Bob Hockenhull on life as a journalist

On the 23rd of October, prospective students were given the opportunity to listen to BBC’s ‘Midlands Today’ reporter: Bob Hockenhull.  

His talk gave a valuable insight into life as a journalist, giving students a chance to hear about what goes on behind the scenes as he reports on major issues.  

His broadcasting career began in independent radio, which later lead to a career in the BBC beginning in 1992. His work for the BBC has spanned over 30 years – making him an exciting visitor to our college.  

An example of an assigned story he covered was interviewing Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh after receiving the ‘Freedom of Stratford’ award (celebrated by herding sheep – a rare privilege! – through the town), which was televised alongside his pre-written voiceover.  

Hockenhull also described the pathway into journalism and the different forms it can take – in his case, an interest in radio lead to a career in broadcast journalism. He suggested to those keen to kickstart their careers in journalism to seek out positions in their local newspapers, which provide valuable experience in the coverage of breaking news stories and exposure to what a journalistic environment looks like. 

His talk was followed by a short Q&A session, in which I asked if his live pieces in front of camera were pre-written or improvised, to which he responded that it is important to engage with the audience and therefore look at the camera, not a written piece on paper, meaning he is often left wishing he could pre-write his responses!  

Thank you to all those involved in this Jobtober opportunity!  

Violet Crowton