Samantha Simmonds – Q&A

Name?
Samantha Simmonds

Where are you from?
Leeds

How did you get started in broadcasting?
I did a postgraduate diploma in Broadcast Journalism at City University in 1994/5 and then went on to report for BBC Local radio in Yorkshire and then moved down to London where I got my first job working for Channel 5 News as a producer.

Why News broadcasting?
I first became interested in journalism at university – covering student politics. Broadcasting is my natural medium – especially TV as I’ve always liked telling a story with pictures!

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
Before joining Sky I reported/presented on BBC London News for 2 years and prior to that I was a reporter on BBC Breakfast.

What is your Best on-air moment?
My best on air moments are coping when things go wrong – I have many example of doing live reports when technically everything around me is falling apart – but the key is not letting the audience know they’re happening!

What is your Worst on-air moment?
Failing to put my microphone on for a live and wondering why the studio can’t hear me!

What would you like to do before your career ends?
I’d like to cover a major breaking international story and present current affairs programmes.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy dancing, horse riding, theatre cinema and dinner with friends.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
Work hard, be keen but not overbearing, persevere – nothing will just fall into your lap however much you wish for it. Ask advice from as many people as you can. Don’t take no for an answer!

A big thanks to Samantha for taking part.

Posted by on Thursday 21 May 2009