Ian Dovaston – Q&A

Name?
Ian Dovaston

Age?
38

Where are you from?
I was born in Stockton-on-Tees, but I grew up in Sunderland and Chester-le-Street.

How did you get started in broadcasting?
I did a one-year newspaper journalism course in Darlington. At that stage, I had no intention of going into television. I started on free weekly newspapers, based in Gateshead. And then I went to a paid-for weekly called the Gateshead Post, before moving across the river to the Journal in Newcastle.

When was that?
I finished my course in 1988. I went to the Journal in 1990.

Why News broadcasting?
I’ve just always been one of those people that needs to be where it’s happening.

Where else would have viewers seen or heard you before?
After the Journal, I moved into radio with BBC Radio Newcastle. Then I moved to Tyne Tees Television in Newcastle, before moving to Sky News in Manchester as a Northern Correspondent.

What is your Best on-air moment?
Finding an eight-year-old survivor of the Asian tsunami and reuniting him with his father. I’ll never forget that.

What is your Worst on-air moment?
Getting mobbed by football fans outside Bradford’s Valley Parade.

What would you like to do before your career ends?
I’d like to make a documentary that really captures the imagination.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family, my partner Paula and our two wonderful children, Charlie,5, and Josie, 2. So when I’m not working, I want to be with them. Otherwise, I run (London Marathon, Great North Run), play five-a-side football, play the guitar, go to the pictures, go to gigs. And I love cooking.

What advice would you give to anyone that would like to get into the broadcasting world?
If you’re a reporter, concentrate on being good at telling stories. That’s what it’s about. All the rest is just a distraction.

Other Information?
I support Sunderland, the greatest team the world has ever seen, despite the league table and whatever anyone says. C’mon.

A big thanks to Ian for taking part.

Posted by on Thursday 21 May 2009
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