Multimedia Journalism student gets BBC Scotland breakthrough
A GCU student was given the chance to live his childhood dream when he was asked to present the news live on BBC Scotland.
Final year Multimedia Journalism student Oliver Wright has been balancing his studies alongside regular radio bulletin shifts with the public broadcaster but was recently drafted into the TV studio to present not one, but five bulletins in a frantic three-hour spell.
Despite his experience in front of the microphone, Oliver explained the opportunity to have his face in households across the country provided a new kind of challenge.
He said: “I’ve done loads of radio stuff but it’s completely different doing it in front of the camera – everyone can see your facial expressions and every little thing that you do!
"I didn’t really have time to enjoy the first bulletin because I was quite stressed and felt like I just had to get through it. Once I’d relaxed into the second one, I was able to breathe and enjoy the experience.
"I’ve always wanted to work at the BBC since I was really young but never thought I’d have presented the news live on television at this point in my career, it’s mental.”
Oliver added that he wasn’t the only one surprised by his big-screen debut: “My phone died at about 10am because everyone kept texting me, asking if they’d just seen me on the news. My poor dad was completely shocked by it all and I think he forgot that you can actually record TV - he sat and filmed it all from the couch using his phone!”
With graduation just around the corner, Oliver isn’t wanting to think too far ahead, however, believes his latest experience has provided him with confidence looking ahead to his future career.
He said: “I think I would like to go into TV but there are so many options with the BBC. I’m happy where I am just now in radio but I did actually learn to enjoy being in front of the camera.
"The whole experience just showed me the importance of stepping out my comfort zone and being prepared to say ‘yes’ to any opportunities that come my way.”
By Ross Clark
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