In the Hot Seat
Where are you from?
Born in England but grew up in Adelaide, Australia.
Age? (very optional!!!) 29 - so close to the big 3-0!
Earliest memory? Playing in the snow the day we left for Oz.
Favourite place? The beach
Favourite music?
Today - it's Triple J's latest hottest 100 album,
XFM goes with me everywhere too.
Any special qualifications/achievements that you're proud of?
Year 9 swimming champion. Broadcasting whilst skydiving.
First job?
Model (Sounds so pretentious doesn't it!)
Best job?
Entertainment journalist -
oh how I miss the boozey movies and cozy hotel chats with hot celebs.
Dream job?
Sky News Presenter - I get goosebumps and butterflies every time!
How did you get started in doing what you do?
Worked at a radio station when I was at school and then at Uni too. Went on to do a journalism post-grad and landed my first full time job while I was still studying. Went freelance for a couple of years and then moved to Sky nearly two years ago.
How long ago?
My first radio job was when I was 13!
Where would you have been seen or heard since you started broadcasting? Triple M, Rutland Radio, Lincs FM, Fosseway Radio, Fox FM, Capital, XFM, IRN's stations, ITN, Unique Entertainment News, Sky News Radio's stations, Sky News, Sky Sports News... I get around!
Best on-air moment?
Loads of amazing memories - but right now all surpassed by first sport bulletin on Sky News, dream come true and all.
Worst on-air moment (embarrassing or otherwise)?
Trying to read the news at XFM with Jimmy Carr repeating every word - laughing news is not professional is it?
Describe a typical working day (if there is such a thing!)
No such thing! If I'm at SNR I could be reading bulletins or writing scripts from any weird hour of the day - if I'm doing sport it's racing up and down the stairs at Sky to read bulletins - unless there's a big news story and
we get biffed!
Any ambitions left? Loads.
Best advice that you've been given and why?
The famous Michael Lander told me to always wear lipstick at Sky so I'd get noticed. Showbiz Guru Neil Sean told me to ignore the bitches
and get on with it.
Any hobbies or special interests?
I cycle everywhere - except to the pub - run when I can be arsed and swim the rest of the time. Formula 1's my sport, cricket and Aussie rules rank up there too - mostly because of the shorts.
Any advice for those who want to get started in broadcasting?
Say goodbye to sleeping-in, weekends and bank holidays.
Thanks to Alex for answering our questions.
Copyright: Alexandra Hyndman/Martin Phillp 2007
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