David Robertson – Q&A

Name?
David Robertson

Age?
With three children under 5 — too old.

Where are you from?
Scotland

How did you get started in broadcasting?
Through a CSV project — work experience in a local radio station. Got bitten by the broadcasting bug. Worked in Leeds for an independent station, then Lincoln for the BBC. From there I got a job as a reporter on the World At One/PM programmes. That’s where my career really began.

When was that?
In the 1980’s — last century. The olden days, as my kids tell me.

Why News broadcasting?
Every day is different. New stories breaking and there’s a buzz I have never experienced anywhere else. Where else can you go live at a moments notice.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
I’ve worked on the World At One, PM, Today and Breakfast News as a reporter. News Correspondent, Foreign News and as a Presenter on News 24 and Weekend 24.

What is your Best on-air moment?
Covering the fall of Srebrenica from Sarajevo during the war. Dreadful circumstances — but knew I had to get that story out. I lost count of the number of two-ways I did that day. Everything I’d learned was utilised.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
I am sure that has yet to come.

What would you like to do before your career ends?
Play guitar live with Michael Schenker/Steve Vai/Eric Johnson/Steve Morse in front of half a million screaming fans and be worshipped as a Rock God — ‘though no spandex. My expanding girth prevents that.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Play guitar and have fun with my kids — keeps a cynical old hack like me from getting too dismissive of the world.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
The job is changing. Be flexible. Be prepared to listen and learn from people that are better than you. Know the law (I sound like Judge Dread here) and always retain your enthusiasm and sense of humour. Ride out the bad times and stay focussed on what you want to achieve.

A big thanks to David for taking part.

Posted by on Thursday 21 May 2009
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