently mentoring youngsters as part of the Mosaic Network. The network aims to inspire individuals and get them thinking about working in the media.
"My dream of working in the media came true and I want to pass this hope on to the next generation. Even if I can inspire one other youngster to pursue their ambitions then it's all worthwhile."
So whether she is in the news or helping to make it - Arshia Riaz is hoping to make a big difference !