Bernard Smith – Q&A

Name?
Bernard Smith

Age?
33

Where are you from?
Manchester

How did you get started in Broadcasting?
I did a postgraduate diploma in Radio and TV Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire. From there I pestered a lot, did work experience and managed to get a job as a reporter at Piccadilly Radio in Manchester.

When was that?
1992

Why News broadcasting?
The buzz more than anything, especially when you’re covering a major story. Nothing beats the satisfaction of writing to great pictures and putting together a news report.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
After working for Piccadilly Radio I went to work for Wharf Cable TV in Hong Kong for a couple of years, then back to the UK for Granada Reports and freelancing at ITN.

What is your Best on-air moment?
Covering the handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese rule. It was a fascinating time and a privilege to cover a little bit of history.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
Nothing too catastrophic (yet!) but I do remember reading the news in Hong Kong once when the shortlist of countries for the 2004 Olympics was announced – Stockholm was on the list, unfortunately I misread it as Stockport. For the town with Europe’s second largest brick structure (a viaduct), as its only claim to fame, it would have been a big event to put on. . .

What would you like to do before your career ends?
Break a world exclusive!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Not enough – read, try to play golf, watch cricket and football.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
It’s very competitive so all I can suggest is perseverance, a willingness to start at the bottom and bide your time!

A big thanks to Bernard for taking part.

Posted by on Thursday 21 May 2009