I am a creative and driven journalist, currently working for the BBC and carrying out freelance newsreading, producing and presenting work. I completed a Masters degree with Distinction in Journalism, with BJTC accreditation, in order to carry out a change of career in the past five years. I am skilled at writing tight and accessible copy, and editing audio and video to a high standard. More than this though, I love to talk to people – I am personable and have excellent communication skills.
I was previously a manager for a national cinema chain, a role in which I developed strong skills in leadership and problem solving. I take pride in being reliable and competent, and taking ownership of my personal development.
SKILLS
- Working accurately and at speed
- Good knowledge of SEO and writing for online
- Good understanding of poverty and social affairs
- Quick to get to grips with systems and processes
- Confident on air and behind the scenes
- Organised, punctual, and able to work to a strict deadline
- Excellent listening and interviewing skills
Systems knowledge:
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- WordPress
- Myriad News
BBC-specific systems:
- Optimo
- Open Media
- Highlander / StarTrack
- Jupiter
- WolfTech
Experience
BBC Radio Leeds
Journalist and Newsreader
Responsible for writing and delivering live news bulletins that are up-to-date, tightly-written and legally-safe, and reporting as part of the Local Story Team.
Key skills:
- Sharp writing and ability to identify a strong news line for a story
- Quick and accurate editing of audio
- Good knowledge of Leeds and Yorkshire
- Arranging and conducting interviews
- Sourcing and fact-checking stories
- Confident and clear communication
- Strong knowledge of media law
Bulletin demo:
Morning Report
Freelance Presenter & Producer
Launched and presented daily breakfast news and lifestyle programme which is syndicated to over 100 radio stations – including interviews, features, and a review of newspaper front pages and what’s trending online.
Key skills:
- Developing story ideas, then arranging and conducting interviews
- Warm and informal delivery
- Good awareness of trending topics
- Clear and understandable scriptwriting
- Editing together of audio packages
Demo:
BBC Radio Humberside
Journalist and Newsreader
Ad hoc cover radio newsreader, and reporting as part of the Local Story Team. Shadowed a number of TV gallery
roles, and completed a handful of Item Producer shifts.
Radio News Hub
Freelance Journalist and Newsreader
Responsible for writing and delivering a variety of national and local radio news bulletins for a range of clients.
The Sun
Casual SEO Writer
Writing articles for immediate publish to The Sun online, with a focus on search engine optimisation to ensure
key trending topics are being covered.
CNN Diversity Open Day
Anchor
Worked in a team of five to produce a section of a newscast, and fulfilled the role of in-studio anchor.
EDUCATION
Leeds Trinity University
MA Journalism with Distinction
(including BJTC accreditation)
September 2023 to August 2024
Leeds Trinity University
BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism
September 2022 to June 2023
(Only Level 4 completed – fast-tracked to MA programme)
OTHER WORK
Waitrose & Partners
Delivery driver
September 2022 to April 2024
ODEON Cinemas Limited
General Manager / Cinema Manager
March 2015 to September 2022
(Original hire May 2001)
Phil Towers 