Imagine being a part of something that provokes debate, entertains and informs thousands of people of what’s going on around them – it’s all possible in the world of the media! We caught up with one Scot who is making their mark in the media…
ON RADIO: ON THE JOB
EMMA CLIFFORD
Since graduating from a multimedia journalism master’s in 2010, Emma from Glasgow has been working at BBC Radio Scotland, where she’s now a content producer on the station’s Morning Call programme.
What do you do on a day to day basis?
On Morning Call, we talk about what’s in the news and listeners phone in to give their views. It’s my job to have a look through the papers and find something interesting to look at. I’ll pitch that to my senior producer and presenter, then my team will go away and find the different case studies and experts to put on air. Then comes the exciting bit – going live! In the studio, it’s my job to direct the presenter. I’ll be speaking in their ear, telling them what caller to go to, things like that. After the show, it’s time for paper work.
How did you get into this line of work?
I did a degree in politics and journalism and creative writing, then a master’s in multimedia journalism. At uni, I did a lot of work with Sunny Govan Community Radio. Community radio is a fantastic way of getting experience. That was a great way of learning how to actually do things. I then did work experience at the BBC, which led to paid shifts.
What’s been your proudest achievement so far?
I produced the programme after Nelson Mandela died and we set up some fantastic guests. We had members of the public phone in who had grown up under apartheid and are living in Scotland now. I was really proud of that show.
What’s the hardest part of the job?
Finding new and engaging contributors and working to such a tight deadline. I absolutely love it though. I love going into work and not knowing what I’ll be facing that morning. You become a mini expert in absolutely everything. I’d probably be quite good in a pub quiz!
What should people do if they want to work in radio?
Get as much work experience as you can! Don’t be scared to contact people directly, write to people, phone people. It won’t come to
you, you have to go out there and get it yourself.
Find out more about jobs with the BBC at www.bbc.co.uk/careers
