Supporter 2 Reporter - Introductions

With one work experience placement firmly under my belt, the run up to University '09 would, hopefully, consist of a half dozen more placements from a variety of companies or schemes. The second of which came this half term.

BBC's Supporter2Reporter scheme, aimed at providing top quality reporting skills to young adults between the age of 5 and 19, would be the place. However, unlike first impressions gave, I would be one of the supervisors in the task. Sure, there were a few times where I wanted to jump up and grab every opportunity thrown at the kids, but I sat back and observed, taking a more passive role throughout.

The first day consisted of a brief overview of the three day training course, which would see these enthusiasts turn - quite literally - from a supporter to a reporter. Most of the first day compiled of introductions. To the staff. To the reporters. To the equipment - of which I was new to as well, so was more than welcoming when the team leader Suzi demonstrated how to use a Dictaphone, avoiding my embarrassment when it came to helping these reporters make a report. Instead however, everyone got in with the task in hand with high spirits, with every one of the six reporters successfully creating a news story regarding a topic of their choice, from The Dark Knight (the infamous 2008 blockbuster), Leyton Orient FC, or - rather surprisingly addressed - knife crime and the economic recession currently hitting our country. All of these stories were then published onto live profiles on the Supporter2Reporter website, all in a single day.