Mark Mardell: Questions & Answers

Name?
Mark Mardell

Age?
Born 10.09.57

Where are you from?
I was born in Hillingdon, Middlesex, lived most of my childhood in Banstead Surrey.

How did you get started in broadcasting?
After university I did a course in radio journalism at the London College of printing and my first job was at Radio Tees, in Stockton.

Why News broadcasting?
Nothing else I know combines intellectual satisfaction with the buzz of pressure and instant action.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
Before becoming the BBC’s Europe Editor I worked as chief political correspondent and before that was on Newsnight. And taxi drivers still tell me they remember me best from IRN.

What is your Best on-air moment?
I think its pretty hard to beat dressing up in strange clothing for This Week and singing the road to Amarillo with Michael Portillo.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
For others to judge really but I wasn’t too happy when a camera slipped from my face to my waist in a live two way and someone in the gallery yelled in my ear tell them to fix the camera I just stopped talking.

What would you like to do before your career ends?
That would be a very long list.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Cook, read, play with my children.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
Get a foot in the door, be persistent without looking pushy. But frankly its much harder than when I started and luck play a big part. Be true to yourself.

A big thanks to Mark for taking part.