ABOUT

So what do you actually do?

I research, pitch, produce and edit original news stories. I’ll produce these stories into a variety of formats including a short video, a radio piece, a written article or a longer documentary.

What has your career path been?

I studied History and Politics at University. I did a lot of work experience within politics, the civil service and the charity sector. Eventually I got an internship with the BBC through the Creative Access scheme. In that year, I spent 6 months working at BBC Panorama and 6 months at BBC Digital Current Affairs. After my year internship, I was offered a staff contract at the BBC and have since worked in BBC News, BBC 3!, BBC Stories, BBC Radio Sheffield and BBC Radio 4.

What is the best part of your job?

Telling people’s stories that otherwise wouldn’t be part of the news agenda.

What inspired you to do your job?

I wanted to do something that made a difference to the world we live in. I found satisfaction is giving people a voice.

One piece of advice for someone starting in your role?

Own your difference, you belong to be there so let people know your different perspective.

Check out Ashni’s Twitter below!

DAY IN THE LIFE

Every day is different in my job as there so many different aspects to it and it depends what kind of project you’ve pitched. Here’s an example of the things I might get up to in the day if I was in the process of producing a short documentary.

10am – I start the day with a quick catch up meeting with the team in which we find out how everyone’s stories and projects are progressing. Any new ideas that can be quick article format can be pitched here.

11am  – I’m looking into a potential future story about acid attacks. I’ve been messaging a contributor who I think will add a lot to the story, so I spend an hour talking to them on the phone – finding out their opinion on the topic and to see whether they might be interested in filming an interview if the story were commissioned.  

12pm – This afternoon I’m filming an interview with another contributor for the documentary I’m producing on skin lightening creams. Before I head off for the shoot, I check in with everyone attending and make sure they are still happy to go ahead. I check the risk assessment and key editorial points and begin to make my way to the shoot location.

1pm – After arriving at the shoot location, I spend an hour working with a video journalist to set up the cameras and equipment all ready for our contributor to arrive and do the interview. We took through our visual plan, what sequences we need to film and what tone/style this particular person will have in the documentary.

2-5pm – Myself and the other video journalist film our contributor’s interview. My main role is to produce the interview. I ask the questions and make the interviewee comfortable enough to be able to give great answers. I also keep an eye on the cameras, making sure the shots we are getting are exactly what I like.

5pm – I head home with the footage, after ensuring the contributor felt happy and comfortable with the interview and is on their way home. After arriving home, I upload the footage – ready for to me to edit it down the following day.