Management of the journalists’ event for the G8 Summit in 1998 for 3,000 of the world’s media, including the “Run the World” event started by Cherie Blair and the wives of the world leaders.
Media relations management for the Radio Academy’s Radio Festival, 1997 – 2005. This also included management of Greg Dyke’s presentation during the Kelly controversy in 2003.
Representation for the Earl of Bradford and his web site interests, 1999.
Representation for animation company Synthetic Dimensions during their market flotation.
Public Relations managers for Careers and Jobs Live, at the NEC Birmingham, (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006) and at the Empire & Commonwealth Museum in Bristol (2002 and 2004).
Media advisers to the modern art and design show at Olympia 2003 – The Modern Collectibles Fair, which was endorsed by Sir Terence Conran.
Launch Consultant to the SBN radio network - the network that formerly broadcast to students across the UK and on Digital services.
The launch of Artic Media – a new outdoor media company – and PR support.
Radio Training
In partnership with the Learning & Skills Council in Birmingham, Mike Owen Media has developed unique initiatives in radio training that meet the new requirements of the radio industry’s Broadcast Training & Skills Regulator.
The company produced of the first ever survey of current radio training activities within the region (April 2005) in order to gauge the pre-existing level of activity.
Subsequent to this, Mike Owen Media developed a six module course framework emphasising practical aspects of radio training in a live broadcast environment. The course is funded through the ESF via the Learning & Skills Council and Screen West Midlands, and has involved beneficiaries from varied backgrounds – from freelancers to new entrants, and from the fledgling community radio sector to the well-established commercial sector.
Mike Owen is a founder director of Media Education Services, a media training provider that currently supports work-related training courses at The Villan (Aston Villa FC’s digital radio station). In partnership with the University of the First Age, the Virtual College, and the Mercian Trust, the Villan offers high quality radio training to professionals and the industry.
Mike was also a Director of the Midlands Media Training Consortium until 2004.
Production
An Elvis anniversary special broadcast on 57 radio stations on the 25th anniversary of his death.
The Merton House Holiday feature with Emma Jesson of ITV Central.
Production of the Royal Television Society Awards at the Midlands Centre – the largest TV awards event outside London – from 1997 to 2004.
Production of the Radio Festival in 1997 and 1998, and production of “25 Years of Commercial Radio” for the industry’s anniversary celebrations (also in 1998).
Artist Management
Representation of broadcasters from both the BBC and commercial sectors in the Central England area, including Joanne Malin of Central News.
Launch of Lukan for Depth Records – their new rock act – including overseeing their single and video featuring virtuoso UK violinist Nigel Kennedy.
Fundraising & Corporate Work
Charitable Trust Management for “The Cash for Kids Trust”, including event management, fundraising, and project relations from 1996 to 2000 – raising over £450,000.
In 2000, Mike Owen received the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Award for services to fundraising in the city, after having been a member of the Lord Mayor’s Fundraising Committee since 1990.
In 2001, Mike was made a Knight of the Royal Solomonic order as a result of his charitable work over the years, in which he has contributed to raising over £4 million pounds.
Corporate work for the Daily Mail Trust in the East and West Midlands to July 2000 – subsequently transferred to the GWR Group working on their Vibe and Storm music brands until 2004.
In addition, Mike is Chairman of the West Midlands’ Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) – and has the distinction of being the longest serving Chairman in the local branch’s history! He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and of the Strategic Board of Young Enterprise.