Broadcast Media: The Inside Track

By Ancast PodcastTechnology

Broadcast Media: The Inside Track episodes

May 03, 2021The 80's & 90's broadcast news journalism and moving to podcasting with Jim Herlihy.
Jim was one of the first responders to my podcast guest request, I was interested in the long history in broadcast journalism stretching back decades, I did have to confirm what a 'stringer' meant and of course - freelance journalist!
As Jim explains he is not a technical geek so when we got the podcast interview going he concentrated on the substance of being an independent journalist getting a news story and how he has found this new medium in podcasting.
You can find out more by going to anchor.fm/james-herlihy or free-ebooks.net/crime-mystery-audiobooks/Dirty-Money
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/FANC4DpZLFA
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out

Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?

‘A hark back to the 90’s and how things change’
- you must have seen it all but what things don’t change in broadcast media?
- Them times in Latin America as a 80’s stringer - before mass travel what was it like?
- News has changed radically ‘instant’ - tech, remote cameras, social media etc

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 18 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
More info on our guest Jim:
I was in the banking business and had three assignments in Ecuador, Chile and Mexico over 7 years. My business career gave me great entrée to local business, government and cultural circles that played well for my journalist sideline.
Mostly print media - Business Latin America, The Economist and The Times. But also did local reporting for the BBC in Ecuador and Chile.
Back Stateside, I used to co-host a current affairs TV show on San Francisco cable called News Europe during the 1990s.
My debut novel Deceit and Dirty Money is available in print and electronic form on Amazon.com. An audio dramatized version entitled Dirty Money is available/downloadable from Free-ebooks.net.
Podcasting is the perfect marriage of the written and spoken word.
Politics, especially in SF and California is another side passion. I was on the State Central Cttee of the California Democratic Party for a few years. My podcast encompasses a host of subjects apart from politics but I would summarize the 98 episodes as current affairs rather than exclusively politics with a SF and California slant.
It is not a partisan podcast. I stick to factual, researched posts and I am light on opinion/editorializing. There’s enough of that all around us. My market niche is independent minded listeners who want to hear both sides of the argument with a good dose of verifiable facts. I always cite my sources at the end of the podcast.
19 min
April 26, 2021Journey through broadcast management roles and where it started with Anastasija Saprygina.
So I needed a guest to help finish off the series and although I'd told Anastasija previously of my plans I didn't ask her directly, but it turns out she was a big fan of the episodes and was happy to come on the show. We had to fit it all around her new baby arrival but in the new year we found the time and as she had listened to many episodes knew the interview format well!
You can find out more by going to linkedin.com/in/anastasija-tatham-saprygina-15567926
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/kjFpas4h07t
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?

Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?
- Have you been through freelance, full time, academic circles

‘How broadcast management roles have changed during your career’
- was your production management roles a starting point being close to the content?
- it seems a natural progression to move into operations management?
- How has it been moving companies and indeed to freelance as project manager?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 18 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
More info on our guest Anastasija:
Project Manager and Producer
Encompass Digital Media:
Project Manager
Modern Times Group:
Operations Manager
Marketing Manager
Production Manager
24 min
April 22, 2021Writing a web exclusive drama series that's based in the far east with Todd Sullivan.
We kept missing each other on messages but eventually we got a slot booked, I was keen to talk to a writer in the broadcast media industry and the process behind it - we had to make special arrangements on a weekend and to take into consideration the far east timezone, glad it worked.
It was a great insight into productions in Taiwan and how involved Todd is with it all, Taiwan for fortunate not to be massively affected by the pandemic but we go through what drives success, how he deals with changes in production and therefore the script.
You can find out more about Todd by going to facebook.com/Tsierus2020 or instagram.com/denevius
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/mMrYmp11Rk5
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for writing in broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out

Experiencing far east for this type of writing.

‘How do you find web only drama’s - do they find their own audience?’
- with the global pandemic closing actual screenings has this increased online
- how is the far east for your type of writing?
- over the years you must have had moments of huge elation - what sticks out for you?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 18 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this bonus episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
13 min
April 19, 2021Sound engineer to broadcast and production management roles with Stephen Furness
Another contact through LinkedIn, it was hard to first to get something scheduled but after a quick call we got the show in the diary - Steve had just come off a 7 day 12 hour shift run so very happy he was up for it, he has accomplished much over his broadcast career which we talk through.
Before we spoke I did wonder where he was from and its the north east, his story of starting his career in an indoor market in Sunderland was a good opener, the sheer diversity of work he has been involved with is facinating to hear as his advice for new comers.
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/zDEXMIGMrug
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?

Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?
- Have you been through freelance, full time or academic circles?
- What's the work ethic like elsewhere in the world - very different?
- Are the professional certifications off your own back?

‘From sound and studios to broadcast production and management’
- how did you find getting those early freelance gigs, by luck, perseverance, connections?
- with your many hats on when it comes to broadcast roles, was it a natural progression from sound to broadcast engineering and operations?
- over the years you must have had moments of huge elation - what sticks out for you?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 20 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
More info on our guest Stephen:
Highly capable Broadcast and Production manager with worldwide experience in 42 languages. Extensive knowledge of signals transmission including video over IP. Worked as one of the pioneers in the video over IP field (remote production)for a US client, involving events in Asia, Europe and the US in multiple languages with several million viewing on a wide variety of platforms.
Recent career highlights include broadcast management of all aspects of the BBC 2016 referendum coverage and also include engineering work on the G8 and G 20 government summits also in London.
Fibre engineer and technical manager for League of legends Europe and Asia events stadium and studio events between 2014-2016
On the PUBG 2018 Berlin Final I worked as the production manager, encompassing 60 million concurrent viewers in 4K in multiple languages and streams.All delivered on time and in budget.
Prince 2 qualified( + PMI trained) and also qualified fibre engineer and system designer with extensive Europe and Asia knowledge. DBS cleared.
Specialties: Broadcast,Corporate,Projects,Consultancy, fibre management , live events, Live broadcast,Live events, management of broadcast facilities and staff, E-Sports specialist, Multi lingual and Host/Event Broadcast.
24 min
April 12, 2021A 37 year long broadcast lighting career same trade and company with Brad Dickson.
Brad was one of my replies on LinkedIn, posted in a group for media professionals and figured lighting is another area that I'd like to talk about, after a few emails he was booked for a show, we was trying to include a demonstration but as it's more visual we had to skip it - but we talked for ages anyway.
The main thing that struck me was being in the same trade and the same company for 37 years, its inspiring to hear from people who have committed themselves that long - and all the developments of software, LED's and production shoot experiences was great.
You can find out more about Brad by going to lightingvideo.tv
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/f2h0qjBVhox
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?

Was CBC your first and only job? The longevity must mean something?
- Have you created installations as well as set designs?
- You were a technical instructor - are qualifications a must?
- Do you have or keep up any professional certifications?

‘Being part of revolutionising TV lighting with software & LEDs’
- did you learn your trade on the job or did you grow into it?
- take us through outside broadcasts, studio and cinema - any favourites?
- over the years you must have had moments of huge elation - what sticks out for you?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 18 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
For more info on our guest Brad:
CBC was involved in a variety of lighting advancements such as creating pre visualization software that allowed a lighting console to control the lighting in a 3D computer simulation to pre program looks for the camera. We also created a plug and play studio infrastructure that involved an installed DMX network along with DMX controlled non dim power. We created the worlds first all LED lit news studio in our French Studios in Toronto. After retiring I co created the HS Scope that provides a guideline to calibrate LED lights to the needs of the camera sensors based on the cameras actual electronics chroma signal. I now this is a podcast but I can show the software on the video interview if you would like. I have other video examples but as tis is a podcast i suspect you want it all audio focused.
I was also a technical instructor at CBC along with being a Senior Lighting Director and I have been on a wide variety of industry related panels at various tradeshows. I have spoken with people looking to get in the industry in the past and I have a perspective I share with them regarding training etc. they should look to obtain.
24 min
April 05, 2021Broadcast project management and some of the biggest in the industry with Melissa Carr.
It wasn't until many episodes in thinking I need someone who works in broadcast projects on the show and then the eureka moment I thought I wonder if Melissa would be up for this - and with a quick call to set it up she was in the studio talking about projects.
Time again hearing how people started off in the industry, in this case loading floppy discs! But although I knew Melissa had done project work in broadcast who knew she was head of business analysis, six sigma, programme manager and runs her own consultancy - great stories to hear.
You can find out more about Melissa by going to consultingcube.co.uk
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/VnB2599Kl6P
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- How did you get into the broadcast media industry?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?

Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?
- How did you get into consultancy after being full time employed
- Moving from Business Analysis to project and programme management
- What was it like coming from standard cross industry disciplines

‘Working on huge projects what trends can you see in the media industry’
- Consolidation, pandemic effects, media ownership & VOD, studio facility expansion
- with your many hats on when it comes to broadcast roles, was it a natural progression from sound to broadcast engineering and operations?
- What tips would you give to someone starting out & wanting to become a consultant in the media industry?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 18 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
For more info on our guest Melissa
Melissa Carr from Consulting Cube, a consultancy & programme management business, specializing in broadcast & media.
I am a business transformation leader, passionate about driving real business change and delivering results. If you are looking for a few days of advice or full-time delivery support on your change programme, I can help you. Check out my website www.consultingcube.co.uk and contact me for a discussion on your business change and programme delivery needs.
If your interested to find out about:
Analysis and consultancy
Programme design and delivery
Management
24 min
March 29, 2021Get into the industry with no formal qualifications and how it's possible with Richard Midson.
So when thinking of broadcast then radio is in mix too and so was a nice surprise when Richard was the first to comment in one of the Facebook groups I was posting in, he was genuinely interested about what the show as about and before long he was booked in.
The standout theme was Richard got in without formal qualifications, it was this talking point that recurs throughout, it was also great to hear from somebody from radio background and just how it is being the talent broadcasting on the airwaves.
You can find out more about Richard by going to Richardmidson.com or CanIMakeAHitPodcast.com
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/S4kkDzsMO78
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?

Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?

‘Getting into broadcast with no formal training’
- how did you find getting in those early gigs, by luck, perseverance, connections?
- with your many hats on when it comes to your roles, how do you manage switching between?
- over the years you must have had moments of huge elation - what sticks out for you?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 18 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
For more info on our guest Richard:
Richard Midson is a former news anchor, editor and journalist on UK radio. He’s also a YouTuber who made a show which gained 1.6 million views across it’s episodes. He’s a podcaster and makes a show called “Can I Make a Hit Podcast” and he also used to help prepare the leader of the third largest political group in the European Parliament for media interviews. But Richard’s greatest passion is helping others get heard. He’s always believed that not enough people are getting their stories across in the media. He wants to help everyone ask great questions and answer them too as guests, in order to help them share their stories with the world.
19 min
March 25, 2021Career coaching and fundamentals of being happy in your job with Leanne Villani.
Looking around the various groups for podcast guests who could help the audience with something that's not taught on broadcast courses - learning about you, about purpose and what you want to achieve deep down - that's when I found Leanne.
We talked about the fundamentals that Leanne talks so passionately about, I chose some topics like self-actualisation, about keeping your strength in adversity and taking control of your career. I must have asked the right questions as she answered them with such ease and enthusiasm - even I'm invigorated now!
You can find out more by going to beyoufullmind.com or her podcasts on any platform via anchor.fm/lawofluv
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/68aA0LUM8wn
During the episode we go through some talking points:
From all walks of life and industries you’re helping people to achieve their dreams?
- Is it ok for people to be unsure about what role they want in the workplace?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- How do we harness these sign posts and recognise them?

How do people achieve self-actualisation of one's potential
- Do you put your trust in something, do you visualise an optimum situation?
- Is it not down to simply learning more? Or taking opportunities that arise?
- What do you do when you achieve a goal or a dream?

‘How to to keep trying getting that broadcast media career’
- if you’re not an academic type how can you make up for this? Does it matter?
- where to look for support and encouragement during a long career search?
- leaving university can be quite sudden and a vulnerable time - can it be positive?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- What is a measure of success in a career, what should it not be about?
- If you could tell your 16 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this bonus episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
15 min
March 22, 2021Broadcast recruitment and a deep dive on the hiring process with Phil Hodgetts.
Having known Phil for many years and with is larger than life character he seemed a natural fit to include on the schedule, I wanted somebody to talk about recruitment and with his outgoing character glad he agreed.
We talk about his early days as a 'journo' as he calls it, but he also talks about what he would do differently and advice for candidates to perfect that CV and how he helps coach for interviews. In the out takes his doorbell was going off, fluffed his lines and called me out on my CGI podcast studio pfft!
You can find out more about him and current jobs by going to caspianone-broadcast.com
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/gZgoupClJ3M
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for the media industry?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?

Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?
- Have you been through freelance, full time, academic circles

‘What are the gotchas when looking at candidates new to the industry’
- are there any hard and fast rules for broadcast CV’s for different industry disciplines?
- do you get many companies who take apprentices or graduate schemes these days?
- is there more to the recruitment service than just trying to get a CV looking good?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
If you found this bonus episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
More information on the guest:
I began my career at Caspian One in 2009, working intensely across the full broadcast chain, delivering on both contract and permanent assignments.
Initially, my focus was targeted to distribution technologies, which as result, built solid grounding for the work I do today with Telco’s in Europe - operating in-and-around video content delivery. I have also worked closely alongside equipment manufacturers, product and technical sales candidates; and it’s this breadth of experience which has developed my unusual, rounded understanding of the industry’s people, products, workflows and technologies.
I’m a tenacious individual who is proud of my work and loyal to the people I support. My strengths also include the capability to identify, access and engage with candidates that have skills which are often in high, competitive demand.
24 min
March 15, 2021Offering film making opportunities in a software company with Grace Amodeo.
Making connections from nowhere, so just browsing the podcast groups I saw Grace's profile and was up for being a guest - we had a quick call around new years and was intriguing to hear about her background in academic, producing and now in software.
As Grace was a seasoned podcaster the interview flowed really well, we made the 8 hour time difference work out and talked through her journey whilst giving great insight into what may help new comers.
You can find out more about Grace and the company Shift by going to shift.io/creativefund
Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/FOSvw6NdxVK
During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?

Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?
- Have you been through freelance, full time, academic circles

‘From Film School and Shoots to giving filmmakers the green light’
- how did you find getting in those early roles, by luck, perseverance, connections?
- you seemed to have switched hats and now deal with filmmakers - do you use that experience to help inform your work now?
- over the years you must have had moments of huge elation - what sticks out for you?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 18 year old self now - what would it be?
If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!
For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk
Thanks for listening!
Ben
19 min