Mike Bushell: Questions & Answers

Name?
Mike Bushell

Age?
40

Where are you from?
Bo in Hertfordshire. Lived in North Yorkshire for 6 years, but for 11 years have been in North Hampshire.

How did you get started in broadcasting?
After doing Drama/TV degree, had a short spell as an actor and also as a lead singer in a band, before joining Hampshire Chronicle newspaper, in Winchester. After spells on papers in Derby and Windsor, joined BBC Radio Solent, as a trainee reporter.

When was that?
1990

Why News broadcasting?
It gives amazing variety. One day you can be reporting on robot camel jockeys and the abuse of children in camel racing, in the Middle East, the next you can be back home in the studio, looking ahead to the 6 nations with a live guest. I love the live element of the news, as well, the fact that you often have to come off autocue to adlib, a breaking sport story.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
BBC South Today, the regional programme for the South, where i was news, sport and entertainment, reporter/presenter, at various points. I started off as the isle of wight reporter..a great patch to cover.

What is your Best on-air moment?
Either broadcasting live from a mock “Bucking Bronco” while at South Today, or singing a sports ditty for Bill Tubull on Breakfast ..maybe that should be a worst.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
When i knocked my cup of water flying while introducing my first sports story.

What would you like to do before your career ends?
Broadcast from the Beijing Olympics..i think it will be a fascinating games, because of the culture shock for many.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I still play football, and am a keen hasher (Hash House Harriers running club). I also walk our dog Basil and love camping in a field under the stars. Plus travel and music and reading, and the occasional trip to the theatre.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
Local newspapers are a great way to start. They give you a broad grounding in all sorts of joualism, and train you in writing, law, shorthand, which is all so very important. Also if at University, join the campus, tv/radio station..anything to get some experience.

Other Information?
Kept busy with 3 lovely daughters, so watching sport at home, rather than Barbie, Tracey Beaker, or Pippin can be a bit of a challenge.

A big thanks to Mike for taking part.