Work for any newspaper, magazine or broadcaster and you soon realise how desperate businesses and organisations are to get their opinions and news covered by the media. The media is overwhelmed with emails, press releases and phone calls. But every day, hundreds end up deleted or in the bin– a wasted opportunity, and a complete […]
The camera 'copter, minicasters and the reporter's must-have app
If you want to keep up with the latest technical advances in TV and radio there’s no better place to go than the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam each September. IBC is huge event with its own daily news programme, which since 2004 has been produced and presented by two key members of the Rough […]
Will the future of TV be in 3D?
If you want to keep up with the future of TV and radio there’s no better place to go than the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam each September. IBC is huge event with its own daily news programme, which is produced and presented by two key members of the Rough House team – Graeme Bowd produces and […]
Close encounters with the Papal canapes
Unless you’ve been living in a sealed bubble for the past few days, you can’t fail to have noticed that the Pope is visiting the UK at the moment. There’s been wall to wall coverage in the newspapers, on television and on radio. So working on the programme covering his arrival in Edinburgh was the […]
Behind the TV scenes at last night’s Help the Heroes concert
When I heard I was going to be working on the Help the Heroes Concert at Twickenham Stadium yesterday, I fondly imagined I’d be dashing about with a clipboard and headphones on, grabbing Robbie Williams for a backstage interview with Cat Deeley, or at the very least, sat in an enormous links truck in the […]
Help! A journalist wants to interview me!
The phone rings, and there’s a journalist on the other end. It’s pretty flattering – they want to talk to ME! But also a bit daunting. After all, you don’t want to say the wrong thing and get stitched up. First of all. Don’t panic! This is a great opportunity to promote yourself and your […]
7 golden rules for TV presenters
As a TV producer, I’ve worked with dozens of presenters. Some of the greats – including David Dimbleby and David Attenborough. And some of the not so great – who it’s best not to name. So I’ve got a pretty good idea what goes into being a good one. Of course, you need the talent for […]
Andy Coulson, me and our first job
Andy Coulson was already a reporter on the Evening Echo in Basildon when I arrived, way back in 1988. We were both products of the Westminster Press Editorial Training Course – five months of lessons in law, local government, shorthand – and, of course, learning how to write for newspapers. And for both of us, […]
Five things you should know about production
We all watch television and Youtube, but how often do we think about what goes into the production of TV programmes or videos – and what would happen if we were filmed? If there’s a chance that you might be on a programme or involved in a video production, here a five things that you […]
Five things you should know about print journalists
A lot of people have never met a print journalist – and may never want to – but if one ever calls you and wants to interview you, it’s as well to have a bit of inside knowledge. So here are five things that might help you when speaking to a journalist. 1. If a journalist […]