Manisha Tank – Q&A

Name?
Manisha K.Tank

Age?
Forever Young

Where are you from?
Born in Southampton – Origin: Indian

How did you get started in broadcasting?
I wanted to train as a Lawyer with the aim of getting into the corporate side one day but then my Mum told me she thought I would make a good TV Journalist – so I enrolled on a course after University in Broadcast Journalism. On a day work experience at Reuters, I gave the managers there my Resume/CV, and then later that year they called me back to do an unpaid internship (ouch), which turned into a job a few months later. It just went on from there…..

When was that?
1998

Why News broadcasting?
I had always been interested in current affairs and at University I studied politics and economics. It was all about what made the world go round and making a difference. An open and free news service is part of a healthy democracy – it is thrilling to be part of that process.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
Reuters Financial Television, BBC Six O’Clock News Forum, News 24’s Business Today, BBC World Business, BBC World News

What is your Best on-air moment?
Every day brings something new and sometimes fantastic – it’s difficult to say. One of the best was, when we went to air with World Business Report once night knowing that there was a massive blackout in New York and that we had no feeds from there. We went to air and I had to cover it all as breaking news, talking over live pictures….it felt fantastic because we had to ‘wing’ most of the show. That’s when you really do your job as an anchor with a new energy and pace.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
What to do after Paddy O’Connell, who couldn’t hear me due to some comms problem, belched in response to a question I had asked him. I didn’t know where to look! It ended up on Out-take TV and turned into a bit of a laugh…which was a relief.

What would you like to do before your career ends?
Use the knowledge and experience I have gained in my career to further the work of an NGO or not for profit organisation. I just want to make a difference to others not myself. Also, I would love to present a science show. I love the idea of taking unwieldy complex subjects and turning them into something fun and appealing for a large cross section of viewers.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I hardly ever have spare time but when I do I love to chill out and read! I have a room full of books at home. It sounds boring but I can’t bear the thought of not learning something new everyday or getting my head stuck into an awesome story from some far fetched place on earth.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
If you see an opportunity take it, but never let your ego get ahead of you such that you take on things that aren’t right for you. Get hands on experience from the ground up and don’t worry if you have to start small. Once you prove technical ability, you will have very sellable skills. Also, try and bag yourself a PG Dip in Broadcast Journalism with the NCTJ…it’s only one year and worth the time and effort.

Other Information?
In broadcasting it’s so important to understand that behind every on air face there is a magnificent and talented production team. Remember that there is no ‘I’ in team! A big thanks to Manisha for taking part.

Posted by on Thursday 21 May 2009
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