All my posts will now be on Wordpress at: http://kellyoc6.wordpress.com/
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Thursday 27 October 2011
My top five... female news presenters
You’re so vain; I bet you think this song is about you...
They say the camera puts on ten pounds and after spending the last two weeks learning with the great @carollowe98 (from the BBC) about TV interviewing I can assure you it’s true.
Both girls and boys in my broadcast journalism class have spent the fortnight discussing hair, make-up, clothes, their weight and colours to wear.
Having discussed about how every female newsreader we admire has short hair, I have evolved from a long haired lover from Liverpool...
To...
So to honour those women who have inspired me to chop off my locks I have compiled my top five female news readers and presenters.
1) Sian Williams
Sian Williams co-presents BBC Breakfast with Bill Turnbull. Having started in local BBC radio (including
Manchester and Liverpool) as a producer and reporter, Sian rose to national radio and then TV. I like Sian’s manner she always seems so friendly and I like that her and Bill seem to have the same sense of humour.
I was saddened to hear that Sian (along with BBC Breakfast reporter Chris Hollins) will not be moving to BBC Media City.
Her agent said the move was not an issue but that Williams wanted a break from the show's early starts.
Her agent said the move was not an issue but that Williams wanted a break from the show's early starts.
2) Alex Jones
Although not technically a news reader, I enjoy watching Alex on the BBC’s One show. She appears relaxed and fun on the show and handles the guests well. Alex began as TV researcher before being asked to try out presenting.
She worked for BBC Choice and S4C and in 2010 was announced as the new presenter of the ONE Show, replacing Christine Bleakley.
On a lighter note, Alex has great hair and is currently performing in Strictly Come Dancing.
3) Natasha Kaplinsky
You have to admire Natasha’s career having worked as a journalist/presenter for the BBC, ITV and Sky News.
Natasha started her career on a youth chat show for Granada, in 1999 she moved to ITV in London and then in 2000 bagged She then moved to the BBC presenting a variety of shows including BBC Breakfast and the 10 O’clock news.
Then......over to Channel 5 for an alleged salary of more than £300,000, before leaving after having a baby.
It was announced this year that she would present some shows for ITN, providing maternity leave for Nina Hussain.
Phew... oh and she won the first series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2004.
4) Moira Stewart – BBC Radio 2
Moira was the first black newsreader to appear on British television and has worked on several BBC programmes.
In 2007, she lost her presenting slot on Sunday AM, which provoked a backlash of ageism and sexism complaints.
Although the reasons for her decision to quit the BBC were varied, it is hard industry to grow old in and I fully agree with what Moira done.
She is an inspirational female and I hope my career spans as long as hers.
She currently reads the news on Chris Evans’ breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 and was awarded an OBE.
5) Angela Rippon
Angela was the first female to regularly present national news on the TV.
Angela to students will be known for TV show Cash in the Attic – a day time classic. She currently presents ‘Rippon’s Britain’ a feature on the BBC’s ONE show.
Angela is an OBE and is a patron of the old time dance society. She also took part in Dancing on Ice in 2010, aged 66 – what a legend.
I decided to keep with national presenters but there are so many great regional female TV presenters who I admire. If I could have a slice of each of their careers I would be a happy broadcast journalist.
There is one stand out feature on the road to success as a presenter – make sure you appear in a reality TV dance show (Jones, Kaplinsky, Rippon). Best get practicing now!
Tuesday 18 October 2011
My top five... TV reality shows
My top five.... reality TV shows
It’s hard to say whether these TV shows are reality, scripted reality, drama - the list goes on. From the early days of MTV’s The Real World to recent show The Only Way is Essex, what is about watching people’s lives play out that enthrals us?
Thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/leunix/ for the Flickr Image.
The Guardian website features a great debate about how these shows could be encouraging regional stereotyping.
Julia Raeside argues: “Based on this new method of storytelling, Geordies are sexually incontinent, Essex girls are thick and west Londoners are shallower than a crepe pan. It's reductive and damaging.”
In defence of scripted reality TV, Paul Flynn comments (in relation to Big Brother and how things have progressed): “The second wave of reality TV – constructed, scripted or bespoke – concentrated on these basic human mechanisms to propel quick turnaround stories. It's just another way of telling stories. I can't believe I'm still having this argument in 2011.”
I’m in the Flynn camp. It’s entertainment, it’s fun and the viewing figures show how popular these type of shows are.
This makes me think back to my music degree and reading philosopher Adorno’s work on popular culture. He argued that capitalism fed people with the products of a 'culture industry' - the opposite of 'true' art - to keep them passively satisfied and politically apathetic.
Maybe TOWIE is keeping us ‘passively satisfied’ and ‘politically apathetic’ but in all honesty, sometimes you need an hour of a show to get lost in.
And here are mine.....
(All show real people but some of the scenes may have been set up purely for your entertainment! – as the saying goes)
1) TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) is a semi reality show based in Essex. It follows the lives of several young people (I’ll just add in that they are glamorous and gobby), their family and friends.
Story lines have included Lauren and Mark’s on/off relationship, Joey Essex being ‘reem’ and Gemma’s adoration of Sugarhut night club owner Mick. If that made no sense - watch it!
When you can watch: Wednesday and Sunday on ITV 2
Check out some Vajazling...
2) Don’t Tell the Bride is a reality show on BBC3 which gives the groom £12,000 and three weeks to plan a wedding for his bride. I have seen a magical wedding in a fairytale castle, a reggae/Irish theme and I have even seen the bride skydive to her venue. In the last episode the groom spent nearly all the budget on flights to Ibiza, only to realise he couldn’t legally marry there.
When you can watch: Tuesday 9pm on BBC3
She was not impressed...
3) Made in Chelsea is a new viewing for me but I think it deserves a top five rating. It follows the champagne fuelled lives of a group of South West London guys and gals. The ‘dahlings’ drive fancy cars, live in fancy houses and have names such as ‘Binky’ and ‘Ollie’. I shall say no more...
When you can watch: Monday 10pm E4
Sorry about the ad and watch out for the strong language..
4) Come Dine With Me I suppose isn’t scripted drama but it is a reality show following people and filmed in their homes. There are usually four/five people who each take a night to entertain and cook for their guests in different areas of the country. They then each score the host at the end of the night, leading to the highest scorer winning themselves £1000. Fancy that. I used to enjoy the voice over guy but not so much anymore, let me know what you think.
When can you watch: Most weekday nights at 5.30pm on Channel 4
No embed but here is a link to a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rocxZrz39LA
5) Here is the curve ball - I could have gone for the Hills, House wives of New Jersey, Coach Trip, Eddie Stobart and even my guilty pleasures of real life police shows. No, I chose The Man Who Moves Buildings.
One Sunday before I went to work I got hooked watching this American reality show about just that – a man who moves buildings. It is fascinating. The Pattersons’ family firm take on really complex projects moving buildings in the USA.
When you can watch: It was on Channel 5 but I can’t see a recent series to inform you about. As soon as I see it back on the screens I will tweet but for now you can get more information on it here
Let me know your thoughts on reality TV, do you have a favourite show or do you despise it?
It’s hard to say whether these TV shows are reality, scripted reality, drama - the list goes on. From the early days of MTV’s The Real World to recent show The Only Way is Essex, what is about watching people’s lives play out that enthrals us?
Thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/leunix/ for the Flickr Image.
The Guardian website features a great debate about how these shows could be encouraging regional stereotyping.
Julia Raeside argues: “Based on this new method of storytelling, Geordies are sexually incontinent, Essex girls are thick and west Londoners are shallower than a crepe pan. It's reductive and damaging.”
In defence of scripted reality TV, Paul Flynn comments (in relation to Big Brother and how things have progressed): “The second wave of reality TV – constructed, scripted or bespoke – concentrated on these basic human mechanisms to propel quick turnaround stories. It's just another way of telling stories. I can't believe I'm still having this argument in 2011.”
I’m in the Flynn camp. It’s entertainment, it’s fun and the viewing figures show how popular these type of shows are.
This makes me think back to my music degree and reading philosopher Adorno’s work on popular culture. He argued that capitalism fed people with the products of a 'culture industry' - the opposite of 'true' art - to keep them passively satisfied and politically apathetic.
Maybe TOWIE is keeping us ‘passively satisfied’ and ‘politically apathetic’ but in all honesty, sometimes you need an hour of a show to get lost in.
And here are mine.....
(All show real people but some of the scenes may have been set up purely for your entertainment! – as the saying goes)
1) TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) is a semi reality show based in Essex. It follows the lives of several young people (I’ll just add in that they are glamorous and gobby), their family and friends.
Story lines have included Lauren and Mark’s on/off relationship, Joey Essex being ‘reem’ and Gemma’s adoration of Sugarhut night club owner Mick. If that made no sense - watch it!
When you can watch: Wednesday and Sunday on ITV 2
Check out some Vajazling...
2) Don’t Tell the Bride is a reality show on BBC3 which gives the groom £12,000 and three weeks to plan a wedding for his bride. I have seen a magical wedding in a fairytale castle, a reggae/Irish theme and I have even seen the bride skydive to her venue. In the last episode the groom spent nearly all the budget on flights to Ibiza, only to realise he couldn’t legally marry there.
When you can watch: Tuesday 9pm on BBC3
She was not impressed...
3) Made in Chelsea is a new viewing for me but I think it deserves a top five rating. It follows the champagne fuelled lives of a group of South West London guys and gals. The ‘dahlings’ drive fancy cars, live in fancy houses and have names such as ‘Binky’ and ‘Ollie’. I shall say no more...
When you can watch: Monday 10pm E4
Sorry about the ad and watch out for the strong language..
4) Come Dine With Me I suppose isn’t scripted drama but it is a reality show following people and filmed in their homes. There are usually four/five people who each take a night to entertain and cook for their guests in different areas of the country. They then each score the host at the end of the night, leading to the highest scorer winning themselves £1000. Fancy that. I used to enjoy the voice over guy but not so much anymore, let me know what you think.
When can you watch: Most weekday nights at 5.30pm on Channel 4
No embed but here is a link to a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rocxZrz39LA
5) Here is the curve ball - I could have gone for the Hills, House wives of New Jersey, Coach Trip, Eddie Stobart and even my guilty pleasures of real life police shows. No, I chose The Man Who Moves Buildings.
One Sunday before I went to work I got hooked watching this American reality show about just that – a man who moves buildings. It is fascinating. The Pattersons’ family firm take on really complex projects moving buildings in the USA.
When you can watch: It was on Channel 5 but I can’t see a recent series to inform you about. As soon as I see it back on the screens I will tweet but for now you can get more information on it here
Let me know your thoughts on reality TV, do you have a favourite show or do you despise it?
Tuesday 11 October 2011
My top ten... radio shows
I am starting my top five blog with a top 10...Go figure.
Radio is a big part of my life. I listen to it on my portable DAB radio, online and on the TV but not so much on FM. I suppose with 6Music and 5Live being on DAB that is why I choose the digital route.
I am currently training to be a radio (and TV) journalist and work at a radio station so it’s fair to say I am surrounded by it.
So, listed below are my top 10 radio shows and reasons why. I would love to hear what you listen to...
Breakfast time...
1) BBC 5 Live breakfast
Presenters: Nicky Campbell and Rachel Burden
When you can listen: Monday – Friday 06.00-09.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0070htg
2) Today programme BBC Radio 4
Presenters: John Humphrys and Justin Webb
When you can listen: Weekdays 06.00-09.00
Weblink: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/default.stm
3) The Chris Moyles Show – BBC Radio 1
When you can listen: weekdays 06.30 – 10.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chrismoyles/
I could have easily lumped these breakfast shows together as my mornings always consist of a flick between the three.
I enjoy 5 Live as it is fast paced, has great guests and I enjoy the debates. The Today programme I have recently started listening to so I can’t pass too much judgement but I like the mix of business, consumer affairs and a spot of arts and culture.
Ah, Chris Moyles, where do you start? His show is like Marmite you either like it or you don’t. I like it, I find the banter between the group great, his interviews with guests at times hilarious and sometimes it’s nice to get away from heavy news with some pop music. As BBC Radio1 caters for a younger audience than the other two I like to hear the newsbeat headlines to see what’s going down with the kids....
4) Pete Price on Radio City
When you can listen: Sunday – Thursday 22.00 – 02.00
Weblink: http://www.radiocity.co.uk/on-air/shows-and-presenters/pete-price/
Pete Price’s open forum phone-in show can be funny, sad, annoying and brilliant all at the same time. Broadcasting since the 80s he is a bit of a Merseyside legend.
When I was completing my undergraduate degree I spent many a late nights writing essays listening to his show. I even went on air once (about American summer camps) and my mum (about zips... don’t ask).
5) Annie Mac mash up BBC Radio 1
When you can listen: Friday 19.00-22.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wqdc
The soundtrack to the weekend. I love finding out about new tunes, what’s going on and of course the mini-mix. Each week a guest DJ creates a mini-mix of different songs, one of my favourites was Mark Ronson’s a few years back of the Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’. I have seen Annie play live a few times and I can just imagine how much fun they must have in the studio on a Friday night, judging by her sets.
6) Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC 6 Music
When you can listen: Saturday 19.00 – 22.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01100sb
Awooga. This show is something I usually listen to on the BBC IPlayer to clean my flat and have a dance around. I love soul, funk and Motown music and Craig plays a really good mix of old and new tunes.
7) Liz Kershaw on BBC 6 Music
When you can listen: Saturday 13.00 – 16.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072kvv
A very eclectic music show with the warm and friendly Liz taking you through Saturday afternoons. I love the ‘it’s my party’ feature and the listener interaction really brightens any rainy Saturday afternoon.
8) BBC Radio Merseyside – M & S show - Sean Styles and Willie Miller
When you can listen: Sunday 11.00-13.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2006/04/18/radiomerseyside_pres_seanandwillie_feature.shtml
With a strong Scouse sense of humour the M & S show is an O’Connor family staple. My mum would always have this on in the kitchen on a Sunday, while cooking a roast. The curly quiz has the funniest callers and the two presenters remind me of naughty school boys who have been allowed to do a radio show.
9) The Huey Show - BBC 6Music
When you can listen: Sunday 13.00 – 16.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ds8lp
10) BBC Introducing Merseyside with Dave Monks
When you can listen: Sunday 20.00 – 22.00
Weblink: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7td
Last but not least (and a shamless plug) is the show I have worked on for the past four years. Originally called ‘The Pool’ it is now under the BBC Introducing banner. It features a round-up of the best unsigned and biggest bands in Merseyside. It’s great seeing bands progress and having the chance to push the Merseyside music scene forward.
I couldn’t imagine my Sunday nights without it, and neither should you!
So, that’s my top 10 radio shows. Enjoy.
Saturday 1 October 2011
Friday 30 September 2011
What I did in digital journalism this week......
I have so far encountered more triangles/pyramids in the past two weeks than I have in my 23 years I think.
But these triangles are relating to my Post Graduate studies at UCLAN and have helped me to visualise how journalism works.
In this week’s digital journalism class with @Digidickinson we looked at how to filter content from the web – blogs/news sites/websites/ social media – and feed it to yourself. Saving time and giving you access to what you want to read.
We discussed sites such as Google Reader which you can sign up for here.
Other useful sites to collect and retain web information for your own reading are social bookmarking site Delicous and link collector Trunk.ly.
We also looked at how to then share that with your internet community (again with another triangle diagram).
Popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are avenues to connect, share and post content on the web. Useful sites to help reduce the amount of time you spend posting to online communities include Twitterfeed, which can share links and RSS feeds you think are relevant.
Also, If This Then That is a great tool that you can use to schedule content to appear at specific times.
After several conversations this week, I think the PG broadcast journalism students will definitely be setting up feeds for this..... a finger monkey.
But these triangles are relating to my Post Graduate studies at UCLAN and have helped me to visualise how journalism works.
In this week’s digital journalism class with @Digidickinson we looked at how to filter content from the web – blogs/news sites/websites/ social media – and feed it to yourself. Saving time and giving you access to what you want to read.
We discussed sites such as Google Reader which you can sign up for here.
Other useful sites to collect and retain web information for your own reading are social bookmarking site Delicous and link collector Trunk.ly.
We also looked at how to then share that with your internet community (again with another triangle diagram).
Popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are avenues to connect, share and post content on the web. Useful sites to help reduce the amount of time you spend posting to online communities include Twitterfeed, which can share links and RSS feeds you think are relevant.
Also, If This Then That is a great tool that you can use to schedule content to appear at specific times.
After several conversations this week, I think the PG broadcast journalism students will definitely be setting up feeds for this..... a finger monkey.
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