Sorry for the delay in updates, I've just been really busy at work.
It was quite daunting being in the Red Rose Radio newsroom, surrounded by experienced journalists arguing over what stories to cover. They asked me if I would go out and get a `voxpop` in Preston town centre asking people what they thought about the launch of the national lottery. A voxpop is when a reporter asks anyone in the street for an opinion. I was a shy lad at the time and was quite scared to approach shoppers and ask if I could record their thoughts. Standing on Friargate I spoke to about ten different people.
I took the audio back to the studio and was shown how to edit it into a twenty second clip of audio for the news bulletins. Now it's quite straightforward using digital editing software, but then you had to physically cut the tape removing what you didn't want, and sticking back together the bits you needed to keep.
After all that was complete you then had to write a script. The newsroom was still using typewriters, and old ones at that. One had no `M` so you had to write them in! The scripts had to be really short, no more than three paragraphs with a local reference in the opening sentence. This was my first script that was broadcast on the radio...
"People in Preston say they will go on a long holiday, buy a big house and treat their friends if they win the first National Lottery jackpot this weekend. The draw is made around eight o'clock tonight, with the main prize said to be over a million pounds. These shoppers they're buying a ticket...."
By the end of the week, I'd learnt how to edit audio and write scripts. I asked the news editor if I could help out at the weekends to learn more. She said `yes, we do need a weekend receptionist` - I didn't care that I'd be opening the post and making the brews for free, I was given the chance to watch and learn more skills.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
News Just In....
After visiting all the departments and learning how the radio station operated, I spent a couple of days in the newsroom, this was the place that I was really keen to get into.
I was shown how the journalists got their news stories and where the national news came from. I followed the reporters out on stories and watched as they edited their audio for the news bulletins and programmes.
It was 1995, before the internet was being used publicly, and the back of the Red Rose Newsroom was full of reference books and research material. It also housed huge filing cabinets full of scripts dating back years. Amazingly the newsroom was still using typewriters, and all their scripts were being stored in the cabinets in case of any issues relating to the stories that had been broadcast.
My first task was to sort through most of the scripts and make some much needed space. It was something I was dreading, but I found that I actually enjoyed reading through what was effectively Lancashire's recent history. More importantly I was absorbing like a sponge the writing style and radio journalism techniques. From Keith Macklin and Mike Green's coverage of the terrible Abbeystead Disaster, through Richard Frediani's coverage of the IRA bombing of Weeton Army base to high profile cases at Preston Crown Court. I was given the task to decide what to keep and what to save.
Next I was given my first taste of recording audio to be used within the news bulletins. I was shown how to take the national news feed. IRN supply many commercial radio station newsrooms with audio of national and international stories. Like all things, it's all done online now, but every hour they used to send selection of `clips` - short bits of interviews with people making the news - via satellite from London. I had to record them on the equivalent of an 70's `8 track` cartridge tape, known as a `cart`. It was an important and stressful role, because if you messed it up, the newsreader would not be able run the clip of John Major, or equivalent, in the next news bulletin.
Next: I'm sent on my first assignment, and the typewriter with no `M` !!
I was shown how the journalists got their news stories and where the national news came from. I followed the reporters out on stories and watched as they edited their audio for the news bulletins and programmes.
It was 1995, before the internet was being used publicly, and the back of the Red Rose Newsroom was full of reference books and research material. It also housed huge filing cabinets full of scripts dating back years. Amazingly the newsroom was still using typewriters, and all their scripts were being stored in the cabinets in case of any issues relating to the stories that had been broadcast.
My first task was to sort through most of the scripts and make some much needed space. It was something I was dreading, but I found that I actually enjoyed reading through what was effectively Lancashire's recent history. More importantly I was absorbing like a sponge the writing style and radio journalism techniques. From Keith Macklin and Mike Green's coverage of the terrible Abbeystead Disaster, through Richard Frediani's coverage of the IRA bombing of Weeton Army base to high profile cases at Preston Crown Court. I was given the task to decide what to keep and what to save.
Next I was given my first taste of recording audio to be used within the news bulletins. I was shown how to take the national news feed. IRN supply many commercial radio station newsrooms with audio of national and international stories. Like all things, it's all done online now, but every hour they used to send selection of `clips` - short bits of interviews with people making the news - via satellite from London. I had to record them on the equivalent of an 70's `8 track` cartridge tape, known as a `cart`. It was an important and stressful role, because if you messed it up, the newsreader would not be able run the clip of John Major, or equivalent, in the next news bulletin.
Next: I'm sent on my first assignment, and the typewriter with no `M` !!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Radio Radio Radio
The story how I ended up on the radio continues.....
I'd completed my work experience at the Lancashire Evening Post, and I was playing my part in entertaining the listeners at Chorley Hospital Radio.Ever keen to grab any opportunity that came my way I was out shopping in Preston, I was in the middle of buying some jeans from Debenhams in the Fishergate Centre when I heard over the shop speakers, `Debenhams Network Radio` - The store had its own instore radio station! I hunted around and on the lower ground floor found a man in the smallest studio you have ever seen, playing CD's and making store announcements. I got chatting to the presenter/manager Brett Harley, and he agreed that I come in and help out. So every Saturday I'd turn up, play songs, write news and devise competitions for the presenters, some of whom would become professional colleagues in a few years.
It was now the school summer holidays and I'd arranged a couple of weeks unpaid work experience at Red Rose Radio (Rock FM/Magic999). I loved it. I spent a couple of days in each department, watching and helping out when possible. In the Sales department I watched as they wooed clients and got them to spend lots of their money, selling different advertising packages. Then on to the Creative department as they made an entertaining adverts based on the sales reps brief. I learnt how the jingles were constructed, and how trials are used to promote presenters and programmes.
Then I was allowed into the newsroom.... I got bitten by the news bug.
I'd completed my work experience at the Lancashire Evening Post, and I was playing my part in entertaining the listeners at Chorley Hospital Radio.Ever keen to grab any opportunity that came my way I was out shopping in Preston, I was in the middle of buying some jeans from Debenhams in the Fishergate Centre when I heard over the shop speakers, `Debenhams Network Radio` - The store had its own instore radio station! I hunted around and on the lower ground floor found a man in the smallest studio you have ever seen, playing CD's and making store announcements. I got chatting to the presenter/manager Brett Harley, and he agreed that I come in and help out. So every Saturday I'd turn up, play songs, write news and devise competitions for the presenters, some of whom would become professional colleagues in a few years.
It was now the school summer holidays and I'd arranged a couple of weeks unpaid work experience at Red Rose Radio (Rock FM/Magic999). I loved it. I spent a couple of days in each department, watching and helping out when possible. In the Sales department I watched as they wooed clients and got them to spend lots of their money, selling different advertising packages. Then on to the Creative department as they made an entertaining adverts based on the sales reps brief. I learnt how the jingles were constructed, and how trials are used to promote presenters and programmes.
Then I was allowed into the newsroom.... I got bitten by the news bug.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
On-Air !
More now on the continuing story of how I got into radio....
I'd finally been given a chance at Hospital Radio Chorley, the chance to gain some much needed experience for my future career. Every Sunday afternoon, I'd turn up, collect requests from patients and play the songs from the hospitals studio base.
It was an interesting experience collecting the requests. More often than not, the patients were hard of hearing. I would come along asking if they wanted a song played, and they would say, `sorry love, what are you saying?` ! - When I did get a request, it would probably be Jim Reeves, I love You Because. I must have played that song a hundred times.
I attended All Hallows R.C High School in Penwortham, and time had come for our work placement, a release from classes to gain valuable real life experiences. Naturally I was keen to go somewhere media related. Several months prior I had contacted the Lancashire Evening Post, and arranged my own placement at the paper. This was my first chance to experience a big newsroom, and compare how newspapers journalists work in comparison to the radio journalists at Red Rose.
I was fascinated. I was shown how the paper was put together, the stories, the features, the articles, the classifieds, the printing and distribution to shops. I got to shadow reporters, trying to see if I could vaguely work out their shorthand scribblings, watching as they transformed it into the story of the day. It was very different to how the radio reporters worked.
I spent a couple of afternoons with the LEP's court reporter in Preston. I remember feeling really intimidated by the grandeur of the court room watching as the proceedings were transformed into an interesting story, more often than not, about some fight or stabbing in the town centre. With email and internet, I'm sure the process is very different now, but then reporter turned his notes into shorthand which was then dictated over the phone to a copy-taker in the newsroom at the Fulwood base.
During my placement I got the chance to write a couple of stories that were published, nothing major, it's not as if they would have let me write the front page lead! My stories were photo stories about children dressing up as characters from their favourite books at the local library, and plaque unveiling type events.
I enjoyed my two weeks at the Lancashire Evening Post, and back at school I was inspired to get involved with the poetry magazine Harlequin, run by my English teacher Mr Garlington.
Back then there was no internet, no mobile phone text alerts, no LEP TV style services, and personally I was frustrated about the lack of immediacy. Yes a paper gives a journalist the scope to investigate stories, write creatively and get involved in the community, but on the radio you can tell people what happens, when it happens, as it happens.
With my look around Red Rose, my Hospital Radio Chorley show I knew now that radio really was for me...
I'd finally been given a chance at Hospital Radio Chorley, the chance to gain some much needed experience for my future career. Every Sunday afternoon, I'd turn up, collect requests from patients and play the songs from the hospitals studio base.
It was an interesting experience collecting the requests. More often than not, the patients were hard of hearing. I would come along asking if they wanted a song played, and they would say, `sorry love, what are you saying?` ! - When I did get a request, it would probably be Jim Reeves, I love You Because. I must have played that song a hundred times.
I attended All Hallows R.C High School in Penwortham, and time had come for our work placement, a release from classes to gain valuable real life experiences. Naturally I was keen to go somewhere media related. Several months prior I had contacted the Lancashire Evening Post, and arranged my own placement at the paper. This was my first chance to experience a big newsroom, and compare how newspapers journalists work in comparison to the radio journalists at Red Rose.
I was fascinated. I was shown how the paper was put together, the stories, the features, the articles, the classifieds, the printing and distribution to shops. I got to shadow reporters, trying to see if I could vaguely work out their shorthand scribblings, watching as they transformed it into the story of the day. It was very different to how the radio reporters worked.
I spent a couple of afternoons with the LEP's court reporter in Preston. I remember feeling really intimidated by the grandeur of the court room watching as the proceedings were transformed into an interesting story, more often than not, about some fight or stabbing in the town centre. With email and internet, I'm sure the process is very different now, but then reporter turned his notes into shorthand which was then dictated over the phone to a copy-taker in the newsroom at the Fulwood base.
During my placement I got the chance to write a couple of stories that were published, nothing major, it's not as if they would have let me write the front page lead! My stories were photo stories about children dressing up as characters from their favourite books at the local library, and plaque unveiling type events.
I enjoyed my two weeks at the Lancashire Evening Post, and back at school I was inspired to get involved with the poetry magazine Harlequin, run by my English teacher Mr Garlington.
Back then there was no internet, no mobile phone text alerts, no LEP TV style services, and personally I was frustrated about the lack of immediacy. Yes a paper gives a journalist the scope to investigate stories, write creatively and get involved in the community, but on the radio you can tell people what happens, when it happens, as it happens.
With my look around Red Rose, my Hospital Radio Chorley show I knew now that radio really was for me...
Friday, January 26, 2007
Behind the mic...
More now on how I got into the murky world of the media...
So after bombarding television stations up and down the country about `how it all works` my gran arranged for me to have a look around my local radio station in Preston, Red Rose Radio (now Rock FM / Magic 999).
I turned up one Saturday afternoon and was shown around by local radio legend John Gillmore. He kindly showed me around the studios and the newsroom, explaining how they broadcast. I was shown how the journalists edited audio, how the news bulletins were constructed and how the presenters prepared for their shows. I got to press a few buttons and to pretend I was actually live on the air. Little did I know that I would be working with `Gilly` several years later.
Something happened during my tour, I was bitten by the radio bug, and it confirmed that I must work in the industry. Seeing the faders in the studio, the CD's, the cart machines, the reel to reel players, the newsroom printer with national stories being sent up from London.... It was definitely for me.
John told me that I needed to get some experience, and had I considered hospital radio? No. I didn't know such a thing existed. Some hospitals have their own radio station broadcasting on the internal ringmain, playing requests for patients and giving out hospital information.
I contacted one of my local hospitals, The Royal Preston. They did have a local station, but it only broadcast on Sundays, and that was linked to the local church. They transmitted the church service for patients in the hospital. So that wasn't much good for me.
Disappointed I tried Chorley Hospital, and discovered to my delight they did have their own local station, Hospital Radio Chorley. I arranged to meet the station manager.
I was 13 at the time, and the manager, a local magistrate, was expecting someone older. She said she couldn't possibly allow someone so young to present a show. There was a glimmer of hope though, she spotted I was keen, and agreed that I could help out on one of the weekend shows.
There were four or five people involved on the Sunday night show. They presented half hour slots picking their own songs and playing requests they'd gathered from the patients.
Under supervision I was allowed to play three songs, and introduce them. Not exactly a big break, but I had managed to break into the industry.......
So after bombarding television stations up and down the country about `how it all works` my gran arranged for me to have a look around my local radio station in Preston, Red Rose Radio (now Rock FM / Magic 999).
I turned up one Saturday afternoon and was shown around by local radio legend John Gillmore. He kindly showed me around the studios and the newsroom, explaining how they broadcast. I was shown how the journalists edited audio, how the news bulletins were constructed and how the presenters prepared for their shows. I got to press a few buttons and to pretend I was actually live on the air. Little did I know that I would be working with `Gilly` several years later.
Something happened during my tour, I was bitten by the radio bug, and it confirmed that I must work in the industry. Seeing the faders in the studio, the CD's, the cart machines, the reel to reel players, the newsroom printer with national stories being sent up from London.... It was definitely for me.
John told me that I needed to get some experience, and had I considered hospital radio? No. I didn't know such a thing existed. Some hospitals have their own radio station broadcasting on the internal ringmain, playing requests for patients and giving out hospital information.
I contacted one of my local hospitals, The Royal Preston. They did have a local station, but it only broadcast on Sundays, and that was linked to the local church. They transmitted the church service for patients in the hospital. So that wasn't much good for me.
Disappointed I tried Chorley Hospital, and discovered to my delight they did have their own local station, Hospital Radio Chorley. I arranged to meet the station manager.
I was 13 at the time, and the manager, a local magistrate, was expecting someone older. She said she couldn't possibly allow someone so young to present a show. There was a glimmer of hope though, she spotted I was keen, and agreed that I could help out on one of the weekend shows.
There were four or five people involved on the Sunday night show. They presented half hour slots picking their own songs and playing requests they'd gathered from the patients.
Under supervision I was allowed to play three songs, and introduce them. Not exactly a big break, but I had managed to break into the industry.......
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
ABOUT: ONE: How did an ordinary Preston lad get on the radio?
I always seem to be waffling on about what I'm up to at work, and I will continue to bore you, but I thought it would be good to take you back to the start, and where my interest in media began....
I'm 28 and from Preston. I've lived in Preston most of my life. Now I work for BBC Radio Manchester reading and writing the news, producing award winning programmes. Previous to that I worked for BBC Radio Leeds, and home town station, Rock FM / Magic 999 (Red Rose Radio)
Just how did an ordinary Preston lad get on the radio, writing and reading the news?
I come from a family firmly based in Preston and its surrounding areas of Higher Walton. Both sides of my family tree have roots in the Lancashire cotton industry with both my respective grandmothers working in mills, as did their parents and relatives before them. Outside the cotton world, the other career choice for my family is the aeroplane industry with my Grandfather, Dad, Mum and Uncle all working for British Aerospace, initially at the old Strand Road site before being transferred to Samlesbury after the Preston site closure.
With that background, you would have thought I would have been destined to work in that industry, in fact I nearly did, being interviewed for the role of `sweeper-upper` at BAe for a summer job one year, but other events derailed that career move. Phew!
I had always been interested in television, and was fascinated not by the programmes, but by how they were made and broadcast. It started with TV-am, the old breakfast broadcaster that lost its franchise to the current GMTV.
I was never allowed to put the TV on before school, with my mum insisting there was nothing on, but one day I did. I discovered Roland Rat, Wacaday and other silly children's shows, but crucially I was intrigued by the news and information content. It was different from other, boring and dull news programmes that I'd seen. Compared to the BBC, where my family always watched the Six O'clock News, TV-am was relaxed, bright, chatty; the on-screen set with its sofas and tables was an extension of my living room.
Much to my mums disgust I watched every morning, I felt the presenters were talking to me personally, I felt included, even if sometimes I didn't understand the topic. One day I wrote to TV-am, not expecting a reply, asking how it all worked. To my surprise I was sent an information pack and behind the scenes video. Now my interest in the media was really sparked.
I started to video tape local TV news shows, `Granada Tonight` and `BBC North West Tonight` - looking for clues into how the shows were made, watching the techniques of the presenters and reporters. I used to love hanging around the Harris Library and law courts in Preston when there was a big trial on or if the snooker was being broadcast live from the Guild Hall. The television companies would come to my town of Preston, I'd go and look at the satellite broadcast trucks and try and spot the reporters going about their job. I'd read the Lancashire Evening Post, particularly Brian Ellis, so I could pretend to school friends I knew lots about football and I'd listen to news bulletins on Red Rose Radio.
By now, aged around 13/14 I'd decided that I wanted to work in the media. But how to get started? My parents and grandparents had a skilled factory/carpentry background. I was going to have to work hard to make a move into an competitive industry with limited opportunities close to where I live.
- Next - Hospital Radio Chorley, tour of Red Rose Radio and work experience at the Lancashire Evening Post.
----
** incidentally, all my views expressed here are entirely personal, and no way reflect the position of my current employer, BBC Radio Manchester, and the wider BBC.
I'm 28 and from Preston. I've lived in Preston most of my life. Now I work for BBC Radio Manchester reading and writing the news, producing award winning programmes. Previous to that I worked for BBC Radio Leeds, and home town station, Rock FM / Magic 999 (Red Rose Radio)
Just how did an ordinary Preston lad get on the radio, writing and reading the news?
I come from a family firmly based in Preston and its surrounding areas of Higher Walton. Both sides of my family tree have roots in the Lancashire cotton industry with both my respective grandmothers working in mills, as did their parents and relatives before them. Outside the cotton world, the other career choice for my family is the aeroplane industry with my Grandfather, Dad, Mum and Uncle all working for British Aerospace, initially at the old Strand Road site before being transferred to Samlesbury after the Preston site closure.
With that background, you would have thought I would have been destined to work in that industry, in fact I nearly did, being interviewed for the role of `sweeper-upper` at BAe for a summer job one year, but other events derailed that career move. Phew!
I had always been interested in television, and was fascinated not by the programmes, but by how they were made and broadcast. It started with TV-am, the old breakfast broadcaster that lost its franchise to the current GMTV.
I was never allowed to put the TV on before school, with my mum insisting there was nothing on, but one day I did. I discovered Roland Rat, Wacaday and other silly children's shows, but crucially I was intrigued by the news and information content. It was different from other, boring and dull news programmes that I'd seen. Compared to the BBC, where my family always watched the Six O'clock News, TV-am was relaxed, bright, chatty; the on-screen set with its sofas and tables was an extension of my living room.
Much to my mums disgust I watched every morning, I felt the presenters were talking to me personally, I felt included, even if sometimes I didn't understand the topic. One day I wrote to TV-am, not expecting a reply, asking how it all worked. To my surprise I was sent an information pack and behind the scenes video. Now my interest in the media was really sparked.
I started to video tape local TV news shows, `Granada Tonight` and `BBC North West Tonight` - looking for clues into how the shows were made, watching the techniques of the presenters and reporters. I used to love hanging around the Harris Library and law courts in Preston when there was a big trial on or if the snooker was being broadcast live from the Guild Hall. The television companies would come to my town of Preston, I'd go and look at the satellite broadcast trucks and try and spot the reporters going about their job. I'd read the Lancashire Evening Post, particularly Brian Ellis, so I could pretend to school friends I knew lots about football and I'd listen to news bulletins on Red Rose Radio.
By now, aged around 13/14 I'd decided that I wanted to work in the media. But how to get started? My parents and grandparents had a skilled factory/carpentry background. I was going to have to work hard to make a move into an competitive industry with limited opportunities close to where I live.
- Next - Hospital Radio Chorley, tour of Red Rose Radio and work experience at the Lancashire Evening Post.
----
** incidentally, all my views expressed here are entirely personal, and no way reflect the position of my current employer, BBC Radio Manchester, and the wider BBC.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Busy Busy Busy...
Hi -
It's been a busy start to the year - Last Thursday and Friday I ended up working two 13 hour days! Long days, but I didn't mind as I was asked to present the BBC Radio Manchester drivetime show again. I'd also been working early reading the morning news bulletins, but you know me, radio tart! I've really enjoyed presenting the shows, and feel more confident. Until now I've not had the chance to get my teeth into a show as I've only covered for one day, two at the most.
Outside work, there's some exciting developments, but I need to get them confirmed before I can talk about it on here. Come back in a couple of weeks and I'll be able to let you know.
I treated myself to a big TV in the sales, and have had fun with my dad trying to mount it on the wall. Believe me, it's not as easy as it looks! Now it's on the wall, it's great. I hoping to treat myself to a Playstation 3 when they are launched too, so I can take advantage of the HD functions. I'd like to get Sky HD but I don't think there is enough content yet to justify the subscription. The pictures look great, but I'll wait until more HD channels have launched before I make the switch. Have you got HD TV? What do you think?
I also like the look of the Logik Internet Radio. Apparantly you can receive around 5000 radio stations from around the world. I tried to hear what they sounded like in my local electrical shop, but they didn't have a WI-FI connection. Have you got one, are they any good?
It's been a busy start to the year - Last Thursday and Friday I ended up working two 13 hour days! Long days, but I didn't mind as I was asked to present the BBC Radio Manchester drivetime show again. I'd also been working early reading the morning news bulletins, but you know me, radio tart! I've really enjoyed presenting the shows, and feel more confident. Until now I've not had the chance to get my teeth into a show as I've only covered for one day, two at the most.
Outside work, there's some exciting developments, but I need to get them confirmed before I can talk about it on here. Come back in a couple of weeks and I'll be able to let you know.
I treated myself to a big TV in the sales, and have had fun with my dad trying to mount it on the wall. Believe me, it's not as easy as it looks! Now it's on the wall, it's great. I hoping to treat myself to a Playstation 3 when they are launched too, so I can take advantage of the HD functions. I'd like to get Sky HD but I don't think there is enough content yet to justify the subscription. The pictures look great, but I'll wait until more HD channels have launched before I make the switch. Have you got HD TV? What do you think?
I also like the look of the Logik Internet Radio. Apparantly you can receive around 5000 radio stations from around the world. I tried to hear what they sounded like in my local electrical shop, but they didn't have a WI-FI connection. Have you got one, are they any good?
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Happy New Year
So that was Christmas, this is new year. Welcome to 2007 on www.stevesaul.co.uk
No midnight celebrations for me, I'm working on 1st January and will be in an empty office at 6am !
I tried to argue that it would be easier to phone people up at 7am in the morning if they wanted a news bulletin that early. I'd then read them pages from BBC Ceefax or BBC News Online. Least I'd get an extra hour in bed. Oh well.
Hope you have a great year.
No midnight celebrations for me, I'm working on 1st January and will be in an empty office at 6am !
I tried to argue that it would be easier to phone people up at 7am in the morning if they wanted a news bulletin that early. I'd then read them pages from BBC Ceefax or BBC News Online. Least I'd get an extra hour in bed. Oh well.
Hope you have a great year.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Have a great Christmas and New Year
Well the show went okay.
In fact I ended up doing four shows this week, as the other presenter was off work ill.
I felt more relaxed by the end of the week, once I knew where all news, sport and traffic junctions were, and how much `waffle` was needed from me.
I'm off now until New Years Day, back in the (empty) office at 6am 1st January 2007.
Hope you have a great Christmas and New Year.
Take care.
In fact I ended up doing four shows this week, as the other presenter was off work ill.
I felt more relaxed by the end of the week, once I knew where all news, sport and traffic junctions were, and how much `waffle` was needed from me.
I'm off now until New Years Day, back in the (empty) office at 6am 1st January 2007.
Hope you have a great Christmas and New Year.
Take care.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Driving home for Christmas...
Hiya...
Getting ever closer to the big day, it's a nightmare going into the city centres of Preston and Manchester. There are just so many people! Luckily only a few more presents to get.
Some good news, my contract at BBC Radio Manchester has been extended until the end of March 2007, and hopefully something will be sorted out to lengthen that.
If you've nothing better to do between 4 and 6.30pm on Friday 22nd December, why not listen to me on BBC Radio Manchester. I'm presenting the drivetime news/magazine show, no doubt playing Christmassy songs as people `drive home for Christmas` - In and around Manchester we are on 95.1 FM and DAB Digital Radio. If you are elsewhere in the world, listen online www.bbc.co.uk/manchester
If you want a mention during the show as you make your way home to your Christmas celebrations, leave a message here on the blog, or email me steve@stevesaul.co.uk
Ho ho ho... not long to go.
Getting ever closer to the big day, it's a nightmare going into the city centres of Preston and Manchester. There are just so many people! Luckily only a few more presents to get.
Some good news, my contract at BBC Radio Manchester has been extended until the end of March 2007, and hopefully something will be sorted out to lengthen that.
If you've nothing better to do between 4 and 6.30pm on Friday 22nd December, why not listen to me on BBC Radio Manchester. I'm presenting the drivetime news/magazine show, no doubt playing Christmassy songs as people `drive home for Christmas` - In and around Manchester we are on 95.1 FM and DAB Digital Radio. If you are elsewhere in the world, listen online www.bbc.co.uk/manchester
If you want a mention during the show as you make your way home to your Christmas celebrations, leave a message here on the blog, or email me steve@stevesaul.co.uk
Ho ho ho... not long to go.
Monday, November 27, 2006
National fame... nearly...
Hello... Back at work now after a couple of days in Dublin with Susan. It was nice to get away from work. I really like Dublin, people seem really friendly and the place is nice.
I'm a big fan of the TV comedy Father Ted, and there was one sign outside a cafe that really made me laugh "Would you like a cup of tea? Ah you will, go on, a nice cuppa tea. Go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on ".... that's a line from Mrs Doyle in Father Ted.
I was working the weekend evening, a dreadfully dull shift, when I got a call from a panicking producer from BBC Radio Five Live. He was asking if there was anyone at Radio Manchester who might be able to help them out and present a programme! It's not your average request from a 5 Live producer, normally it's about booking studios at short notice. Apparently their regular presenter Stephen Nolan had to go home urgently and could not present his show. It's broadcast from the BBC Manchester studios. Naturally I volunteered, but they wanted someone more experienced and who could handle a heated debate. I gave him the number for Allan Beswick, a radio legend in the North West, and they got him in to present the show.
It's the first time I've arranged presenter cover for a national station! I was listening to Allan on 5 Live on the way home from work, and I was kind of glad he was presenting rather than me. The programme certainly was a heated debate about Slavery and Scotland becoming an independent nation! Rather him than me.
I'm a big fan of the TV comedy Father Ted, and there was one sign outside a cafe that really made me laugh "Would you like a cup of tea? Ah you will, go on, a nice cuppa tea. Go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on go on ".... that's a line from Mrs Doyle in Father Ted.
I was working the weekend evening, a dreadfully dull shift, when I got a call from a panicking producer from BBC Radio Five Live. He was asking if there was anyone at Radio Manchester who might be able to help them out and present a programme! It's not your average request from a 5 Live producer, normally it's about booking studios at short notice. Apparently their regular presenter Stephen Nolan had to go home urgently and could not present his show. It's broadcast from the BBC Manchester studios. Naturally I volunteered, but they wanted someone more experienced and who could handle a heated debate. I gave him the number for Allan Beswick, a radio legend in the North West, and they got him in to present the show.
It's the first time I've arranged presenter cover for a national station! I was listening to Allan on 5 Live on the way home from work, and I was kind of glad he was presenting rather than me. The programme certainly was a heated debate about Slavery and Scotland becoming an independent nation! Rather him than me.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Time Off
It's nice having a couple of days off. It's even nicer not having to get up at seven in the morning, or even earlier, and be squashed on the train journey to work. It's also nice to switch off and forget about the news. Sure I'll keep an eye on good old Ceefax (it'll be a shame when it closes) but it's good not to be obsessive.
I've managed to get to November 25th without working a weekend evening.... until now. Yep, what a fun weekend I have in store in the most boring BBC shift possible. While you are out enjoying your weekend evening I'll be stuck in the empty office.
Friday should be good though. We are having a party after BBC Radio Manchester won BBC Local Radio Station of the Year at the Gillard awards.
Off to Dublin in the morning...
I've managed to get to November 25th without working a weekend evening.... until now. Yep, what a fun weekend I have in store in the most boring BBC shift possible. While you are out enjoying your weekend evening I'll be stuck in the empty office.
Friday should be good though. We are having a party after BBC Radio Manchester won BBC Local Radio Station of the Year at the Gillard awards.
Off to Dublin in the morning...
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sorry it's been a while...
Hi.. Sorry for the short delay in updating the blog, it's been a busy couple of weeks.
I've been on lates, and then it was Bonfire Night and I've been away with my girlfriend.
I've been given an extra month in Manchester, so might not have to go back to Leeds.
Off to Dublin next week for a couple of days, so I'm really looking forward to that.
I've been on lates, and then it was Bonfire Night and I've been away with my girlfriend.
I've been given an extra month in Manchester, so might not have to go back to Leeds.
Off to Dublin next week for a couple of days, so I'm really looking forward to that.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Late night....
Back on the old late shift this week. It feels like old times.
I did the late shift in Leeds for five years, and by the end I was really fed up of it. In fact I think I was depressed, though didn't go to the doctor.
As you know, if you've been reading the blog, I've been working in Manchester since January 2006 doing a variety of shifts. It's enabled me to find my social life again, catch up with friends, and even meet my girlfriend Susan.
There's something about the late shift though, the empty office, the bizarre phone calls from listeners, dealing with breaking news stories. You are left to get on with it, there's no pressure and can work at your own pace. As long as the news bulletins are read and are up to date and have prepared some news for the important breakfast show, it can, SOMETIMES, be relaxing.
And the fact I'm not doing the late shift every night makes it that much better.
A busy couple of weeks coming up with trips to sunny Blackpool and Dublin... I'll tell you more about those later....
Finally, congratulations to my friend Paul Smith, who has just been made Programme Controller at Century Radio in the North East! Fab!
I did the late shift in Leeds for five years, and by the end I was really fed up of it. In fact I think I was depressed, though didn't go to the doctor.
As you know, if you've been reading the blog, I've been working in Manchester since January 2006 doing a variety of shifts. It's enabled me to find my social life again, catch up with friends, and even meet my girlfriend Susan.
There's something about the late shift though, the empty office, the bizarre phone calls from listeners, dealing with breaking news stories. You are left to get on with it, there's no pressure and can work at your own pace. As long as the news bulletins are read and are up to date and have prepared some news for the important breakfast show, it can, SOMETIMES, be relaxing.
And the fact I'm not doing the late shift every night makes it that much better.
A busy couple of weeks coming up with trips to sunny Blackpool and Dublin... I'll tell you more about those later....
Finally, congratulations to my friend Paul Smith, who has just been made Programme Controller at Century Radio in the North East! Fab!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
In the hot seat
I've been put in the News Editors hot seat for the past couple of days.
I like being News Editor, but I do miss reading the bulletins. We had a couple of big stories this past couple of weeks too.
The first was a 15 year old boy pleading guilty to the murder of an 11 year Bury schoolboy. The death of Joe Geeling was one of the first big stories I covered when I came to Manchester.
The other big story was the funeral of the murdered Moss Side teenager Jesse James. He was shot dead in September. Two thousand people came to his remembrance service.
In other developments.....
I've been told there's chance I might have to go back to BBC Radio Leeds for a couple of months so I am waiting to hear about that.
And hello to Susan.....
I like being News Editor, but I do miss reading the bulletins. We had a couple of big stories this past couple of weeks too.
The first was a 15 year old boy pleading guilty to the murder of an 11 year Bury schoolboy. The death of Joe Geeling was one of the first big stories I covered when I came to Manchester.
The other big story was the funeral of the murdered Moss Side teenager Jesse James. He was shot dead in September. Two thousand people came to his remembrance service.
In other developments.....
I've been told there's chance I might have to go back to BBC Radio Leeds for a couple of months so I am waiting to hear about that.
And hello to Susan.....
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Hello to all the Steve Saul's
If your name is Steve Saul and you're reading this, hello!
I've had an email this week from Steve Saul in Birmingham, he runs a pub quiz business and has a wife and two children.
Steve told me that he's also found another Steve Saul who is a doctor in Atlanta.
So in true Dave Gorman style (he's a comedian who travelled around the world to meet other Dave Gorman's) - I thought it would be good to hear from other Steve Saul's in the world.
So if your name is Steve Saul get in touch with me steve@stevesaul.co.uk
I've had an email this week from Steve Saul in Birmingham, he runs a pub quiz business and has a wife and two children.
Steve told me that he's also found another Steve Saul who is a doctor in Atlanta.
So in true Dave Gorman style (he's a comedian who travelled around the world to meet other Dave Gorman's) - I thought it would be good to hear from other Steve Saul's in the world.
So if your name is Steve Saul get in touch with me steve@stevesaul.co.uk
Saturday, October 07, 2006
London Calling....
This is London.
Been off work for a couple of days and have just returned from a tip to `the big smoke` - An impromptu trip to see a friend down there.
I also took the chance to have a nosey around BBC Television Centre. A colleague showed me round the newsroom and studios, I even got the chance to go into the main news studio where Huw Edwards et al present the main bulletins! Very showbiz.
Whilst in London I called into the British Library, they have a great exhibition about newspapers and are showing some of the famous headlines from throughout the decades. From Elvis dead through the JFK shooting to the London 7/7 attacks, it really was very interesting.
Been off work for a couple of days and have just returned from a tip to `the big smoke` - An impromptu trip to see a friend down there.
I also took the chance to have a nosey around BBC Television Centre. A colleague showed me round the newsroom and studios, I even got the chance to go into the main news studio where Huw Edwards et al present the main bulletins! Very showbiz.
Whilst in London I called into the British Library, they have a great exhibition about newspapers and are showing some of the famous headlines from throughout the decades. From Elvis dead through the JFK shooting to the London 7/7 attacks, it really was very interesting.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Award Winning!!
Really pleased this morning, BBC Radio Manchester has been named BBC local radio station of year at an award ceremony last night.
We were also given a top award for Best Outside Broadcast for our coverage of the Manchester Bomb Ten Years on.
It's great to be involved with an award winning station!
We were also given a top award for Best Outside Broadcast for our coverage of the Manchester Bomb Ten Years on.
It's great to be involved with an award winning station!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Breakfast with Steve
Hello, thanks for clicking onto my site. Sorry I've been a bit slow to update the blog, but I've been a bit busy at work.
I'm presenting the Sunday Breakfast show on BBC Radio Manchester this weekend (24th Sept) so if you are near a radio or online have a listen. It's a religious show though. I'm not really a religious person, though I do believe in the man upstairs and have a quiet word every now and then. Thankfully I've got a great producer in Rebecca Kelly who can advise me what to say, and what not to say!
I got an award at work this week, kind of an `employee of the week` thing, which was nice. If I were working at McDonalds I'd get a star on my name badge! People in the office had nominated me because I came to the rescue of the Heather Stott show that went off-air because of technical problems at an outside broadcast last Friday. I had to `fill` for twenty minutes until they could restore the link. It wasn't just me though, it was Kate Dinsdale who was responsible for the technicals in the studio that saved the day too.
Looks like it's going to be a busy week this week with the Labour Party Conference in Manchester. Anything could happen......
Speak to you soon, and send a message!
I'm presenting the Sunday Breakfast show on BBC Radio Manchester this weekend (24th Sept) so if you are near a radio or online have a listen. It's a religious show though. I'm not really a religious person, though I do believe in the man upstairs and have a quiet word every now and then. Thankfully I've got a great producer in Rebecca Kelly who can advise me what to say, and what not to say!
I got an award at work this week, kind of an `employee of the week` thing, which was nice. If I were working at McDonalds I'd get a star on my name badge! People in the office had nominated me because I came to the rescue of the Heather Stott show that went off-air because of technical problems at an outside broadcast last Friday. I had to `fill` for twenty minutes until they could restore the link. It wasn't just me though, it was Kate Dinsdale who was responsible for the technicals in the studio that saved the day too.
Looks like it's going to be a busy week this week with the Labour Party Conference in Manchester. Anything could happen......
Speak to you soon, and send a message!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Martin Kelner
Just a quick plug for my mate Martin Kelner.... he of `The Guardian` and BBC radio fame...
He's got a great podcast, and this weeks edition is superb...
You can listen to at www.martinkelner.com - (piss poor podcast 24) - And it's even better if you are a radio anorak! It features Chris Moyles and BBC local legend Peter Levy.
He's got a great podcast, and this weeks edition is superb...
You can listen to at www.martinkelner.com - (piss poor podcast 24) - And it's even better if you are a radio anorak! It features Chris Moyles and BBC local legend Peter Levy.
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