What to expect from an insight placement at ITV Anglia (it was really fun)
I had the chance to head down to ITV Anglia and learn about all things TV news. It was fun, it was packed, it threw up unexpected opportunities. Here's what happened.
On Wednesday last week, I popped along to ITV Anglia in Norwich for a news insight placement. This was the perfect opportunity for me to learn about broadcast news, what stories work for TV and the various roles in the newsroom. In my previous post, I talked about how I was worrying a little bit, but I see now I was worrying for the sake of worrying because I had a really great time! The day was packed to the brim - there was never a moment where I wasn’t seeing something or chatting to somebody. I felt incredibly comfortable. Everybody was so friendly and welcoming and willing to chat to me about their job. I really had an absolute blast and learnt so much. So here’s what the schedule looked like:
9.00am: Arrived
I did the Thickthorn Park&Ride and managed to get into Norwich city centre in good time. I was worried for a second because the queue for the bus was insane, but I managed to get on (yes!). I made it to the ITV Anglia building, based at Anglia House, for 9.00am. The newsroom was really cool and modern and I was excited to start the day.
9.20am: Morning meeting
After I made introductions to content editor, David Golley, and some of the production journalists, we jumped straight into the morning meeting. I was warmly welcomed in and got an insight into the planning and preparations underway for the Anglia East and West programmes. I saw a skeleton of the day’s stories and what was still needed.
9.50am: Tour around the newsroom
David gave me a tour around the newsroom and introduced me to the production journalists, the editors, the planning desk, some of the reporters and one of the camera operators.
10.00am: Chat with content editor
This was an opportunity to find out all about David’s role as content editor. He explained all that he’d done that morning and showed me the computer system he used. I was also able to ask some questions that I wanted to know like what was the difference between the East and West programmes and how someone from a print journalism background can move into broadcast news.
10.20am: Weather with Ais
Later in the morning I joined weather presenter Aisling Creevey in the studio. I watched her present the weather and was able to listen to the gallery through headphones. It was here I learnt that the weather presenters don’t have autocue. I was really amazed at how Ais was able to bang out recordings in quick succession with such efficiency. It was really cool to see and just blew my mind.
I then went back into the gallery to see how the weather comes together from behind the scenes. Following that I went back into the studio to have a go at presenting the weather myself. I was super nervous, but I was in such a supportive environment and I wanted to seize every opportunity that the day might offer. So there I was, standing in the bright lights of the studio, on my mark with the camera pointed towards me. I was miked up and ready to go. My first go I fumbled and just didn’t know what to say. But Ais reminded me that this was an exercise to get comfortable in front of the camera and tell a story. She gave me a much-needed pep talk and said that she was there if I needed prompting.
The second time I needed prompting as the graphics just stunned me but I was becoming more comfortable. And by the third time I had improved. I really appreciated Ais giving me a confidence boost and championing woman power!
11.10am: Mid-morning meeting
The mid-morning meeting again gives shape to the two programmes, but the stories lined up could still change. The two editors of the East and West programmes walk the team through the stories that are planned for that day and the stories that could be used if needed.
12.00pm: Company-wide ITV meeting
A word from ITV about their plans for 2025.
1.20pm-2.00pm: Watched lunchtime bulletin
I was back in the studio to watch Becky Jago rehearse the lunchtime bulletin. Again I got to put headphones on so I could hear the gallery and I chatted to Becky in between rehearsing. I was also given the (terrifying) task of moving the auto prompter which you moved with a dial and was incredibly sensitive. I moved it too far to the right and it jumped all the way to the bottom meaning Becky couldn’t read a thing. I did eventually get the hang of it and thankfully for the actual lunchtime bulletin I was relieved of that duty. So I got to take in the experience and watch Becky do her thing which was incredibly cool to see.
2.10pm-3.10pm: Lunch
This was a bit of a quiet period in the newsroom so the perfect time to head on lunch. I decided to meet up with my friend and former BFP colleague, Sam Harrison, for a chai, chat and a slow saunter through the streets of Norwich. He caught me up on all the things he’s up to and then I headed back to the newsroom.
3.30pm: Final planning meeting of the day
By this time the stories planned for the day’s programmes are more cemented in, although there would still be space if something was to break.
5.00pm-5.45pm: Watched ITV Anglia West show
I returned to the gallery to watch the West programme. I continued to be amazed at everyone in the gallery - how they counted down the presenters and made them aware of how much time they had left, how they were able to quickly rectify if anything went wrong. I really liked the camaraderie in the gallery but also how the presenters bounce off each other. I really do find Becky and David Whiteley funny and they’ve really found that sweet spot.
6.00pm-6.30pm: Watched ITV Anglia East show
After a short break, I went back into the gallery to watch the East programme which is the programme that I would get to see at home. Rob Setchell did a brilliant live report about the rise of women’s football. The contributors were really talkative and he managed to navigate the space and interview everyone in a really effective way.
6.30pm-6.45pm: Wrap up meeting
This was an opportunity for the team to reflect on the two shows and the stories, and for the editors to thank everyone for their hard work.
After that I jumped on the bus and razzed it home. I was utterly exhausted but elated at the amazing day I’d had.
If you’re super passionate about journalism and think you’d benefit from an insight placement at ITV Anglia you can send an email to anglianews@itv.com.
Thanks for reading,
Tamika.