When I started in broadcasting, I always seemed to be the youngest person in the room. I liked it this way. Yes, I was occasionally patronised a bit, and doubtless got on my elders’ nerves, in a who-does-this-kid-think-he-is kind of way. But I didn’t mind being talked down to one jot. After all, they knew a lot more than me about things and I had plenty to learn.
This was in the BBC’s business news department. The best of them were only too happy to sit me down and talk me through one of the many topics I didn’t understand. I spent many hours learning at the feet of gifted correspondents such as Rory Cellan-Jones, Simon Gompertz and Jackie Hardgrave. I’ll for ever be grateful to them. They looked out for the work experience kid, professionally and socially. When I was hungover, they probably gave me Calpol. It was good to be the junior; I felt as if I was ahead of the game.
