Katy White – Freelance Broadcast Journalist, Bauer, Global, BBC

What are the main stresses of the job?

You work long hours with no breaks… You quickly learn not to complain about this as we are all in the same boat. You also have hourly or even half hourly deadlines so you are constantly busy.

What has been the best story that you have worked on?

I think the biggest and most challenging story I’ve ever covered was the floods of 2007. South Yorkshire literally transformed into a place that was unrecognisable. Whole areas of Sheffield were underwater which made it difficult for us to get to people and places that were worst affected. People relied on us for information on what was going on and we HAD to deliver.

 What are your top tips to people who wish to do what you do?

Get as much work experience as possible, practical/hands on work will always count above and beyond any grade you get at Uni. Having said that though, choosing the right course is essential as well. You need to make sure it includes a good law module. Everywhere you work, every story you cover will have a legal element included in it. You’ll be head and shoulders above the rest if you know your stuff, it’ll also help keep you out of the court room.

Practice! Always, always, always listen back to any radio work you do, get people to give you feedback on it as well. It’ll help improve you for the future.

Be prepared to work for free or very little money… There will always be someone else out there willing to do it for less, radio is a very competitive world.

Never ever give up. If you are determined to be a journalist, don’t settle for anything else!

How competitive is it in radio to become a broadcast journalist?

Very – You need to make sure that you have something that makes you stand out from the crowd. Always pick a degree that’s accredited and get as much work experience as possible.

What would you say are the most important skills to have to do what you do?

Confidence, determination, a good voice and a thirst for knowledge!

You can listen to Katy White read the news on Big John @ Breakfast by clicking here.

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