Catherine Marston – Q&A

Name?
Catherine Marston

Age?
35

Where are you from?
Born in Portsmouth, grew up and was educated in Southampton.

How did you get started in broadcasting?
I started out in local radio at 16 working on a youth programme, after school, making cups of tea and doing photocopying. Eventually got to try some broadcasting and loved it. Went to university and worked on a voluntary basis for BBC Radio in my spare time, then after my degree at Manchester university I went on to study for a postgraduate diploma in radio and tv journalism.

When was that?
I qualified as a journalist in 1992 and got a job at Signal radio in stoke as a business reporter, presenting a programme called the business daily!

Why News broadcasting?
My family always watched and listened to the news, I grew up being encouraged to be curious about the world around me and interested in the news. It’s a job thats all about people and I’m terribly nosey.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
I’ve worked in radio, at BBC Newcastle and then for Border Tv in Cumbria where I used to present with Fiona Armstrong. I also work for Real Story from time to time on BBC1.

What is your Best on-air moment?
Breaking a court verdict live is always incredibly difficult. Accuracy is paramount and you have to suddenly recall masses of information for long questions and answers with the presenters. You’re under enormous pressure and the news is developping all around you. Doing that well is enormously satisfying.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
Presenting for Border TV with some giant onions in the studio. They were world record breaking and they absolutely reeked. It was so difficult to concentrate because the smell was over powering. I honestly thought I may vomit live on air!

What would you like to do before your career ends?
I love my job and I can honestly say every day brings new experiences so I never like to predict. Also theres a good saying I live by be careful what you wish for !

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I dance. I’m in a hip hop group and we perform together, I also attend street funk classes every week. It keeps me fit and sane.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
Nothing prepares you for this job. It’s hard work, very anti social at times and incredible fun. Don’t let anyone put you off if you are set on broadcasting as a career. It’s worth the effort.

A big thanks to Catherine for taking part.