Ben Ando – Q&A

Name?
Ben Ando

Age?
39 (40 on August 3rd)

Where are you from?
Bo in Kent, grew up in Northamptonshire.

How did you get started in broadcasting?
Entered as trainee reporter for Independent Local Radio Station Northans 96. The – ahem – “hot” FM!

When was that?
1989

Why News broadcasting?
Because in theory you should only ever be doing things that are interesting, and I am interested in most things. Also, you get the opportunity to watch history being made first hand.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
Newsreader/reporter for Independent Radio News 1993-95, General Reporter for ITV News 1995-97, Correspondent for 5 News 1997-2004.

What is your Best on-air moment?
Obtaining exclusive access (at the time) to the Hanger where NASA were gathering the remains of shuttle Columbia as they investigated the cause of the tragedy. As someone who remembers the Apollo landings, and the optimism of that era, this was a humbling yet thrilling experience.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
There have been a fair few but getting a camera smashed by England football hooligans abroad ranks near the top!

What would you like to do before your career ends?
I’d love to file a report from the Inteational Space Station – or better still, the surface of the moon.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Drawing, reading, walking, cycling, indoor cricket, crafts, modelmaking.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
If you’re given the chance to do some work experience then consider it an interview! Make yourself useful – don’t just sit in the coer reading the papers and waiting to be asked to do something – chances are you won’t be! Also, remember that everyone had to start somewhere so don’t be afraid of asking questions.

Other Information?
I nearly became a professional cartoonist – indeed, at 5 News I have drawn cartoons to illustrate stories or feature as graphics in the past, most notably producing a “Grange Hill” style picture strip to illustrate Tony Blair’s reported rescue of a Danish swimmer while holidaying some years ago. I live in Cambridgeshire and have two daughters.

A big thanks to Ben for taking part.

Posted by on Thursday 9 October 2008
Copy link