Inside Story - Radio Presenter/ Producer



Tiger

Age Range
18-25

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
I went to college after my GCSE's to study a BTEC ND in Media Studies, which was a two year course. I learnt a lot at college about the Glamour Job that I'm in now. After passing that, I went straight into work, but not the kind of jobs that would help my career ambitions. I worked in a supermarket, was a pizza delivery boy (for a day!), worked in a restaurant and finally a music shop. My big break came when BRMB in Birmingham held their "Search For A Star" competition... I auditioned and was a finalist! I worked at BRMB for almost four years after that, doing everything from sending out letters, making tea and helping on the travel desk. I worked my way up, getting into production and working late nights to record demos. I was given a show over Xmas 1999 and then eventually a regular weekend slot. In July 2000 I was given the big break of full-time overnights... The rest, as they say, is history.

How long have you been doing the job?
In total... 5 Years

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
Radio became my ambition when I was about 8 or 9. I used to listen to BRMB in Birmingham and it sounded absolutely fantastic, and the presenters sounded like they were having fun, playing music all day and talking! I knew I had to do it. I used to do bedroom radio with my mates (and sometimes on my own!!) and really enjoyed doing that, even though I was talking to myself!!! I then got into hospital radio and learnt a lot more there. Then I got into RSL's and finally into the big time! I'm very very lucky to be where I am and I never forget that.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
I started doing hospital radio when I was 16 and learnt more about the glamour job that I wanted to do. I gained confidence, learnt the jargon, got more technical minded, etc. Through the hospital radio, I learned of an RSL that was happening in our area (Restricted Service License). I wanted to get involved... and I did... Well, more than involved... I ended up being the Breakfast Presenter AND the co-station manager... I was only 17!! I did a couple more RSL's in between working... When the BIG break came. In 1999 BRMB had their Search For A Star competition coming up and I just thought "I must go for it"... It was a pop-idol style audition, where I had to stand on stage in front of an audience of other wannabes and Birmingham's equivalent of Simon Cowell and the rest of the judges!! I did a link for 30" and that was it!! Three months later (after giving up hope) I was called back and asked to come in! Other people who did Search For A Star in the past include Margherita Taylor, Tammy Gooding and Lucy Hawkins! I was very, very lucky.

What does the job involve?
Now I work for Capital FM in London where I do production. But I'm still doing shows on Capital Disney. When I do a show - this is my regime: I come in at least an hour before and what I first do is look at my music log (which tells us what we're playing). What I then do is look on the internet and in the papers for any showbiz gossip that might be interesting to the listener. I also check to see if there are any comps or live reads I should be talking up. This usually takes up to an hour. I then go into the studio and set up my first few CD's to play. Throughout the show I'm constantly looking on the internet for gossip and news.

Describe a typical day at work.
See above.

What do you like most about the job?
I still love the job and think I always will. I am a big music fan, so just the fact that I get to play the new songs before they're released and sometimes getting my hands on a copy! It's a great atmosphere, not like an ordinary job where people are quiet all day. People walk around laughing (not to themselves!) and just enjoy day to day. It's great.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
The pressure. Especially in production. You are often confronted with someone from Sales or Sponsorship who want a promo on in two hours time, or want to change a line after you've had it voiced, etc. I think a lot of people would say the hours, but I think it's something you've GOT to do if you love the industry. I used to work up 14-15 hours a day every day, but I would 9/10 have a smile on my face because I had got to where I wanted to be. It takes persistence and patience, but if it's in your blood, you will have all of that.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
I had a lot of influence when I was growing up through Tom Ross, who is the Head of Sport and Breakfast Presenter for Capital Gold in Birmingham. I grew up with his son, Jon, and his dad used to take us to different sporting events, and I think that's where I saw the glamour side of the job. People wanted to get his autograph and things like that. It was great. After that, I had many influences through college, etc. Because you surround yourself with all these media people and it keeps you going. Another big influence on my life is Scott Hughes - a presenter on BRMB. I listened to him after school and at that time he was still very young, and I admire him for how far he has come.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I left school at the age of 16... to go into further education. I wasn't that upset with my GCSE's, they weren't all that bad... Apart from geography, which I'm still crap with nowadays (don't let me be a navigator!!) I went to Sutton Coldfield College in the West Mids to study a BTEC ND in Media Studies which I really, really enjoyed. Met a lot of good friends there and learnt a lot through the tutors.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
No regrets at all... It helped me gain confidence, learn all sorts of media aspects and other technical stuff!

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
No

What was your first job?
My first ever job was a caravan washer... Nice!

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
Pizza delivery boy (which I did for one night). I fell off my moped and got laughed at! :(

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
I am very content with my life at the moment. I am very VERY lucky to get where I am today in such a short time and I owe it to my influences and my family. (Sounds like and awards speech).

What are your top tips for personal success?
Keep at it... NEVER give up. Don't get lazy... Work loads of hours, make tea, anything to get your foot in the door. Don't listen to people who think you're crazy for working 14 hour days for not much money or nothing at all. If you want to do it, you have to do this.

Any comments?
Yeah... Don't go into it just for the money, because I'll tell you now - there isn't much!

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